Water & Sanitation District Update
Appears in 2004 Timberline Newsletter

Thanks to the POA for giving me the opportunity to present the state of the water district. 2003 has been a year of solid progress for the district and the residents of St. Mary's. The head gate at Lake Quivara was completed bringing the district into compliance with state regulations for the first time in 25 years. We now have the ability to retain and release water at the direction of the State Engineer which is a requirement of our water augmentation plan.

Speaking of Lake Q, the unauthorized dredging of the northeast end resulted in a rupture to the sewer line in addition to unsightly mounds of dirt and sludge along the lakeshore. This ignorant undertaking cost the district (you and me) some $50,000 plus much olfactory discomfort to those on the wrong side of the wind. All is now repaired.

The long awaited well #5 is online and producing more water than all other wells combined. With the recent addition of PRV's (pressure reducing valves), the well now reaches the upper system and should provide additional pressure for those properties near Silver Lake that experience low pressure each winter. Two fire hydrants were installed at the well #5 site. The district now has one hydrant in each subdivision, Alice and Winterland.

The quarter million gallon storage tank is complete; site restoration through berming and planting will be completed this fall. The tank will be a source of emergency water during system interruptions and be a valuable tool in fire protection as the first fire hydrant is put in place at that site.

In 2004, capital projects will be minimal with the district's focus on maintenance and improvement of service. As always, we meet the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

The completion of these projects, in addition to the waste treatment plant two years ago, continue to help increase the value of our properties, land, and the quality of life at 10,500 feet.