ABOUT THE WATER SYSTEM
Overview
Water for the WAMWCo system is drawn from four production wells located within the development. The water is pumped to two large storage tanks located along Eagle Crest Trail at just over the 4800 foot elevation level. It then is distributed throughout the development by gravity flow in a network of supply mains. Pressure relief valves (PRVs) are used to maintain delivery pressure below critical levels as the mains descend.
Enclosures protect each wellhead, pump and associated controls from contamination and environmental effects. The equipment is monitored electronically at all times.
The two storage tanks have a combined capacity of 450,000 gallons. Storage level is monitored electronically, backed up with a manual, visual system.
Water quality is monitored in accordance with State requirements. Sampling is conducted 24 times a year at several residential locations, with subsequent testing done by an independent laboratory. The test results are provided to the California Department of Public Health and are also available for review by local water users. The quality of the delivered water is sufficiently high that no treatment is currently required or implemented.
Distribution & Billing
The distribution system brings water to each residential lot in the development. When water service is needed at a parcel, WAMWCo installs a meter in the service box at the street and the property owner is then responsible for the plumbing from that point to the residence. Lots with water service are classified as “improved” for billing purposes.
Billing is based on an annual fee plus consumption fee arrangement. Unimproved lots with no current water service are charged a simple flat annual fee. Improved lots are charged a higher annual fee plus a metered water consumption fee. Meters are read on or about May 1st, August 1st and November 1st, with consumption billings for the particular period. As of November 2019, the fee structure is as follows:
Unimproved lot ... $212 per year annual fee
Improved lot ... $322 per year annual fee, plus consumption fee of $1.97 per thousand gallons of water used (per the meter reading).
Other fees include:
• $75.00 transfer of ownership fee
• $10.00 late payment fee
• $16.00 rebilling fee
• 12% interest on late payments.
Repair Responsibilities
WAMWCo is responsible for maintaining the wells, pumps, controls, storage tanks, water mains and related delivery components, including the meters at the street. Property owners are responsible for all subsequent plumbing components starting at the outlet of the meter. Water leaks that occur downstream of the water meter are the responsibility of the property owner. The water company shutoff valve at the meter should NOT be used as the primary control valve for the parcel; property owners should install their own shutoff valve(s) for routine maintenance or precautionary water shutoff during the property owners’ absence.
View Inside the Water Meter Box: