El Nino

We received the following information from Kathleen Henderson from
CalFire…..please be prepared!

El Nino 2015

Are you prepared for El Nino?

If predictions of El Nino rainfall is accurate, this fall and winter may be filled with above average moisture. Experts are suggesting that El Nino has an 80% chance of lasting into early Spring of 2016. Issues such as erosion from storm run – off, water or mud damage, and/or flooding can occur. Preparing your home and yard for the predicted El Nino season should be on all homeowners “to do list”. Below we have listed a few ways to prep:

• Obtain sandbags and place them in the areas of your yard that may be vulnerable. They are available at most local Fire Stations throughout the Inland Region. For those of you on the hill, you can purchase sandbags at Forest Lumber for about .50 cents – their phone number is 951-659-2609.
• Fix, clear, and check all rain gutters and make sure the water will drain away from your home to prevent damage. Check and repair your roof, if necessary, before it rains.
• It is recommended to have a stockpile of at least three days supply of food, water, flashlights, batteries, clothing, and other vital necessities. Don’t forget to make an emergency kit for your pets as well.

For more information, contact the federal Emergency Management Agency. They offer free publications on protecting your home: 800-638-6620. 

Image courtesy of: podaac.jpl.nasa.gov

West Nile Virus

Mosquito’s carrying the West Nile Virus have spread the disease to epidemic levels in Riverside County. Researchers say West Nile was 1st found in the United States in 1999 and first appeared in California in 2003. Mosquito’s become infected when they feed on infected birds. They then can spread the virus to humans and other animals. Health experts do emphasize that West Nile is rarely life-threatening, however, in some cases, can be serious. Young children, the elderly, and those with lowered or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing serious symptoms after infection. Prevention and protection is key in reducing you and your families risk of getting bitten.

Prevention Tips:

• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outside.
• Use an EPA repellent spray that contains DEET.
• Install or repair window screens on all doors and windows.
• Remove/empty all standing water around your property.

To report mosquito issues, neglected pools, or sick/dead birds call Vector Control at 951-340-9792

Free Water Saving Kits!

Come by the office and pick up your free water saving kit!  Kit includes Earth Massage 1.5 gpm showerhead, kitchen swivel 1.5 gpm aerator, 2 bathroom faucet 1.0 gpm aerators, toilet water saver (fill cycle diverter), toilet leak detection tablets, flow master bag, water conservation wheel and installation instructions.  Get one for each bathroom in your mountain home.

October Billing

The boys were out yesterday and today reading water meters. The October bills will be in the mail by the end of the week. They are due by October 25th. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your water bill, please feel free to call our office Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can pay your bill several ways. You can come by the office and pay by check, cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover). You can mail a check to Po Box 2296 Idyllwild, Ca 92549, or you can pay through your online banking. You can always drop your payment off in the slot in the door if we are out of the office.

Remember to always turn your water off at your customer valve when you leave your mountain home!!! 

Emergency Services Website Launched

Riverside County emergency services has implemented a new Emergency Management Department that the Board of Supervisors established in May and was effective July 1. They created a website (www.rivcoready.org/) to educate county residents on how to prepare, plan, and react in the case of an emergency. The website is very informative and worth taking a look at. It includes information on how to prepare an emergency kit for seniors/older adults, children, pets, and cars. The website also includes information on  how to prepare a plan, stay informed, and how to get involved in many organizations and groups that can assist in our community during disasters.

It is good to be prepared – check out the EMD site!!!!

Summer Rain

It was a beautiful sight to see yesterday!  We received 1.34 inches of rain in Pine Cove……it’s not a lot, but it’s a start to what we hope will be a very wet winter!  It won’t be long, so come up, enjoy the beautiful weather!!

Get your Rain Barrel While Supplies Last

We have received another delivery of Rain Barrels for you to purchase.  We are selling these rain barrels to our customers for $57.19, provided the barrel is used in Pine Cove.  If you are buying a barrel and taking it off the hill, you do not qualify for the instant rebate, and you will need to pay the $70.00 full price that we paid.  Call now to reserve yours, or come by the office and pick yours up.

Rain Barrels Update

THEY ARE FINALLY ON THEIR WAY!!

We received notification this morning that the green Ivy rain barrels are in stock and will be shipped soon.  Available for pick -up 9/8/15. All components are included to start collecting and reusing your rainwater.

• Dimensions: 42.5″ (h) x 22″ (w) x 18″ (I)
• 50 gallons – Made in the USA!!!
• 50% recycled plastic
• Locking lid – All parts included
• Linking capacity
• 2 overflow ports
• Meets EPA safety standards
• Opaque HDPE material – Screened inlet

IVY RAIN BARREL / 50 GALLONS FOR $57.19.

Call our office at 659-2675 or stop by to reserve yours today.

Rain Barrel Spec Sheet

Tips to Save Water – Every Drop Counts!!!

Saving water is not hard. We simply need to be smart about using what we have. Here are a few easy water conservation tips:

• Never pour water down the drain, especially when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning.
• Make sure your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks.
• Repair dripping faucets, toilets, and sinks. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons of water per year.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow control.
• Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.
• Take shorter showers. Replace your shower head with an ultra-low version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water.
• Insulate your water pipes. You will get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Plant smart. Drought efficient landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they are operating properly.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps in controlling weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
• Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed.
• Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in your community.
• Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, etc.) to the property owner and local water district/agency.

IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN REDUCING YOUR WATER USAGE, TRY TO DO ONE THING EACH DAY THAT WILL RESULT IN SAVING WATER. EVERY DROP COUNTS – YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.