Great rates, good water and plenty of it; proper wastewater treatment and a friendly helpful staff should make our customers happy. One customer said that if the water comes from the tap and goes from the potty, he was satisfied. But there is a bit more to it. Lots of people get involved. Lead time for water and sewer projects is sometimes a small lifetime. The alternative Tacoma water supply took over thirty (30) years to get here. Many fine people planned and worked and paid for our guarantee for current and future supply.

Some Tips for Summer Water Use:

• Since we have a new filter system on most of our wells you will notice that you do not get black specks in your water. When you return from vacation, however, be sure to let the water run at your outside faucet for 10 minutes.
• Be sure to clean your kitchen faucet aerator periodically.
• We do not have mandatory water restrictions, but do encourage water conservation.

There is a need for water storage and wastewater reclamation as we manage our resources. It’s great when plans come together, grants are obtained, and government/District cooperation works for our customers.

No one person or group can take all the credit. A team will be needed to get the job done. The future of our District is very positive. I am personally happy to be serving you as a Commissioner.

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CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

In an effort to support customers who are unable to pay their monthly water/sewer bills due to temporary financial hardship, the District’s Board of Commissioners created a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) in 1993. This program is administered by the Multi-Service Center, a non-profit agency organized under King County. All donations are sent to the agency and are allocated based on need.

A committee, comprised of representatives from the Board and staff, was formed to help with the program and so far this year has collected $4,185.27 for the Multi-Service Center to use in assisting those who need help in paying their water and sewer bills.

The Board and staff at Lakehaven wish to thank all those customers who have so generously contributed to this important program and encourage you to continue with your donations.

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STATUS OF WATER SUPPLY

Since November 2005, Lakehaven has been utilizing the new Second Supply Project, which supplies water from the Green River watershed, to supplement its local groundwater sources. During the 2006 summer season, customers will primarily receive groundwater, since the Howard Hanson Dam storage component of the Second Supply Project is not yet complete. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is constructing a fish passage facility at the dam and, consequently, Green River water is not likely to be stored for municipal supply this summer. If all goes well with the project, water will be available next summer. Through the course of 2006, we expect that groundwater will be used to provide about 70% of our total water demands, while the Green River supply will make up the remaining 30%.

With available groundwater resources in use, the District’s supply will be capable of meeting normal summer demands. As of June 2006, the water levels in our groundwater aquifer systems are generally higher than last season (but still lower than what we have seen in past years). Our largest aquifer, known as the Redondo-Milton Channel Aquifer (RMC), is about three feet above its level from this time last year. Above normal precipitation rates, combined with reduced water production rates, have contributed to the recovery. The Mirror Lake Aquifer is currently down about four feet as a result of last year’s production, while the Federal Way Deep Aquifer is currently up about two feet from last year’s levels. Several smaller aquifers that are part of the Eastern Upland Aquifers system located east of Interstate 5 were used to help offset usage from the RMC last year. In general, the capacities of the Eastern Upland Aquifers are on par with last year.

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WATER RATE SURVEY

We thought you might find the following water rate information interesting. Staff conducted a quick check on average monthly water rates for neighboring water purveyors (from low to high):

• Lakehaven Utility District $12.96
• City of Kent $20.06
• City of Bonney Lake $22.00
• City of Auburn $23.40
• City of Tacoma $23.72
• City of Milton $24.10
• City of Seattle $35.18
• City of Tukwila $36.26
• Highline Water District $39.07

The rates are monthly charges for a single family residence using a base rate of 1,000 cubic feet (cf) of water per month. Of the 139 utilities across the state that responded to a 2005 Association of Washington Cities (AWC) survey, based on 2004 rates, the average monthly rate inside a jurisdiction was $24.54 and the average monthly rate outside the jurisdiction was $33.71. As previously stated, Lakehaven’s average monthly rate in 2006 is $12.96 throughout the District.

You may obtain a copy of the AWC 2005 survey by calling the Association of Washington Cities, telephone number (360) 753-4137 or by going to the AWC website at www.awcnet.org.

WATER CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST WINNERS

Lakehaven Utility District, in partnership with elementary schools in the Federal Way area and participants from the local business community, sponsored its 9th annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. The purpose of the contest is to help children understand the importance of water conservation. The children’s artwork is featured each year in the District’s water conservation calendar.

On June 8, 2006, the District’s Board of Commissioners was pleased to announce the contest winners for the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar and their schools as follows: Austin Artega, Silver Lake; Breaunie Artis, Mirror Lake, Kodee Carson-Fraser, Lake Grove; Justin Evan, Mirror Lake; Shirley Ili, Silver Lake; Annika Jung, Panther Lake; Jordan Lee, Spring Valley Montessori, Elan Ma, Spring Valley Montessori, Nicky Morris, Panther Lake; Alyssa Odom, Sherwood Forrest; Brannon Ronia, Nautilus; Nathan Smith; Mirror Lake; Ben Willis, Nautilus.

A very special thank you to the businesses who contributed prizes to the winners: Wild Waves & Enchanted Village, Shirtz to Go, The Commons at Federal Way, Applebee’s, and South King Fire and Rescue. Thanks also to Q13 for showing the posters on their morning news program!

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN RENOVATED – PLEASE COME SEE IT!

District staff worked very hard to renovate the Water Conservation Garden, located at 31531 First Avenue South, in French Lake Park. You are invited to view the garden any day from 8:00AM to dusk. The garden map, pictured here, shows the many varieties of water-saving plants used and where they are located in the garden. This is a good way for you to learn about Xeriscape gardening and hopefully to take home some ideas for your own garden. A big thank you goes to Vilma’s signs for her help with the graphics for the garden map.

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It’s always good to wash your family’s car, but don’t water the street, sidewalk, or driveway. You might consider washing your car near your garden or lawn to help use the excess water.

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Regular Board of Commissioners meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
These meetings are held at the Lakehaven Center at:

Lakehaven Center
31531 First Ave. S.
Federal Way at 6 p.m.