2024 Mid-Year Update
While checking July water meter readings, Nick Kluge distributed the 2023 Drinking Water Quality Report & Water Use Efficiency Report to each member property. We distribute these documents to educate members about our water system and to meet Department of Health reporting requirements. Please review the documents and direct any questions to the HWOA Board or Nick.
In April, our 22,000 gallon reservoir (installed in 2008) was inspected to ensure its continued physical integrity & cleanliness. A submersible drone was used to inspect the interior of the reservoir & a visual inspection was completed for the roof and exterior of the concrete structure. Inspection results showed that the structure is in good condition and simply requires general cleaning of the roof & exterior walls to remove moss which Nick will take care of.
Also in April, the Department of Health completed their Sanitary Survey (required every 5 years) which includes a site visit of our well houses, pump house & reservoir. We are waiting to receive their written comments but verbal feedback included no major concerns and a couple minor recommendations for our facilities. Thanks to Nick for hosting the DOH and keeping our facilities in compliance and good working order.
Earlier this year, Whatcom Public Works mailed an oversized postcard to all property owners regarding the upcoming WRIA 1 Water Adjudication which is a legal process to establish water rights in our region. Board members have already attended one webinar on the subject and will also be in attendance at The Grange on July 31 for the LICA-sponsored, town hall meeting regarding water adjudication. HWOA has documentation with the Department of Ecology proving our legal water rights to our wells since October 26, 1970 which will be useful in completing the required documentation. The HWOA Board will complete the court claim paperwork required for the WRIA 1 Water Adjudication process on behalf of all HWOA members so as a property owner & member of HWOA you do not need to take any action.
Our current DWSRF (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) loan taken in 2005 for system upgrades will be paid off in October of 2025. The Board is currently researching and planning for future projects necessary to maintain our aging water system. Our mission is to provide safe and adequate water supply to our members and this requires constant vigilance. To fund these future projects, we will need to apply for another DWSRF (or similar) loan. This planning & funding process takes a significant amount of time and effort from the Board and we appreciate your support in this process.
Thank you for being thoughtful about daily water usage (particularly during these dry months) and please reach out to any Board member or Nick if you have questions.
Sincerely,
HWOA Board
Denise Edgar, President 206-679-0140
Lindy Early-Rosen, Secretary 360-758-7452
Molly Harmoney, 360-758-2642
Charlie Warzel, Website Guru charliewarzel@gmail.com
Robin Cohen, 360-201-8541
Judy Olsen, Treasurer 360-201-8170
Nick Kluge, Water Operator 360-389-7800
2024 Annual Meeting Scheduled
As a member of the Hilltop Water Owners Association, you’re invited to participate in this year’s Annual General Meeting AGM) scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 2:00pm. For members’ convenience and to encourage the highest possible turnout, this year’s AGM will be hosted via Zoom. An email invitation containing a Zoom link as well as a draft 2024. Budget will be emailed to all members the week of January 8th. Please mark your calendar to attend and participate in this integral part of our water association.
2024 Operating Budget
The HWOA board and our operator, Nick Kluge, have been working diligently on your behalf to provide safe, reliable drinking water to your home/business. Every year at the AGM is when we present, discuss and vote on the Operating Budget. Like many of our personal expenses, HWOA’s operating expenses have increased over the years yet we have not increased the Base Rate since 2008 when it changed from $660 per year to $700 per year. Our 2023 operating expenses surpassed 2023 income by nearly $2,000.
For 2024, the Board is recommending an annual Base Rate of $800 to cover our projected expenses.
The membership will vote at the AGM to finalize both the annual Base Rate (currently $700 per year) and usage rate (currently $2 per 1,000 gallons) for 2024.
Planning for the Future
A major focus for 2024 will be developing a comprehensive plan to address our water system’s aging infrastructure. The system upgrades completed in 2008 are now 16 years old and four years of debt repayment (approx $24,000/year) remain. Portions of the distribution system have not been updated since installed in the 1970s and these pipes and their failing connections are likely responsible for a significant portion of our water loss. For much of the year, both of our well pumps are working 24/7 to replenish the reservoir and keep up with demand. We need to ensure our equipment is maintained regularly and when needed, replaced proactively. Water pumped from well #2 requires arsenic treatment prior to distribution. Our current treatment equipment is at capacity without adding additional tanks. In 2024, the Board will be exploring financing options for both the planning/engineering phase and the construction phase of these
projects. Per our ByLaws, any loans require a membership vote prior to acceptance. From plan to completion, this will be a long- term, multi-year process. More details about our plans will be discussed at the January 20 AGM so please plan to attend.
Pressure Relief Valve Reminder
If your water service connection is below 50’ elevation (hello Nugent Road members), your meter has a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) to protect against occasional water pressure surges. It’s the property owners’ responsibility to test the PRV annually. Contact Nick for general questions about this.
Emergency Preparedness
With winter upon us, be sure your household and/or business is prepared for emergencies. In regards to water, the CDC recommends storing a minimum of three days worth of water for
your household - one gallon of water per person, per day.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-
emergency-water-supply.html Even under normal conditions, water service can experience interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared.
Summer Water Usage Alert
Please continue to be mindful of your water usage and try to limit the amount of water used for outdoor gardening.
As of 7 PM on June the 11th, the mandatory water conservation notice has been lifted.
Please continue to be mindful of your water usage and try to limit the amount of water used for outdoor gardening. Turn off garden hoses when not in use. Make necessary repairs in homes to address those pesky slow leaks. A garden hose that unexpectedly ruptures can release more than 1,000 gallons per hour and a leaking toilet flapper valve can waste up to 7,200 gallons per day! Keep in mind - every drop counts, even small leaks given enough time will lead up to big problems and big expenses.
Thank you again for your patience, concern, and responsible water usage.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, and in particular if you notice any signs of leakage.
THANK YOU
Nick Kluge
206-579-8708
WATER CONSERVATION MANDATORY
HILLTOP WATER OWNERS ASSOCIATION WATER SUPPLY IS CRITICALLY LOW!
* ALL HILLTOP WATER MEMBERS MUST CONSERVE WATER. USE WATER ONLY FOR DRINKING, BATHING AND NORMAL INSIDE THE HOUSE USE. NO OUTDOOR WATERING
* ALL HILLTOP WATER MEMBERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR PLUMBING IS NOT LEAKING. CHECK YOUR WATER METER WHEN WATER IS NOT BEING USED ON THE PROPERTY - IF THE FLOW WHEEL ON THE METER IS TURNING, THERE'S A LEAK. PLEASE ADDRESS ANY LEAKS (EVEN THE VERY SLOW LEAKS) ON YOUR PROPERTY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
* ALL MEMBERS SHOULD KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANY ABNORMAL WET SPOTS. LOOK FOR UNUSUAL BOGGY AREAS, GREEN GRASSY AREAS WHERE NEARBY GRASS IS DEAD AND DRY, AND NEW SPRINGS.
* PLEASE REPORT ANY CONCERNS PROMPTLY TO YOUR WATER MANAGER, NICK KLUGE 206-579-8708
As soon as the water supply is replenished and has stabilized a notice to the membership will be sent out via email. Not all Hilltop Water members receive emails, please share this information with your neighbors in an effort to ensure everyone that may be affected has been notified.
Contact Nick Kluge 206-579-8708 if you have any questions.
THANK YOU