As the calendar indicates, summer is here and the natural splendor of the Northwest is on daily display. Along with good weather and the many opportunities for outdoor recreation summer brings, the warm, dry weather causes a significant increase in the consumption of water. The peaks in consumption, attributable largely to the rise in the irrigation of lawns and planting areas during this time of the year, lead to huge increases in the production demands on the water supply system. The increased demand, which is referred to as a “peaking factor” in the industry, can more than double the quantity of water consumed in a normal demand period during the year.

I am pleased to report that the supply of water continues to be in good shape and will be fully adequate to meet the increased demand that occurs during the summer months. This prosperity in the supply of water is due, in part, to the recent re-activation of several wells and upgrades to the associated distribution systems. Water from the Second Supply Pipeline Project should be available in the next year or so to further augment the capacity of our water supply.

We recognize that in addition to having an adequate supply of water available for your increased needs during the summer, you want to be able to use the water at rates that are affordable. Holding the line on rates has been a priority at the District and, unlike many of our neighbors in the area, we are uniquely privileged to enjoy the twin benefits of an affordable and plentiful supply of water. So far, our financial condition appears to be favorable and it is my hope that when we look at water rates later this year, we can maintain our position at the bottom of the rate ladder.

During the months since I last communicated with you through the Commissioner's Corner, there have been a number of street improvement projects in the area that have required relocations and other modifications to the water distribution mains. These relocation projects are typically done at the cost of the utility and can carry a significant price tag because of narrow construction areas and utility conflicts that the contractors must deal with. Fortunately, with the cooperation of the City of Federal Way, these projects have gone relatively smoothly to date and have not produced significant cost overruns.

On the sewer side, the Board has recently been studying the benefits of pursuing a project to bring sanitary sewer service to the Lakota Beach neighborhood. Service to the neighborhood, which lies just below the Lakota Treatment Plant, presents some challenges to the normal condition of using gravity to transport sewage flows. Our engineering staff has recommended a low pressure system of sewers involving the utilization of home grinder pumps. The strong level of interest in sewers and participation in the study by the residents of this neighborhood have combined to benefit the District’s work on this project. I am hoping that the sewer service study for this area will create a model and impetus for service to other areas of the District which currently lack the benefit of public sewers.

Thank you for your interest in the District and I continue to find it a pleasure to serve on your Board of Commissioners.

Important Auxiliary Plumbing Devices: The Temperature and Pressure Relief (T & P) Valve and Expansion Tank

Do you know where your T & P valve and expansion tank are located? This photograph suggests typical locations near the top of your water heater. They are very important features of your plumbing system’s hot water supply. Installation of a T & P valve has been a requirement in plumbing codes for many years. A properly functioning T & P valve is designed to relieve excess pressure. If the valve doesn’t operate properly, the water heater could fail catastrophically, resulting in property damage and possible injury to building occupants.

Expansion tanks have been a relatively recent requirement for water heater installations. This device accommodates a minimal expansion of water when it is heated, and precludes the T & P valve from activating. This is particularly important if the outlet of the T & P valve is piped to a location that would cause damage from the discharged water.

As part of an on-going program to upgrade its facilities, the District is installing devices in the meter box that prevent the hot water expansion from surging into the public water system in the street. Customers may have to install expansion tanks if they don’t have one installed now to prevent T & P valves from activating frequently. We suggest that the customer take a few minutes to inspect his/her own T & P valve. The District has information available that provides guidelines for an inspection. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide the information. Other questions regarding plumbing system requirements in general can be directed to your local building department.

Cross Connection

We are all aware of contaminants that can pollute our drinking water. Did you know that you could possibly contaminate the drinking water simply by leaving your garden hose submerged in a bucket? This is called a cross-connection.

What is a cross-connection? A cross-connection is a permanent or temporary piping arrangement, which can allow your drinking water to be contaminated if a backflow condition occurs.

What is backflow? It’s just what it sounds like: the water is flowing in the opposite direction from its normal flow. With the direction of flow reversed, due to changes in pressures, backflow can allow contaminates to enter our drinking water system through cross-connection. Backflow is caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum ~ or partial vacuum) in a public water system or consumers drinking water system. This affect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Backflow can occur when there is a stoppage or a severe decrease of supply water due to fire suppression efforts or a break in the water main.

The next time you spray your yard with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, be sure to use a hose bib vacuum breaker on the exterior hose bib of your house, and remove the chemical sprayer attached to the end of your garden hose when your done. This will help prevent contamination.

Irrigation Systems

It’s the time of year when we start up our irrigation systems. Irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier and save time, BUT, water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can be back-siphoned (backflow) into our drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by approved backflow prevention assemblies could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood, or community.

ALL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, new or existing, MUST BE EQUIPPED with a Washington State approved backflow prevention assembly. Only properly installed Washington State approved backflow prevention assemblies, that meet plumbing code requirements, will provide health protection for your family and neighbors. According to State Code WAC 248-54-285, these assemblies must be tested annually, after installation and after repair, by a Washington State certified backflow assembly tester.

If you have any questions regarding backflow assemblies, cross-connections, or would like a list of Washington State certified backflow assembly testers, please contact Chris Zoepfl, Cross-connection Manager, at (253) 946-5427.

Lakehaven Utility District, in partnership with elementary schools in the Federal Way School District and participants from the local business community, sponsored the 6th Annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. The contest, which is aimed at highlighting the topic of water conservation among elementary students, produces the artwork featured each year in the District’s Water Conservation Calendar.

The Board of Commissioners meeting of June 5th began with a conservation presentation by Kurt Kleinsasser, General Manager of the Village Green Retirement Campus in Federal Way. Mr. Kleinsasser discussed the highly successful program of water conservation undertaken by residents and management of the retirement center during the past year.

Following this presentation the Board of Commissioners presented the awards to the winning artists. Congratulations go to the following students: Alysen Painter-Johnson, Denali Pavlich-Wheeler, Eugenie Jun, Helen Kramarevsky, Jain Kim, Joyce Lim, Kayla Mills, Kylee Bowman, Rachel Markey, Rylee Lewis, Tyler Thomas, Veronica Salas, Yuliya Kalmykova. Shirley Hilton, the District’s Manager of Customer Service notes, “We received 230 entries in this year’s contest. The creative talent of not only the winners, but of all the students participating in the contest is remarkable, and the contribution these students make to our conservation program is outstanding”.

Business contributors were Applebee's Restaurant, Big Five Sporting Goods, GI Joe's Inc, Hills Hallmark, Pattison's West Skating Center, Red Robin Restaurant, Ritz Camera, Safeway, Scrapbook Story and Shirtz to Go. The winning posters will be featured in the 2004 Water Conservation Calendars. Calendars will be available through fund raising projects of participating schools this fall. Customers interested in purchasing a calendar may call Lakehaven Utility District at 253-946-5426.