Earth Day

Today mark’s Earth’s Day 45th anniversary. The inspiration behind Earth Day arose from Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin. Earth day is celebrated globally each year to promote environmental protection. Here are some things we can all do to celebrate Earth Day:

• Turn lights off when not in use
• Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle
• For short errands walk, bike, or hike
• Garden
  
• Conserve Water
• Save Energy
• Clean up litter
• Plant a tree, or two

Photo Courtesy of: www.grc.nasa.gov.

Water Conservation In Your Home and Yard

It is no secret that California, and many other states, are experiencing some degree of drought. With summer right around the corner, warmer conditions can raise the possibility of drought. There are many actions we can take that can save water, both inside our homes and outside in our yards.

Water Conservation in your home:

• Fix Water Leaks
• Install water efficient toilets and shower heads
• Take Shorter Showers
• Turn off the the water while brushing your teeth
• Use dishwashers and washing machines for only full loads
• Educate and teach your children ways they can conserve water in the home
• Insulate your water pipes to eliminate wasting water while it heats up

Water Conservation in your yard:

• Plant drought resistant plants, lawns, and shrubs
• Place a layer of mulch around your trees and plants
• Deep Water
• Install drip irrigation to eliminate water evaporation
• Lose the Lawn
• Avoid Over watering

Together, we can all conserve water. LET”S DO OUR PART!!!!

The Monarch Butterfly

Every winter the California Coast is visited by the monarch butterfly. The monarch butterflies lay their eggs on Milkweed Plants as early as March. Once they hatch, the youthful caterpillars rely on eating the milkweed to survive. We wanted to pass along this info to those of you who may be interested in planting some milkweed in your yard or garden area. A few CA native milkweed species to look for are: Butterflyweed Milkweed, Antelope – horns Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, California Milkweed, and Mexican Whorled Milkweed. 

Give a big welcome to Trevor & Amy!!

The District would like to introduce you to 2 new employees:

Please welcome Trevor Espie as Pine Cove Water District’s new Maintenance Worker II. Trevor graduated from Hemet High School in 2009. He is currently attending MSJC to obtain an AA in Water Technology. Trevor has his Distribution II and Water Treatment I certifications. His is also BLS First Responder and CPR certified. The PCWD is happy to have Trevor on board.

Introducing Amy Righetti, as our Office Assistant/Conservation Specialist.  Amy is from the Idyllwild area, and has been with the District now for about 2 years on a temporary status.  Amy’s status has now been changed to Permanent/Part time.  Please come by the office and meet Amy!

Newsletter Typo

We wanted to let you know that we found a typo in our Newsletter which came out with your April bill.  The correct rebate for Front Load Washing machines is $50.00, not $100.00.  We apologize for the error.

New Water Rates

Gracie, the office cat.

The Board of Directors voted unanimously to raise the rates for Pine Cove Water District, effective 4/1/2015.  You will see that your advanced minimum went from $53.00 every two months to $57.00.  The tiered rates increased 20% across the board.  If you use 12,000 gallons of water over a two month period, the amount you are billed goes from $76.40 to $86.40, every two months, which would mean an increase to you of $5.00 per month, or $10.00 for the 2 month billing period.  Pine Cove Water District takes pride in serving our customers what we feel is the best tasting water on the hill, and we will continue to do the best job possible to make sure that we continue to do so.

Free, Free, Free!

Spring is in the air, and Summer will be here before you know it!

Now is the time to get your free compost and free wood chips!

Winter has arrived!!

Winter has reared it’s beautiful head!!  Pine Cove received anywhere from 9 inches to 12 inches in some areas.  The main roads are clear, but some of the side roads, not maintained by County, are slushy, and 4WD is still needed.

Do’s and Don’ts – Water Conservation

Do Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes to spread out wash cycles.

Don’t hand wash your car.  Instead, take it to a car wash, where recycled water is used.

Do look for leaky faucets and running toilets.  Repairing a dripping faucet can save up to 150 gallons of water a week.

Don’t leave the sink running while brushing your teeth.  Install a bathroom sink aerator to slow the flow of water.

Do purchase water saving shower heads.  Or come into our District office, and we will give you a conservation kit for free!

Don’t take long showers.  Keeping showers under 5 minutes can save up to 1000 gallons of water per month.

Do store water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run for cool water.

Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket!

Do collect water used to rinse fruit or vegetables, and use to to water your plants, both inside and out 🙂

Don’t keep water conservation tips to yourself!  Share, share, share!

Do aim to do at least one thing per day to conserve water

Check your Water!

We have a leak in the Pine Cove Water District…..it’s running approximately 20 gpm….this is the equivalent of about 800,000 gallons of water a month.  If you did not shut your water off, before this last freeze, you need to check to make sure that you do not have a leak.  If you need us to go out and check for you, please call the office during normal working hours, and we will be happy to go out and check, but you will be charged a $15.00 service call fee.  If you see water running in your neighborhood, please call the office.  If it is a valid leak, we will give you a $25.00 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice, in Idyllwild. Keep your eyes open!  Someone someplace has a leak 🙁