February 2010
To: Board of Trustees and Members,
Treasure Island Country Club
From: Daryl K Axelson
Water Commissioner
Treasure Island Country Club
Subject: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 2007 Loan Application
During the recent 2009 Sanitary Survey, I was surprised to learn of the dire state of our water system.
The Office of Drinking Water (ODW) was, at that time, under the impression that our water system had some major deficiencies. Below are some Excerpts from the ODW worksheet.
When the ODW was questioned about these statements, he made the comment that this information was taken from the 2007 loan application for the Washington State Revolving Fund (WSRF) Loan. He also said it looks like they may of exaggerated on a few items to increase the chances of obtaining the loan.
After the Sanitary Survey was performed, I obtained a copy of the WSRF Loan Application that was submitted by the TICC. Some excerpts below:
Below are some facts and data
Repeated Positive Coliform Tests
At the time of the loan application, TICC had 4 positive coliform events. 1/2/1996, 8/12/1996, 10/6/2003 and 9/11/2006. The 2006 event required chlorination of our water system. It’s understandable that going through the chlorination process prompted the perception that TICC has a chronic coliform problem, but it is not so. Since then, we have had no positive coliform events.
Low Water Pressure on Southern Third of Island
The concern of low water pressure on the southern third of the island was proven by the ODW to be false. There was higher water pressure on the south spigot that was tested (above 30psi) than there was at the northern spigot tested. The ODW states as much by saying in his preliminary report that “the system has some slightly low pressures on the north side of the island near SO2”. As a matter of fact, the water pressure, or head pressure, at well #3 is 34 psi.
Inability to Pass a Pressure Test
When the 4” and 6” AC mains were installed, part of the contract was to pressure test the system to 200 psi. The 200 psi was obtained, but could not be sustained over a period of time. The TICC Board allowed this deficiency in their contract and is recorded in the Minutes of the Board. In other words, right, wrong or indifferent, the TICC Board was ok with not being able to hold 200 psi for a set amount of time.
Brittle Pipes
The concern of brittle pipes is not substantiated by any facts or data whatsoever. As a matter of fact, while digging up some of the main lines for various reasons and removing some of the ¾” galvanized pipe, which is the same as our 2”, 2 ½” pipes, the pipes are showing a slight amount of surface rust. The inside of the pipes look as if they are new. Nothing like what would be expected from “brittle” pipe.
Blow the Pipes and Connections Apart
During the time the standpipe was off-line for painting this year, Sept. 26th to Nov. 15th, almost 2 months (51 days), the water system was on cyclical 40 to 60 psi water pressure. The well pump would activate at 40 psi, very slowly climb to 60 psi and shut off. This indicates our water distribution system can handle the lower State minimum 30 psi that was suggested in the loan application.
Isolation Valves
When I assumed the Water Commissioner position, I thought I had a fairly good idea of our water system. During the Sanitary Survey, I was under the impression we did not have any isolation valves.
After studying the half – dozen or so “as built” maps, discussing the water system with several people and reading the old Board Minutes, I found out differently.
We do have isolation valves.
Well 1 was drilled and put into service to the entire outside (waterfront) lots in 1954. Well 2 was drilled in 1958 and the distribution lines were divided. We had 2 separate water distribution systems on the island. Well 1 supplied the south end of the island and well 2 the north end. To divide the system, 2 separate lines and isolation valves were installed at the Tract E location. 6 isolation valves all together. There are also well isolation valves at each well and several others located around the distribution system.
When the 4” and 6” mains were installed, 11 more isolation valves were added.
As far as I can tell, we have a total of 24 distribution isolation valves in our system.
Summary
Many false and incorrect assumptions were made in the WSRF Loan application and the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting presentation. This loan application implies the TICC Water System is falling apart and needs to be replaced right away.
The loan application that was filed on behalf of the membership is a permanent record in our file in the Department of Health. It’s not going to go away. It, along with much older data, was used to develop the ODW worksheet for the 2009 Sanitary Survey.
Because the statement is still in the 2009 Sanitary Survey that we did not approve the WSRF Loan, we appear to not care about our water system, based on the bleak picture the loan application painted. As we all know, this is not true. We all want safe, reliable drinking water.
With Drinking Water rules and regulations becoming stricter, we have some strikes against us because of that loan application and the assumptions that followed. This is what happens when decisions are based on assumptions and not the actual facts and data.
Daryl K Axelson
Water Commissioner
Treasure Island Country Club