It seems that you read or hear about it every day - costs are going up! Most water rates are expected to make a significant jump, possibly even double or triple in the next few years. There are many reasons why water and wastewater rates are skyrocketing, including: new federal and state mandates, replacing aging infrastructure, and the transportation costs to deliver the needed water treatment supplies are increasing monthly.

In addition, our financial resources have taken a big hit:

o In 2007 the District was looking at a $44,000 deficit to its General Operating Budget,

o The District reserves went from some $700,000 to fewer than $300,000 in less than three years due to direct costs associated with state mandated water and wastewater improvement projects,

o The Garberville community has not seen a rate increase in wastewater fees in four years and in water fees since the community purchased the water company in 2005.

Meeting regulatory goals, and upgrading and expansion of water and wastewater systems is the responsibility of the community. Most public utilities in the past were built on a combination of low interest loans and grants. State and federal grants have all but dried up.

When the Safe

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Drinking Water Act was passed back in the early ‘70s it required water systems to meet “federally set regulations.” Now with ever changing policies, it in turn causes communities to raise their rates just to keep up, much less set monies aside for repair and replacement of existing infrastructure.

Here is a review of some of the issues that are locally and globally challenging our financial resources:

State and Federal Mandated Upgrades - As water quality technology increases, the demands and costs on water purveyors also increase. New technologies bring new regulatory demands and treatment processes. What’s working fine now based upon today’s standards may not work in tomorrow’s evolving technological world. The District is tasked with millions of dollars of improvements in the next few years to comply with mandated “water quality” standards. “Water quality” is a social responsibility that all communities are striving to comply with.

Don’t blame the regulatory agencies. We are partners with them, protect our water.

Safe Drinking Water Act - This requires all water systems to meet ever changing state and federal laws that provide regulations for safe water, including the disinfection of water to make it safe from bacteriological contamination.

We test for chemicals and other constituents to make sure that no contamination is in the water.

We do a continuum of bacteriological testing.

We are now testing for caffeine levels as a constituent in the South Fork of the Eel River.

Consumer Confidence Report - This report is required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The report is delivered so customers have an opportunity to know what is in their water. The District also posts the results of our water quality analysis in the Consumer Confidence Report that is available to the public and can be seen at www.garbervillesd.org.

Disinfection By-Products - The District is required to test for trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are known to be cancer causing agents that are formed when chlorine interacts with organic matter in the water. The District conducts tests to monitor the levels of total THMs in treated water and reports these levels to the State Department of Public Health and in the District’s in the Consumer Confidence Report.

Water Quality and Supply Issues - Water quantity and quality is becoming a major issue. Many communities are finding it necessary to explore multiple water sources, each having its own water treatment demands. These types of treatment are highly technical and expensive. We are doing extensive studies to see what will be the most effective and affordable based upon a balance of long term implications and cost viability.

Reuse Recycling - One of the hot topics of today is using recycled water for irrigation and other needs so as not to impact on our river drainages and water supplies. Wastewater treatment plants now have to meet more stringent discharge requirements to comply with water quality standards.

Training - With all the changes in “water quality technology” District personnel have to stay on top of the educational curve. It is imperative to have a well-trained staff to meet the needs of the future.

As we face our ever-evolving water quality needs, and to ensure that our systems are financially secure, rates must meet current and future mandated requirements. While remaining compassionate to affordability we must progress forward in our effort to provide quality water.

Submitted by the Garberville Sanitary District