As conveyed in a mailing to the membership prior to the 2007 annual meeting, the Club submitted an application for a $1.5 million loan at 1.5% for 20 years from the Washington Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to upgrade the water system. The cost to each Homeowner was estimated at $420 per year, or $35.00 per month. A vote to accept obligation for repayment of a loan if the application was approved by the State failed to gain a majority. Subsequently, we withdrew our loan application.
The proposed upgrade included replacement of existing 2 and 2-1/2 inch water mains with 6 inch mains, including isolation valves to facilitate repair; rerouting well service lines to the existing storage tank and installing a booster pump to provide adequate pressure for fire protection, as well as adequate pressure to all owners; providing a dependable method of chlorination treatment when required; and, meter installation on all water connections to comply with the State’s January 2007 Water Use Efficiency Rule (meters must be installed by 2017).
There was considerable discussion at the annual meeting regarding the water system upgrade. Members cited the age of the existing system and the inevitability of needing to replace it; the possibility of future requirements imposed by the state that may necessitate replacement; and the effect of inflation if the upgrade is postponed. Members also requested clarification for some of the system’s inadequacies and questioned whether other remedial options might be available. A suggestion was made to install the meters only, noting that members with inadequate pressure could install a booster pump on their own connections. An option was suggested for a scaled back version of the replacement - installing meters and backflow protection devices on the service connections and rerouting main lines from the wells directly to the tank to facilitate installation of a booster pump and chlorination capability.
Additional concerns were raised regarding dead legs in the main piping system. Skip Beahm, Water System Manager, has advised that the presence of dead legs does not necessarily result in stagnant water - customer use close to these points could provide enough water movement to prevent the problem. Additionally, because some homes are empty during the winter months, he advised annual flushing of water lines be done in the Spring before Homeowners return and usage increases. A water system flush was done in October, along with water spigot flush at homes in close proximity to the dead legs. Beginning 2008, the annual hydrant, standpipe, and dead leg flush will be done in the Spring.
Early next year, bids will be solicited to remove extensive corrosion and recoat the interior of the water tank. The float and control system are in good condition.
The Water Committee will continue to meet and pursue options for upgrading the system and installing meters in compliance with the Water Use Efficiency rule. Water Committee minutes are posted at the well houses and on the Club’s web site along with annual meeting and board meeting minutes (www.treasureislandcountryclub.org).
If you are interested in attending water committee meetings, contact Iris Ziller at daveiris@wavecable.com.