While production at Fern Valley Water District fell nearly 8 percent during the first six months of 2015, General Manager Steve Erler expressed surprise that the level of the district’s wells continues to fall. He reported that the level for all the wells was lower in July.
The observational well (outside the office) dropped nearly 7 inches in July to its current level of 17.25 feet. The recorded lowest level is 17.5 feet in October 2002. The well is less than 3 inches above this level.
Despite July rains, Erler told the board at the Aug. 21 meeting, “I haven’t noticed anything on the well levels yet.”
Work has commenced on the pipeline replacement project, Erler reported. Following the discovery of a mainline leak on Rim Rock Road, he decided to add this portion of the district’s pipes into the project.
While it was included in the original project plan, Erler deleted this portion before seeking bids. El-Co Contractors’ winning bid was nearly $100,000 below budget; consequently, Erler amended the contract. The additional work will cost about $110,000.
“It would be in the best interest of the district to include the Rim Rock Road pipeline and appurtenances in the year’s capital improvement project,” he wrote in his explanation to the board.
“The 57-year old … water main is full of repair bands and staff has since learned that undersized service lines were installed back in 1958,” he added.
Board President Robert Krieger concurred and said, “We’ve reconsidered. We had it in the plan and took it out. But why fool with problem repairs?”
