THE WATER LINE December 1999   Volume 2, Issue 3

Y2K-OK

We have completed modifications to our water and wastewater facilities and we have been testing and training our staff for potential Y2K issues. During the week of October 25th, District staff ran through several Y2K drills. The first drill was to simulate system-wide computer and programmable controller failure. Staff reset the system to operate in a fully manual mode and operations continued in an uninterrupted fashion.

The second drill was the simulation of a major power outage, again our staff implemented the procedures we have developed for this scenario, and we continued uninterrupted operations. Additional drills will be conducted in November and December to further staff training.

Sewer Rates

At the beginning of each year the District uses your actual water usage to determine your sewer rates for the following year. We do it at this time of year because there is minimal outdoor usage of water. The District bills on a 2 month cycle, therefore your actual water use during the January - February (or February - March) time frame will be used to determine your sewer rate for the year.

Residential sewer rates for 2000 are:

District Begins Evaluation of Operational Mill Levy

The District currently assesses property taxes (19 mills) for the payment of General Obligation bond debt. This debt will be paid off in 2005 and the District will no longer be assessing property taxes. The District Board has asked staff to spend time in the next year evaluating an operational mill levy. Currently, your water and sewer bill pays for all of the Districts operation and maintenance costs. If the District were to collect a portion of our operational costs through property taxes then those customers that itemize deductions on their Federal Tax returns would be able to recover some of the costs. The District is in the beginning stages of evaluating this as an option, and because it would be a new tax, it would require voter approval in an election before it could be implemented. If the District decides to continue to pursue an operational mill levy there will be ample opportunity for public input. The schedule for implementation would be to phase this in at the time the other debt is being paid off so that the District portion of your tax assessment would not be any greater than it is today.

Get to Know Your Water Meter

Water meters in the District are usually located in front of the house near the street. There is a metal lid approximately 12 inches in diameter that allows access to the meter for readings, maintenance, and to shut off the water in the event of a leak. Close to the meter lid is another metal lid approximately 4 inches in diameter. This lid also needs to be accessible. Both lids need to be at ground level whether they are in a natural, sodded, or landscaped area. The area around the meter needs to be clear of shrubs and other items that might limit access to the meter. We appreciate your help in keeping this area clear so that District staff can efficiently read and maintain our water meters. If you should need to have your water shut off in an emergency please call us.

New District Facilities Near Completion

The District's new water pumping and storage facilities are nearing completion. Reservoir No. 6, located along South Pinery Parkway near Nuthatch Lane, is completely buried and site grading is complete. Pump Station No. 6, located on the south side of South Pinery Parkway just east of High Prairie Farms Drive, is also complete (some minor finishing touches remain). Native grasses will begin to appear on, and around the reservoir next spring. Also next spring, final landscaping will be completed at the pump station. We are sure that Pinery residents will be happy to see this area return to a more natural state.

Reservoir No. 7, located on Democrat Road east of Selly Road, has been in service since late July. A deep, Arapahoe well is now being drilled at the-site. Next summer, a combined well house and maintenance building for the High Prairie Farms Metro District will be built, west of the reservoir. While the District's construction activities on this site will be complete early next summer, additional earthwork may occur at the site for several years as the Timbers Development makes use of excess dirt that is at the site.

New Pump Station No. 5 is going through start-up and the final punch list items are being completed. This pump station, located west of Highway 83 in the Pinery Glen development, will significantly increase the District's pumping capacity and improve system reliability.

The District appreciates the patience and consideration shown by all our residents during construction of these projects. Please feel free to call the District office (303-841-2797) if you have any questions regarding these projects.

District Prepares for Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

With all of the growth occurring within our District we are rapidly approaching the time when we will need to expand our Wastewater Treatment Plant. During 2000, we will be building a new District maintenance building on the plant site, and we will be working on the Site Approvals for eventual expansion of the plant.

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) requires that all Wastewater Treatment Plants prepare a Wastewater Utility Master Plan before 2003. We have started working on our plan and will be submitting it to DRCOG in June of next year. This plan will define when we need to expand the treatment plant, and what future treatment facilities will be required.

Our neighbors (Parker, and Castle Rock) are also preparing similar plans. We will be coordinating with them closely to make sure there are no conflicts in our plans before we submit them to DRCOG.

Groundwater Protection Proposed for Douglas County Master Plan

The Douglas County Master Plan is currently being revised. The District has been working with Tri-County Health and the Douglas County Planning Department to make sure that groundwater protection is incorporated into the new Master Plan. Thus far, the County has been very supportive of incorporating this feature into the new Master Plan. The draft should be available for review early next year.

Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Winter is now here and all sprinkler systems and outside faucets should have been winterized. If you have not yet done so shut off the water to your sprinkler system and drain it to prevent damage due to freezing.