New Billing System

We believe our new billing system is working very well. We have had fewer problems with the yellow cards tearing in the mail.

You may have noticed that with the new bills, the due date has been earlier than the 2-month grace period previously extended to our customers. We have changed our policies in order to cut down on those few delinquent bills that get so far overdue that water must sometimes be disconnected. Bills are now due on the 15th of the month following the billing month. The charge for an overdue bill is $5.00. With each new billing period, the number of overdue accounts has decreased.

SHARE CERTIFICATE UPDATE

Thank you to those of you who have returned the questionnaire we recently sent out concerning share certificates. It is our desire for SFWA and each of our customers to have accurate records. We will soon be issuing copies to those who cannot find their certificates.

SHARE PRICE INCREASE

The System Development Fee, which is included in the price of a water share and passed on to P.U.D., has increased from $1608.00 to $1668.00 on April 1, 2005. This brings the price of a new water share to $10,268.00.

Samish Farms installed check valves at the meter on all water services that were upgraded during our
2002-03 water system improvements. We are also installing them on all new and future services. The check valve helps protect the homeowner against backflow. Water heaters are also better protected if SFWA should have to shut a main down for repairs, or if water pressure should drop during fire flow demands.

The process of heating water in our water heaters causes thermal expansion. Since check valves are in place, thermal expansion will at times slightly increase pressure in the homeowner's plumbing. If you have concerns about increased pressure, SFWA recommends you check with a plumber.

Do you know where your water meter is located? This is helpful information if you have a leak or are taking a long trip and wish to turn your water off. If you need assistance locating your water meter, contact Sue Ratfield ~ 766-6984.

Is your water meter accessible? Brush and landscaping can grow and cover meter boxes. This makes it difficult to access them for reading meters or shutting water off in an emergency.

Please check your meter box every few months with this in mind. THANK YOU to the many considerate people who do keep your meter boxes cleared. We know who you are! !!

BATHROOM FIXTURES

Bathroom use accounts for 73% of all water used in the home. Small changes add up to big water savings. Install a shower flow restrictor and save two to three gallons of water per minute. Faucet restrictors save water too.

HOW TO USE YOUR WATER METER TO CHECK FOR LEAKS

· Locate your meter. It is usually found in a meter box in a small concrete or black plastic vault near the street.
· Turn off all faucets in and around the home.
· Check the meter reading.
· Wait 15 minutes.
· Read your meter again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak that needs immediate attention.

IRRIGATION SAFETY

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ALTERNATIVES

Irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier and save time, BUT, water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can be back-siphoned (backflow) into your drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by approved backflow prevention assemblies could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood 6r community.

All IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, new or existing... MUST BE EQUIPED with an approved backflow prevention assembly. Only properly installed, state-approved backflow prevention assemblies meet the plumbing code and provide health protection for your family and neighbors. SFWA can give you a free list of state-approved assemblies and certified testers.

TWO TYPES OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY (DCVA)
highly versatile
requires annual testing by certified tester

REDUCED PRESSURE BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY (REBA)
usually most expensive most complex
allows for application of fertilizer or other chemicals into irrigation system ~o other type has this approval).
requires annual testing by certified tester.

TIPS FOR SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

Watering should be done in the evening or during early morning hours when evaporation is least likely to occur. Unlike sprinklers, drip irrigation may be used during the day with minimal loss due to evaporation.

Consider water consumption when selecting plants. Some plants use more water than others. Consult a good gardening book to determine low water-using plants for your geographical region.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES A TYPICAL FAMILY USE?

Bathroom

Toilet
18 flushes x 5 gallon flush = 90 gal
Sink
6 minutes x 3 gal/minute = 18 gal
Shower
25 minutes x 5 gal/minute = 125 gal

Kitchen

Sink
6 minutes x 3 gal/minute = 18 gal
Dishwasher
1 wash cycle x 37 gal/use = 15gal

Laundry
1 wash cycle x 37 gal/use = 37gal

Total = 303 gal per day

303 divided by 4 (# in family) = 76 gallons per person

A typical family of 4 uses 255 gallons of water per day.

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The 2004 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report showed that our system had no violations. Our drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements.

This assessment covered the period from January 1 to December 1, 2004 by Skagit P.U.D and Samish Farms Water Association, as required by law.