Thinning Dutch Flats
Posted in: Around the District, Fire Abatement
Leave a Comment (0) →Mulch and Wood Chips Available to PCWD Customers
Thinking gardening time is just around the corner? Just in time for spring cleaning, the PCWD offers free mulch and wood chips to its customers. If you are interested in either wood chips or mulch just come on by anytime the piles are located just past the office outside the yard fence. Both are great for gardening, holding in moisture of soil and they make a nice added touch to spruce up your yard or potted plants.
You must bring your own materials to gather or shovel and haul the mulch or wood chips away. If you need a larger load of either call the office and we can deliver a dump truck load for $100 delivery charge.
Spring News and Updates
Last month, we received a lot of moisture in a short period of time. There was water wasted due to customer valves being left on. We believe all customer leaks have been located and turned off. At least 1.2 million gallons of water was wasted. There are damages from the storm. There are roads to repair and main lines to secure. As weather continues to be warmer and drier, we are preparing to start the necessary repairs to the District roads and facilities. The plan is to accomplish this over the next two to three months and then the District crews will continue our main line project on Pine Ridge, Deer Path and Laurel Trail. Our goal is to tie all the meter connections to the new main line and abandon the old 4” main line. Extensions will continue on Rosaline and Laurel Trail as time and weather allow us, this fall.
A special thanks to Supervisor Washington and his legal assistant Opel Helwig, for their continued support of the PCWD through CSA #38. Many large steamer fire hydrants that have been purchased by CSA #38, are an asset to our community. We will continue to install larger main lines to accommodate these hydrants.
Due to all of the great moisture we received and our anticipation that the ground water levels will improve, effective 4/1/2019, we will be returning to Stage 1 water conservation level, which is “voluntary compliance”. Rates do not change between stages, up or down. Although, as previously approved thru Prop 218 process, a multi-year plan was adopted, and effective 4/1/2019, the bi-monthly rate of $65.00 will increase to $68.00. The increase for the cost per 1000 gallons will show up on your 6/1/2019 billing statement. All charges of the District were based on costs determined by our Engineering firm last year.
MHI Survey: All customers within our District have received two requests from California Rural Water requesting income information. This process is part of the Median Household Income Survey, requested for and paid for by PCWD. Many of you have responded, but If you are not comfortable with doing so, I’m fine with that. I understand. However, a third notice will be sent out in the near future. If you have NOT filled one out before, please do so. We are only 20 responses short to hit the minimum amount needed. If completed, I believe this will save us thousands of dollars a year, and most important, it will improve the opportunity to receive grant funds and low interest loans.
Our Board of Directors and District staff continues to be very transparent. We encourage our customers to visit our website and blog. Viewing both helps you learn and stay informed of whats happening in the Pine Cove Water District. The Board meets monthly, the 2nd Wednesday @ 10:00 am, and as always, the meeting is open to the public. And yes, I continue to have an open door policy and I encourage everyone to call or come see me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Please!
Unfortunately, our weather station up top at Rocky Point Property has not been working properly. It shows the weather, but not the accumulation of rain/snow. We are in the process of researching options and hoping to have the new system up and running on the website soon. This spring, we will be adding more webcams on our Dutch Flats properties, for wildlife and to aid us in keeping an eye out for trespassers.
Coming up is fiscal year 2019/2020. I don’t anticipate many changes. We plan on continuing our Leak Reward and Rebate Programs, giving away compost and wood chips, being as helpful and transparent as possible to each and every customer.
If you haven’t already, please provide or update your email address with the District Office staff. E-mails are a great tool to help us inform you, of important items and emergencies. Contact the office with your info. We will not sell or give your info to private enterprises.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to shut your water off when you leave your mountain home, located at or near our water meter. You will find it by the green 4’ stake.
Hwy’s 243 and 74 remain closed, estimated to be maybe 4 months until the opening. For up to date info, please go to the Idyllwild Town Crier website.
24-7/365 days a year, one of us will always be on call, for after hour emergencies. Please call 951-294-8282. If you need to get in touch with Becky or Lindsay in the office, please call between 9-4 Mon-Friday at 951-659-2675. If you need to fax anything, our fax # is 951-659-3112. Jerry can be reached at the office number, or on his cell 951-236-9163. Please visit our website and blog at www.pcwd.org.
Route 74 work
On Wednesday March 20
Multiple CA agencies involved in the rebuilding of Route 74, got together on Wednesday, March 20th at Cranston Station. Three news stations along with our own JP, reported on speakers representing the CHP – San Gorgonio Pass, RivCoReady, Caltrans District 8, our District 3 Supervisor Chuck Washington, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Ames Construction and other support agencies.
We were green-lighted to send the drone up for some footage …
Click for Video
Great News For Pine Cove Water District Customers!
At last weeks board meeting Jerry was happy to announce that the winter’s heavy precipitation has given us enough water to get out of Stage 2 water restrictions. This is great news for the district and its customers. As of April 1st we will be starting Stage 1 voluntary compliance. As always, PCWD encourages the customers to conserve our precious water. PCWD customers have always done a great job about conservation so keep up the great work!
Please remember to turn your water off at the customer valve at the street when you leave your mountain home.
Update On Leaks Around the District
In the last month we have experienced very cold temperatures and with cold temperatures comes an increased risk of frozen or burst pipes and leaks. In the past four weeks the workers have been out searching, listening, and assessing for leaks. Countless hours of digging to uncover water meters. Many emergency shutoffs have been called in because of leaks. The water production had doubled in a short time and with all the leaks we found combined the total of water is a minimum of 1,200,700 gallons. Wow.
There were 25 leaks located around the district and 20 of them are not full time residents and they did not shut the water off at the street at the customer valve.
We appreciate all the help from our customers in locating a leak and as always you will receive a leak reward for calling in a confirmed leak on a property tat isn’t your own. As always we highly recommend shutting off your customer valve at the street if you plan to leave your mountain home for 24 hours or more.
Leaks All Around The District- PCWD Is Updating Emergency Contact Information
Recently, we had to send out an emergency email to all of our customers that had an email address on file. The message was in regards to freezing temperatures, and broken pipes. We were producing twice the amount of water we should be for this time of year, and we needed to get the word out quickly that houses and pipes needed to be checked for running water.
In this process, we have identified the accounts that do not have an email address on file. While we understand that not everyone has an email address, we wanted to try one more time to make sure that our records are complete, and that you can receive immediate notice if there is a problem with your property, or in the District. Perhaps if you don’t have an email address, you have someone in your immediate family that does? We would be happy to add that address and notify someone of your choice that could get the message to you?
If you do not have an email, or if you do not have someone that has one we could send an emergency notice to, please also let us know that. We would like to come up with a way to also notify those accounts, in an emergency situation.
We would like to be able to keep our customers informed as best we can. If you are unsure if you have an email account on file or would like to update to a current email address pleas feel free to contact the office by phone or email.
All customer information is ONLY used for PCWD’s records and will not be sold or used for any soliciting purposes.
Lindsay Owen Office Assistant
(951)659-2675 lowen@pcwd.com
Current Weather and Highway Conditions
Dear Pine Cove Water District customers,
After the snow last night, we have at least two feet of snow on the ground and extremely high snow berms. Currently, three of the four ways off the mountain are closed. Hwy 371 through Anza is the only open route and chains are required except for 4wd vehicles with snow tires.
Is your water off? Do you have a neighbor or friend that can check for you? Why do we ask? Because we are producing 80 gpm which is twice the normal production in this type of weather.
If you can’t find someone to check and make sure your water is off you can call the office but because of the weather and the work involved to locate your shut off valve the minimum charge will be $100. If the tractor has to be used to remove the snow to locate your meter there will be additional fees. These costs are estimates to recover the cost of the labor and equipment involved.
You can check the current weather by clicking our link above and viewing the webcam off our website. To check current road conditions click the dot link above and enter the highway number.
Per Jerry’s recommendation if you don’t need to come up the mountain just don’t. Give the County and Caltrans a few days to get the roads clear and safe. Only residents will be allowed up the mountain for several days. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the office.
Best Regards,
Lindsay Owen
Office Assistant
(951)659-2675
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Leave a Comment (0) →Snow Driving… Are You Prepared?
After this weeks great snowstorm, we are thankful for the precipitation. However, with the snow comes an increased risk of dangerous road conditions. Proper preparation and prevention for winter driving weather can help keep you safe.
When the threat of cold weather approaches it’s a good idea to give your car a good checkup to make sure it is winterized for the coming weather. Purchase snow tires or aggressive tires for good traction. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of antifreeze. Check that your headlights, tail lights and defroster are in good working condition. New windshield wipers and winterized wiper fluid will help ensure your windshield will stay free of rain show and debris. For inside preparation of your car keeping some essential items. Snow chains can come in handy and are sometimes necessary. Purchase a snow shovel and kitty litter or sand for digging yourself out of a jam and giving your vehicle traction. Flares, a flashlight and a snow scraper should also be kept in your car in case an emergency situation arises. Proper visibility is essential before you even attempt to venture out in the snow. Make sure your car is clear of all the snow, including the roof.
Just because you have all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles doesn’t make you unstoppable during winter driving. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive can greatly assist you to get going in snow and ice, plus provide extra control when turning. However, they won’t help you stop much faster than a front- or rear-wheel-drive car when you hit that patch of black ice.
Many experts suggest driving super-smoothly in the winter, as if though you don’t have brakes at all, since you don’t know whether you’ll have any grip for braking when you need it. If you have a 2WD vehicle it is imperative to use your chains while driving in snow, slush or ice.
It is best to use the highest precautions when driving on winter roads. When the roads are icy or snowy drive slow enough to have control of your vehicle is safest for you and other drivers. Do not stop and loose momentum while going up hill. Keep a double safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. Remember, it can take up to 10 seconds more to stop your vehicle on winter roads, so don’t ride to close and don’t slam on your brakes.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need chains please get to a safe place to put your chains on.
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Leave a Comment (0) →EWNS Early Warning Notification System
Did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.
The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.
The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.
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