LAKE FOREST PARK WATER DISTRICT
      GOOD WATER NATURALLY

Newsletter December 2005 PDF Print E-mail
Dear Customer, please read these helpful hints, advisories and other important information from your water provider.  This newsletter has helpful hints showing how to test for leaks that could be costing you money!   There is also important information advising you about:
  •  Leaks
  •  User fees
  •  District projects completed in 2005
  •  Projects Planned for 2006
  •  City Franchise Agreement Update
  •  District Commissioner and Staff News

LEAKS

It is important to stop leaks, they can become expensive if not caught early, and conservation is always encouraged. To check for leaks, shut off all water within the property, and observe leak detector for movement.  If your meter does not have a leak detector, note the meter reading, allow a period of time for no water usage then re-read the meter.  A shutoff valve installed near or within the house helps to troubleshoot for leaks.

Most leaks occur in the toilet.  Toilet leaks typically result from worn parts or misalignment of some part of the flushing mechanism.  Toilets usually leak at the bottom of the tank around the flapper plug, or at the top of the tank at the overflow tube.  

To test the flapper plug at the bottom of the tank, carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and mark the water level in the toilet tank with a pencil, or place color dye tablets in the tank.  Shut off the water supply to the toilet.  If the water remains on the mark you made, or color doesn’t appear in the bowl, the flapper plug is not leaking. If the water level drops below the mark you made, or color appears in the bowl, the flapper plug is leaking and should be replaced.  If the water level in the toilet tank is near top of the overflow tube, the water may run continuously directly to the drain.  The float that controls the water level in the tank should be adjusted so that the water level in the tank is at least 1 inch below the top of the tube.

 Another common leak is the service line between the meter and the house.  If you have a galvanized steel or PVC service line it is usually best to replace rather then repair.  Other leaks may be obvious such as dripping faucets.  Most repairs can be done by an experienced “do-it-yourselfer.”  If you are not sure you can handle the job, call a plumber.

IMPORTANT USER FEES

The District implemented several policies in 2005 dealing with the extended burden of recovering past due funds.  Our District policy remains lenient compared with many other utilities, yet we have implemented some changes to help offset the cost and staffing burden of collecting past due funds. For detailed reference please visit the District WEB page at:  WWW.LFPWD.ORG
 
The following policies are in place:
  •  Payment is due 30 days after we mail your bill
  •  A reminder letter is sent to customers 45 days after billing
  •  A door tag warning is placed on the customers door 55 days after billing.  If your previous bill was also paid late you will be charged a $25.00 door tagging fee

If payment is not made within 1 full business day following door tagging your water will be disconnected and a $30 disconnect and a $30 reconnect fee will assessed and must be paid before reconnection.

PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 2005

We have done many projects in 2005 to upgrade our water pipes, fire hydrants, reservoirs, wells and system reliability.  These improvements are briefly described below and in the photos of this newsletter.


  •  Watermain Replacements & Upgrades to replace undersized, leaky steel pipes, valves, fire hydrants and services:
- 45th Pl. between 40th Pl. and 46th Ave.
- 185th St. between 30th and 35th Ave.
- 51st Place cul-de-sac
- 182nd St. (section)
  •  Watermain Flushing of all watermains to remove mineral sediments from pipe walls.
  •  Reservoir Corrosion Upgrade low zone reservoir
  •  New water sampling stations which are reliable and will save hundreds of hours of sampling time.
  •  Wellhead upgrade – artesian wells upgraded to meet current standards
  •  We have purchased a used 80kw generator capable of running the District’s pumps and  fuel capacity to run 1 – 2 weeks  in the event of an extended power outage.
  •  System alarms and monitoring installed to warn of pump failure or other emergencies.
 
PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2006

We are continuing to improve our system in the coming year.  Some of the projects planned are listed below:
  •  Watermain replacements – including fire hydrants and services to upgrade undersized leaky steel pipe:
- 187th Street East of 35th Ave.  2000 ft
- Various locations over 2500 ft of pipe
  •  Pump facility upgrades
  •  Upgrades to telemetry/alarm system
  •  Work with Brightwater project for backup wellfield siting/investigation

CITY FRANCHISE AGREEMENT UPDATE

Over the past year the District has negotiated toward a franchise agreement with the City.   As part of this agreement the District would pay the City 6% of billed water revenue.  If the agreement is signed your bill will reflect this item. Conversely,  budget reports indicate that the City continues to examine the potential for getting involved in the water business.

Please contact your City Council members for any further questions or details concerning Franchise agreements and assumption studies.

COMMISSIONER & STAFF UPDATE


  •  Roy Blackwell is our new District Superintendent.  Roy replaces Tony Sexton who served in this capacity over the past 4 years.
  • Commissioner Timothy Davis was re-elected to serve the District in November.  We appreciate his service to our community. 


  • to download the complete full-color newsletter click here