I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer. Like many of you, I spend as much time as I can during the summer working in my yard. Although tending to the yard seems to be a job that resists actual completion regardless of how much time you spend, it has always been one of the highlights of the summer season for me.

While this season may be a time for extra relaxation and recreation, it is a busy time at the District. Construction activity around the community typically increases during the summer months. As both new development and the upgrading of older infrastructure occur, we see a significant number of requests for water and sewer main extensions. These extensions involve our Development Services staff in plan review and approval, facilities inspection and mapping and other types of interaction with the development community.

The District also has a number of projects that keep us busy this summer season. On the water side, the long-awaited Second Supply Project is finally nearing completion. This 34-mile pipeline will bring water from the upper reaches of the Green River to the District and the Covington, Kent and Tacoma areas. When water is available, hopefully some time late this year, it will increase our supply of drinking water significantly and allow for demand on the groundwater source to be relaxed. We continue to pursue a program to store winter water in the aquifers. The storage of this water, as well as the completion of additional water storage at Howard Hanson dam will serve to increase the usable supply of water.

The District is also involved in major projects on the sewer side. The Board recently approved the purchase of equipment to dry the biosolids produced at the Lakota and Redondo treatment plants. Currently the biosolids, which are produced during the treatment process, are transported to local composting facilities or for direct land application in farming areas in Eastern Washington. With the installation of drying equipment, the District will be able to dry and sterilize the solids for use on lawns and gardens in the community. We expect this equipment to be up and running by next summer.

Another large sewer project is the replacement and extension of the outfall at the Redondo Treatment Plant. Regulations to improve the quality of shellfish beds in local areas have been imposed by the Department of Health. These will require the point of discharge of the treated effluent from the Redondo Treatment Plant be extended farther offshore. With the new outfall, the point of discharge of the treated effluent will be located approximately 2700 feet directly offshore of the treatment plant, at a depth of 380-400 feet. Since the existing outfall is fairly old, this is a good opportunity to upgrade and replace the existing outfall line.

The District is also implementing a new Geographic Information System (GIS). This computer-based information system will greatly improve the quality of the District mapping system and enhance infrastructure planning. We look to have the new system complete early next year.

I hope you enjoy the summer!

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PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ON HOT WATER HEATERS

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 or 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 prevents 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.

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CUSTOMER ALERT:

PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IN HIGH-PRESSURE AREAS OF THE DISTRICT’S WATER SYSTEM

If you believe your home is located in an area of high water pressure, you may wish to check the water pressure in the plumbing system at your residence or business. To measure your water pressure, you can purchase a pressure gauge at a local hardware store that will adapt to an outside garden hose faucet, or borrow a pressure gauge from the District to perform the pressure measurement. The measurement must be taken when no other water is being drawn from the plumbing system. If the measured water pressure exceeds 80 pounds per square inch (80 PSI), the plumbing code typically requires the installation of a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the customer’s plumbing system on the customer’s side of the water meter. The PRV reduces the water pressure in the public water system to a lower pressure that would prevent damage to your plumbing system.

If your pressure exceeds 80 PSI, please check to see if a PRV has been installed for your plumbing system. In most cases, the original builder should have installed a PRV if one was required; however, this may not have occurred. It would then be the current owner’s responsibility to install the PRV. If your pressure exceeds 80 PSI and a PRV has been installed, the PRV will require adjustment and/or other maintenance or replacement. Please be aware that the life span of a PRV is generally 15 to 20 years. If you have any questions or wish more information on this subject, please call Development Engineering at 253-945-1580.

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PLANT SUPERINTENDENT RETIRES After 30+ years of service to the customers of Lakehaven Utility District, Lee Schumacher, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, will be retiring June 30, 2005. Lee began his career at Lakehaven as a summer helper advancing to achieve the Wastewater Treatment Plant Group 4 Certification (the highest the State offers). Lee has been an invaluable resource to the District with his historical knowledge of facilities for which he has been responsible. Numerous improvements have been implemented during Lee’s tenure. Lee’s dedication to the District and the environment has resulted in numerous compliance and achievement awards for both the Lakota and Redondo Treatment Plants. We will all miss his positive can-do attitude and we wish Lee the very best in his retirement.

UPCOMING EVENT

Federal Way Festival Days
August 26-29, 2005
Parade – August 27th at 10:00AM