As our economy continues to struggle, your Board of Commissioners remains committed to maintaining water and sewer rates at affordable levels. As you know, the Board voted against a rate increase for 2003 and, within the limits of sound financial planning, will do all that is possible to continue the trend. It is important to remember, however, that even though we enjoy a relatively abundant supply of drinking water and our water rates are among the lowest in the state, we need to be aware of the benefits of conserving water. This focus is particularly important with summer right around the corner.

A special board meeting dedicated to the topic of water conservation will be held at the Lakehaven Center on the evening of June 5th (for those of you receiving the Newsletter after this date, look for a summary of the meeting on our website). We are pleased that representatives of the Village Green Retirement Community will attend to make a presentation on their successful water conservation program. Their efforts at conserving water on the Village Green campus should serve as a model for water-use planning throughout the District. At the meeting, the Board will also present conservation awards to area elementary students participating in our Conservation Poster Contest. The annual contest harnesses the amazing creative talents of our local students for the benefit of water conservation. The winning entries are featured in conservation calendars we print every year. If you would be interested in purchasing a 2004 conservation calendar, please contact Melinda Garcia at 253-946-5426.

On other news, the Board added a new Policy Review Committee in January. This committee will meet throughout the year to review District policies and recommend any changes, additions or deletions in the policies, some of which have become outdated or obsolete since their adoption.

With the threat of terrorist acts in this country continuing at high levels, we are doing everything possible to insure the safety and security of your drinking water. Lakehaven has improved security systems and monitoring telemetry at each of its facilities. We ask that you contact us if you notice any suspicious activities occurring at or near our well or tank sites.

Lakehaven is always looking at new ways to improve the efficiency of the water and sewer systems. One of the projects I am involved in is a study to determine if a “bio-solids dryer” would be cost effective. Bio-solids are a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process. Currently, the Class B bio-solids produced at the District’s Lakota and Redondo Wastewater Treatment Facilities, which contain roughly 80% water, are hauled to Eastern Washington for land application. By drying the bio-solids, we should be able to reduce the moisture content to around 10-20%, which will reduce hauling and disposal costs and produce a Class A beneficial reuse product containing small amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. This product can be used safely and effectively by gardeners and landscapers. Another advantage of the drying technology is that it would utilize the excess methane gas produced in the plants’ digestion process, which is presently being burned off, to offset operational costs.

Thanks for your interest in the District!

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Although progress was made on legislation of interest this year, we are not able to report the passage of bills introduced this year from the District’s 2003 Legislative Agenda. As we know from past sessions, the task of pursuing legislation is a challenging one and many involved in the legislative process find themselves without a bill when the session ends. We are committed to maintaining a presence in the legislative arena, however, and expect to be back next session with a full agenda and an enthusiastic outlook.

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REPORT ON DRINKING WATER QUALITY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR OF 2002

Lakehaven Utility District will soon be mailing a copy of our “2002 Water Quality Report” to all water account customers. The development and mailing of this report is a federal requirement called the “Consumer Confidence Report” rule and was created by Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency under the 1996 reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act. By July 1, 2003, all water utilities throughout the United States will provide an annual report to their customers on the quality of their drinking water as monitored during the 2002 calendar year. These “Consumer Confidence Reports” are required each year and will help the public learn whether their drinking water meets state and federal health standards, and if not, why not. The report details where the water comes from, what it contains and the risks that water quality monitoring and testing are designed to prevent. Lakehaven Utility District is pleased to report that our drinking water met all state and federal health standards during the calendar year of 2002 and currently meets the same standards.

The public is encouraged to visit Lakehaven Utility District’s web site at www.lakehaven.org, where the “2002 Water Quality Report” is currently available for review.

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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT

Brad Bylin in the Water Operations Department and George Brown in the Information Services Department (IS) will both be retiring from the District after many years of service.

Brad began his career at Lakehaven Utility District in the summer of 1972, while still in high school. On October 1, 1973, he became a regular employee in the Field Maintenance Water Division. In 1991, Brad was promoted to Special Service Supervisor where he played a key part in the implementation of several significant programs, including water valve and hydrant maintenance and main cleaning. Brad plans to spend time with his wife and three children working on his property in Eastern Washington, fishing and most importantly volunteering for his community.

George came to the District on January 1, 1990, after working twelve years for a utility district in Spokane. He was hired as the Supervisor of IS and was responsible for modifying and maintaining the billing system, as well as managing the computer functions. George played a key part in the 2000 conversion of data from the District's previous billing system to the new software now in place. George and his wife are relocating to Kalispell, Montana where their daughter and family reside. George will also be spending time with his four sons, 13 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

The Board of Commissioners and staff would like to extend best wishes to Brad and George and their families for a joyous and rewarding retirement.

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DISTRICT REPORTS CLEAN AUDIT

The District is pleased to again report a clean audit for fiscal year 2001 from the Office of the State Auditor. The Auditor’s Office annually reviews the District’s financial statements and records for accuracy and legal compliance in, among other areas, matters of travel, open public meetings, public contracting and internal policies. Internal controls over cash receipting, payroll and accounts payable are also reviewed.

The opinion is also available on the State Auditor’s Office website at http://www.sao.wa.gov.

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CASCADE REGIONAL BLOOD SERVICES

Federal Way’s first community blood center is now open. They are located at 33505 13th PL S, Suite B. Here is how you can help:

• Coordinate a blood drive at your organization
• Be a local blood donor (one donation can save three lives)
• Become a sponsor with Cascade Regional Blood Services
• Spread the word that we’re looking for new and repeat donors for all blood types.

If you want to know more about blood donations or the National Marrow Donor Program, stop by or call their office at (253) 945-7974.

Donation Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 AM -5:30 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturdays 7:30 AM –1:00 PM.

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KIDS CORNER

STYROFOAM PEOPLE

Draw a face on a styrofoam cup. Fill it with soil. Plant grass seeds, water and place by a window. Watch the “hair” grow!

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WATER CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

The District will participate in the events listed below.

City of Federal Way’s
Red White & Blue Festival
Friday July 4th 2003
Children Activities, Live Music
(Begins at 4:00 PM)
FIREWORKS!
(Begins at 10:15 PM)
Location: Celebration Park
1095 S 324th ST

Family Fest – A Celebration of Diversity
Saturday, August 23rd & Sunday August 24th
Steel Lake Park
312th & 24th Ave S, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
For more information call Melinda @ 253-946-5426.

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Your Board of Commissioners

Dick Mayer - President

Ed Stewart - Vice President

Beverly J. Tweddle -  Secretary

Tom Jovanovich - Commissioner

Donald L. P. Miller - Commissioner

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