As this is my first opportunity to communicate with the rate-payers since the November elections, I want to let you know that I am pleased to continue to represent you as a commissioner for the next two years to complete the current term for position number 4 of the Lakehaven Utility District Board of Commissioners.

There are a significant number of important decisions and subsequent actions that must be made during the coming months due to the rapid growth that is occurring within the boundaries of the District and the mandated requirements for drinking water quality and wastewater discharges from the sewage disposal plants operated by the District.

In addition, there are a number of programs and proposals being made by various agencies concerning water allocation policy for King County water suppliers and users.

Fortunately, Lakehaven Utility District is now assured of an adequate supply of water for the foreseeable future, due to the District's action in funding the design and construction of the Northeast Tacoma/Federal Way Transmission Main Project. This project is nearing completion and will provide a source of additional water to the District, if required. This pipeline is the first section of the long planned and discussed second supply line from the Headworks of the Tacoma water systems from the Green River and the Howard Hanson Dam.

The District is also actively pursuing legislation to allow the storage of surplus water in underground aquifers to assure adequate water supply during the "dry months" of the year when river flow may be at a minimum. This activity is known as the "Oasis Program".

I intend to keep abreast of developing actions and directions of various governmental agencies water allocation, water quality and wastewater disposal, to be able to make qualified decisions for policies that will be required for the District and authorized by the Board of Commissioners.

I welcome your suggestions and questions on these matters.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

At the time this update was prepared, ESHB 2867, the District's OASIS bill, was proceeding to a hearing in the Senate's Environmental Quality and Water Resources Committee. Adoption of ESHB 2867, which is intended to allow the artificial storage of surplus water in, and the recovery from, underground aquifers (much as is done in above-ground tanks or reservoirs), will be a major step in the implementation of the OASIS program.

In light of the District's ability to store large quantities of available surplus water during the winter, for later use in the higher-demand summer periods, the OASIS program is viewed as one of the important solutions to regional water supply planning questions. The bill has been embraced by many of the environmental and water purveyor groups involved in the water planning forums and the state agencies involved in regulating water supply. We are pleased at the progress made on this bill and look forward to reporting its passage in the next Legislative Update.

The District's assumption bill, which would allow a voter referendum to ratepayers on the matter of a city's assumption of a water/sewer district, did not make it out of committee. We will continue to work in Olympia to ensure that you have a say in the governance of the water and sewer services you receive.

As always, stay tuned!

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Fats, Oils and Greases

Fats, oils, and greases (often referred to as FOG) are universal problem substances in wastewater. Most FOG is not soluble; meaning it does not mix well with water. Due to this, FOG floats on water and clings to surface areas void of water. This is why grease collects towards the top of drain lines first. As additional FOG flows down a line, the line will eventually clog. FOG that does not collect inside plumbing drain lines ends up in the sewer system. District sewer line maintenance crews receive trouble calls throughout the year due to line blockages caused by excessive amounts of FOG in discharged wastewater. Some of these blockages occur in the customer's side sewer line while others cause a more serious problem by obstructing the District's pump stations and sewer main lines. Excessive FOG in a wastewater discharge can come from just about any source ranging from a studio apartment to a large industrial facility. Some of the more common sources include restaurants, bars & grills, grocery stores, food processing facilities, automobile service shops, apartments and homes. Even if the FOG does manage to find its way into our wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), it remains a problem substance due to its molecular structure. FOG simply requires much more time, energy and resources to manage than other, more common organic wastes received at WWTPs. Additionally, FOG is a primary source of sewer odors, whether inside a building or emanating from a sewer line in the street.

FOG is the number one cause of sewer back-ups in homes and food service establishments. Even a small amount in drains can cause a serious (and expensive) plumbing blockage, or even worse, an overflow in your home or our community. Managing discharged FOG is expensive. The more it costs the District to maintain the sewer system, the more it eventually costs you, the customer. Please help keep these costs to a minimum. If you would like more information regarding the management and disposal of FOG, please visit the District's web site at www.lakehaven.org and click on "what's new" you may also contact the District's Pretreatment Coordinator, Brian Asbury, via e-mail at basbury@lakehaven.org or telephone at 253-946-5407.

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Budget Award

The Government Finance Officer's Association of the United States and Canada recently recognized the District for its 1999 Budget. Lakehaven was presented the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the second consecutive year. Bonnie Fell, the District's Budget Document Preparation Team leader, proudly displays the plaque received by the District. This award reflects the commitment of the Board and staff throughout the District, in meeting the highest nationally recognized principles of governmental budgeting.

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Status of Local Aquifers

Late last year, most weather services projected a cold and wet winter for the Pacific Northwest due to La Nina. As it turns out, our weather has been very kind by delivering above normal temperatures and near normal amounts of precipitation. The amount of rain that we have received is still keeping our water supplies in excellent shape as spring approaches. Current groundwater levels are generally higher than last year at this time and as high as they were in the late 1980's. Due to this available supply, we are utilizing more groundwater this year while reducing the amount of water we purchase from Tacoma.

Long-range weather projections still expect precipitation to be slightly above normal in the spring and slightly below normal during the coming summer. So, while our local water supply outlook is very good, we still encourage customers to use prudent water conservation measures.

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Automatic Payment Withdrawal

Lakehaven Utility District has an Automatic Payment Withdrawal system for payment of water and/or sewer bills. Customers interested in participating in this program may pick up an application at the District's office located at 31627 1st Ave S. If you would like an application mailed to you or additional information please call our Customer Service Department at (253) 946-5424.

Your Board of Commissioners

Beverly J. Tweddle - President

Donald L. P. Miller - Vice President

Tom Jovanovich - Secretary

Dick Mayer - Commissioner

Ed Stewart -  Commissioner

Regular Board of Commissioners meetings are held at the Lakehaven Center at 31531 First Ave. S., Federal Way at 6 p.m.