June 2006
Volume 9, Issue 1
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Water Rate Increases SFWA will be experiencing an increase in water purchase costs, therefore the Board of Trustees has approved an incrase of 6%. The rates will change from$2.10 per 100 c.f. to $2.24 per 100 c.f. to be reflected on our September 2006 billing. Rates will again increase on 1/1/07 to $2.39 per 100 c.f. and on 1/1/08 to $2.56 per 100 c.f. Each rate increase increment will raise the cost for a customer using 1500 c.f. by @2.00 -$2.55 per billing. These increases will be reflected on our January 2007 and 2008 billings. SHARE CERTIFICATE UPDATE Thank you to those of you who have returned the questionnaire concerning share certificates over the last year. We have updated 450 certificate accounts and are awaiting responses from the last 33 accounts. SHARE PRICE INCREASE The System Development Fee, which is included in the price of a water share and passed on to P.U.D., will increase from $1668.00 to $1832.00 on August 1, 2006. This will bring the the price of a new water share to $10,432.00. UPCOMING STEPPED RATES The Board of Trustees recently voted to incorporate a stepped rate for water usage as a means to encourage water conservation. Please look for this to occur in the months ahead. ******* 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 licensed 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. 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. ·
Locate your meter. It is usually found in a meter box in a small concrete
or black plastic vault near the street.
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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 or 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) REDUCED
PRESSURE BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY (REBA) 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 Kitchen Sink 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. ********************** 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. |