News & Announcements

Eastwood Farms Customers Vote to Form Assessment District Under East Valley Water District

Highland, Calif., (September 15, 2010) – After a 58-percent weighted majority vote by the members of Eastwood Farms Community Water Users (Eastwood Farms) and adoption of a resolution by the East Valley Water District Board of Directors, an Eastwood Farms Assessment District was approved Wednesday night. The vote means East Valley Water District (EVWD) will obtain receivership of Eastwood Farms customers, who have been connected to EVWD emergency service since July 1997.

“The formation of the assessment district is the best thing that could have happened to our water agency,” said Dr. Zekai “Doc” Nazikoglu, vice-president of Eastwood Farms and a member since 1979. “I am so grateful to Mabelle Nazikoglu, East Valley Water District and the County for securing the grant and loan funding that really made this all possible.”

State funding, secured collaboratively by EVWD and Eastwood Farms will pay for about half of the estimated $2.2 million needed to upgrade the area with water mains, service lines and fire hydrants. The last requirement of a $1 million Safe Drinking Water, State Revolving Fund Grant and a $264,440 zero-interest state loan was the formation of an assessment district. The vote Wednesday will put the wheels in motion to obtain the necessary funds and begin construction.

Once started, construction is expected to take about three months. After all services are installed, a final assessment of each parcel will be conducted, and residents in the Eastwood Farms Assessment District will have an added assessment fee added to their property taxes to repay their portion of the upgrades, including the state loan and a $198,330 loan from EVWD. No property owner will have to pay for the upgrades upfront.

The initial cost estimate of the project was determined by an independent, state-registered professional, McKeever Engineering, based in Riverside, retained by EVWD.

“We look forward to upgrading service to these residents, giving them a permanent water system they can rely on, including fire hydrants and 24-hour on-call service,” said Robert Martin, EVWD general manager. “We welcome open communication from our new customers as we go through the construction and assessment process.”

Once all parcels are connected to EVWD’s service lines and meters, EVWD will disconnect the emergency service. Eastwood Farms is expected to cap or destroy its inoperable well, liquidate any assets and dissolve as an entity.
Additional benefits to the new customers in the assessment district include 24-hour emergency service and on-call staff, access to EVWD’s emergency water storage facilities, and metered water service, which means customers only pay for what they use, rather than the flat rate Eastwood Farms customers currently pay.

In 1997, the County of San Bernardino Department of Environmental Health discovered water quality issues at the Eastwood Farms well. EVWD established an emergency connection to Eastwood Farms customers at that time. Since then, Eastwood Farms determined it cannot economically drill a new well to provide quality, reliable water to its customers. Recently, the County of San Bernardino asked Eastwood Farms to permanently transfer its connections to EVWD to ensure continued safety and reliability to the homeowners and businesses in that area of Highland, between 3rd Street and 6th Street, east of Tippecanoe Avenue.

Assessment District ballots were sent at the end of July to about 120 parcel owners. Ballots were sealed until Wednesday night, when the votes were tallied and calculated by a weighted majority that considers several factors, including number of parcels, parcel size(s), frontage, size of service(s) and other details.

For more information about EVWD call (909) 885-4900 or visit www.eastvalley.org.

Download a Printable PDF

2010 Water Quality & Regulatory Conference

2010 Water Quality & Regulatory Conference With Security & Emergency Response Set for November 3-4 in Ontario.

Full details can be found here.

New Disconnect Notice Charge

Disconnect Notice Charge – Effective October 1, 2010, a $5.00 Disconnect Notice Charge will be assessed when a Final Pink Notice is generated for an account. Please avoid this charge by paying past due balances at least 3 days prior to the disconnect date.

Eastwood Farms Assessment District would mean added benefits to those already receiving emergency service from EVWD

Highland, Calif., (August 31, 2010) – Members of Eastwood Farms Community Water Users (Eastwood Farms) are being asked to vote for or against the formation of the Eastwood Farms Assessment District (EFAD). If approved, East Valley Water District (EVWD) would obtain receivership of Eastwood Farms customers, who have been connected to EVWD emergency service since July 1997.

Assessment District ballots were sent at the end of July to about 120 parcel owners. Eastwood Farms customers are asked to return the completed ballots to EVWD administrative offices or bring them to the Public Hearing set for September 15 at the Highland City Council Chambers. At the hearing, the votes will be tallied and then calculated by a weighted majority that considers several factors, including number of parcels, parcel size(s), frontage, size of service(s) and other details.
If approved, parcel owners in the newly established EFAD could begin seeing construction of new water lines between 3rd Street and 6th Street, east of Tippecanoe Avenue in the next few months. Service lines to all homes and businesses in that area could take about 3 months to complete.

“After so long of not knowing what we could do to independently serve our customers with clean, reliable water, our best resolution is being realized. Forming the assessment district is a win-win for everyone,” said Dr. Zekai “Doc” Nazikoglu, vice-president of Eastwood Farms and a member since 1979. Nazikoglu’s wife, Mabelle initiated Eastwood Farm’s grant and loan applications.

State funding, secured collaboratively by EVWD and Eastwood Farms, is in place to begin upgrading the area with water mains, service lines and fire hydrants, which is expected to increase property values. The last requirement of a $1 million Safe Drinking Water, State Revolving Fund Grant, which supports consolidation of public agencies, and a $264,440 zero- interest loan is the formation of an assessment district. If the vote is favorable, the final paperwork will be filed, and the funds would be available to EVWD, which would be responsible for the completion of service lines and the water delivery system. The State has designated EVWD as the administrator because of its proven capacity to provide safe, reliable water to customers in Highland and San Bernardino.

“Many of our users still believe Eastwood Farms could drill another well and service ourselves, but this is simply not possible because of state and county regulations and financial constraints,” said Nazikoglu. “Without the assistance from EVWD, I don’t know what we would do. We are a water district without water.”

The formation of an assessment district would not cost land owners any money upfront. Instead, after all services are installed, a final assessment of each parcel would be conducted, and that information would be submitted to the County tax assessor for the remaining 54-percent of the upgrades not covered by the state grant. The state loan would be paid back over 30 years. A loan from EVWD would be paid over 10 years. EVWD retained the services of an independent, state-registered professional, McKeever Engineering, based in Riverside, to determine the cost of upgrading the Eastwood Farms parcels and the assessments that would be incurred by each parcel owner.

Robert Martin, EVWD general manager, says his agency will work with land owners to explain how assessments were determined and make adjustments, if necessary. EVWD engineers will also work with property owners to determine the meter size that is right for their parcel and usage. EVWD is also amicable to customers who prefer installing their own lateral service lines, if they believe they can save money doing so.

“If the assessment district is approved, we want this process to be as simple and painless as possible,” said Martin. “We truly believe that securing new water lines and fire hydrants in that area is in the best interest of the land owners. As new customers, we welcome open communication from the beginning of the process.”

Once all parcels are connected to EVWD’s service lines and meters, EVWD would then disconnect the emergency service. Eastwood Farms would likely cap or destroy its inoperable well, liquidate any assets and dissolve as an entity.
Additional benefits to the new customers in the assessment district include 24-hour emergency service and on-call staff, access to EVWD’s emergency water storage facilities, and metered water service, which means customers only pay for what they use, rather than the flat rate Eastwood Farms customers currently pay.

If the weighted vote does not approve the assessment district, EVWD and Eastwood Farms would have to review other options, which Paul McCullough, Eastwood Farms Board President says are far less appealing to him and his Board. EVWD could terminate the emergency water connection without obligation, if its Board determines it is in the best interest of the District. EVWD could also file a petition with the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to request that that agency take over the operations of Eastwood Farms.

“We know we have the support of the Eastwood Farms Board, but it will take a weighted majority of land owners to officially set this in motion,” said Martin. “The time has come for a reasonable, permanent solution for Eastwood Farms customers. We are hopeful that the vote will approve the assessment district and allow EVWD to continue providing safe, reliable water to these customers in the most responsible way.”

In 1997, the County of San Bernardino Department of Environmental Health discovered water quality issues at the Eastwood Farms well. EVWD established an emergency connection to Eastwood Farms customers at that time. Since then, Eastwood Farms determined it cannot economically drill a new well to provide quality, reliable water to its customers.

Recently, the County of San Bernardino asked Eastwood Farms to permanently transfer its connections to EVWD to ensure continued safety and reliability to the homeowners and businesses in that area of Highland.

EVWD mailed a Proposition 218 public hearing notice and an assessment ballot to Eastwood Farms customers on July 29. The ballot asks for a yes or no vote on the formation of an assessment district. A public hearing and vote tally is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15 at 6 p.m. in the Highland City Council Chambers, 27215 Baseline Road.

For more information about EVWD call (909) 885-4900 or visit www.eastvalley.org.

Download Printable PDF

Plant 24 Well A Flushing, Beginning 9/14/10

Beginning on 09/14/10, East Valley Water District will continue flushing Plant 24 Well B. Due to repairs and maintenance the plant had to be shut down. Due to federal and state regulations the plant will need to be flushed before it can be placed back into the distribution system. Plant 24 is located at the corner of Lynwood and Harrison in San Bernardino.

The district is looking at flushing for approximately 8 hours for 6 days (09/14-17/10 & 09/20-21/10), approx. 8am – 4pm and 9/22/10-9/23/10, approximately 9am-11am. If the sampling comes back absent of bacteria it will be returned to service on the fifth day. If sampling comes back positive for bacteria, we will need to continue flushing until we get a good sample, so it is possible we may need to flush more days.

The Water that is being flushed is non-potable (not fit for human consumption) water. The intersection at Lynwood & Harrison will be affected by this flushing. Warning signs regarding the flushing will be posted in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions regarding this flushing please call our Engineering Department during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at (909) 888-8986.

EVWD Providing Emergency Water Service to more than 2000 People

Highland, Calif., (August 6, 2010) – East Valley Water District (EVWD) is providing emergency water service to more than 2000 customers at about 425 service connections belonging to the Baseline Gardens Mutual Water Company (Baseline Gardens). After discovering water quality issues, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) required Baseline Gardens to turn off all customer connections. Without disruption to service, EVWD and the City of San Bernardino stepped in with emergency water connections at the end of July. While the CDPH and Baseline Gardens determine a plan of action to comply with state and federal water quality regulations, EVWD is providing more than 100,000 gallons of water per day to people living between Baseline Street and Pacific Avenue, east of Pacific High School; most of these homes are already connected to EVWD’s sewer system.

“Providing emergency water to homes and businesses is part of our commitment to our greater community,” said Robert Martin, EVWD General Manager. “We are happy to step-in and provide this lifeline to our neighbors.”

The situation at Baseline Gardens is very similar to challenges that struck another small, independent water system neighboring EVWD. The District is already providing emergency water service to Eastwood Farms Community Water Users (Eastwood Farms), which includes approximately 120 service connections to homes and businesses between 3rd Street and 6th Street, east of Tippecanoe Avenue. This emergency service has been in place since September 1996.

Because Eastwood Farms cannot economically drill a new well to provide quality, reliable water to its customers, San Bernardino County asked Eastwood Farms to transfer its connections to EVWD. This action requires a majority approval of current Eastwood Farms customers, which are being asked to submit ballots on this issue by September 15, 2010. If by that time a majority of Eastwood Farms customers have not voted and/or approved the water service transfer, EVWD could decide to disconnect the emergency water service and leave these customers without water.

“We are hopeful that the Eastwood Farms customers understand the extreme implications of what they are voting on when they receive the notice and ballot through certified mail,” said Martin. “It would certainly not be our first choice to discontinue water service to anyone, but we cannot reasonably continue this emergency connection without the proper protocols in place. The responsible action is for a water provider to be accountable to these customers and provide them high quality, reliable drinking water.”

EVWD mailed a Proposition 218 public hearing notice and an assessment ballot to Eastwood Farms customers on July 29. The ballot asks for a yes or no vote on the formation of an Assessment District. A public hearing and vote tally is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15 at 6 p.m. in the Highland City Council Chambers, 27215 Baseline Road. At that hearing a majority of Eastwood Farms customers must vote in favor of forming the proposed Assessment District and joining the EVWD service area, or their current emergency water service could be indefinitely terminated, until another solution can be determined by CDPH and Eastwood Farms.

For more information about EVWD call (909) 889-9501 or visit www.eastvalley.org.

Download Printable PDF

News Release: East Valley Water District Completes Final Grant Requirement Funding will allow District to move forward on vital capital improvement projects

East Valley Water District Completes Final Grant Requirement Funding will allow District to move forward on vital capital improvement projects

Highland, Calif., (July 15, 2010) – East Valley Water District has met the final criteria for a $3 million grant and an $8 million 0% interest loan distributed through the State’s “Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,” which is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The deadline for final application is tomorrow, July 16th, when District officials will submit the final paperwork.

The District had already received a Notice of Application Acceptance, but had to prove several criteria before the funding could be distributed. The last requirement was to certify that proposed water rates were adopted in accordance with Proposition 218. At a special meeting Thursday night, the District’s Board of Directors voted 5-0 to approve a new water rate structure.

“The Board’s unanimous decision allows the District to maintain responsible fiscal management,” said Robert E. Martin, EVWD General Manager. “Cutting costs and aggressively pursuing funding opportunities like these grants and zero-interest loans are what allow us to preserve a median rate structure in California.”

This money, plus an additional $3 million in grant funding and $15.6 million in 0% interest loans, expected to be secured in next year’s budget, will offset the $31 million needed to comply with new State and Federal water regulations and maintain EVWD’s high quality standards for safe, reliable water.

The EPA funds will support two of EVWD’s primary capital improvement projects including a new treatment plant and booster station and upgrades to its current Treatment Plant 134. Improvements needed to comply with new EPA disinfectant regulations at Plant 134 are expected to begin in August, now that the last funding criteria has been met.

The District expects to break ground on the new Treatment Plant and Booster Station at Plant 150, at the southwest corner of 6th Street and Del Rosa Drive, next year. The new facility will ensure water from several District wells continues to meet newly adopted and future water quality standards established by the California Department Public Health, particularly Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for perchlorate.

“The final step is an official signing of the Funding Agreement, which will trigger fund distribution and kick- off official project construction,” said Brian Tompkins, EVWD Chief Financial Officer. The signing of the Funding Agreement is expected in late August.

###

East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 to provide domestic water service to the unincorporated and agricultural-based communities of Highland and East Highlands. Today EVWD provides water and sewer collection services to about 68,000 people in western San Bernardino County. EVWD operates under the direction of a 5-member elected Board. The Mission of East Valley Water District is to provide its customers with a safe and reliable water supply that is delivered at a fair and cost-effective price. More information is available at www.eastvalley.org.

East Valley Water District Completes Final Grant Requirement

Funding will allow District to move forward on vital capital improvement projects

Highland, Calif., (July 15, 2010) – East Valley Water District has met the final criteria for a $3 million grant and an $8 million 0% interest loan distributed through the State’s “Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,” which is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The deadline for final application is tomorrow, July 16th, when District officials will submit the final paperwork.

The District had already received a Notice of Application Acceptance, but had to prove several criteria before the funding could be distributed. The last requirement was to certify that proposed water rates were adopted in accordance with Proposition 218. At a special meeting Thursday night, the District’s Board of Directors voted 5-0 to approve a new water rate structure.

“The Board’s unanimous decision allows the District to maintain responsible fiscal management,” said Robert E. Martin, EVWD General Manager. “Cutting costs and aggressively pursuing funding opportunities like these grants and zero-interest loans are what allow us to preserve a median rate structure in California.”

This money, plus an additional $3 million in grant funding and $15.6 million in 0% interest loans, expected to be secured in next year’s budget, will offset the $31 million needed to comply with new State and Federal water regulations and maintain EVWD’s high quality standards for safe, reliable water.

The EPA funds will support two of EVWD’s primary capital improvement projects including a new treatment plant and booster station and upgrades to its current Treatment Plant 134. Improvements needed to comply with new EPA disinfectant regulations at Plant 134 are expected to begin in August, now that the last funding criteria has been met.

The District expects to break ground on the new Treatment Plant and Booster Station at Plant 150, at the southwest corner of 6th Street and Del Rosa Drive, next year. The new facility will ensure water from several District wells continues to meet newly adopted and future water quality standards established by the California Department Public Health, particularly Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for perchlorate.

“The final step is an official signing of the Funding Agreement, which will trigger fund distribution and kick- off official project construction,” said Brian Tompkins, EVWD Chief Financial Officer. The signing of the Funding Agreement is expected in late August.

Download Printable PDF

News Release: EVWD Completes Critical Pipeline and Begins New Projects

EVWD Completes Critical Pipeline and Begins New Projects

Highland, Calif., (July 2, 2010) – A critical water main replacement project that will benefit customers near Union Street, Vine Street and Fairfax Lane is complete. East Valley Water District engineers and construction crews worked on the pipeline for several months. The $500,000 project is one of many capital improvements the District has planned over the next three years.

Crews will break ground for another new pipeline along Live Oak Avenue later this month as part of a project that will replace more than 2500 feet of substandard water mains in several neighborhoods, including Crest Street, Bruce Street and Hill View Street.

“Many of the District improvements are standard replacement projects, however two key projects were prompted by new state and federal regulations that we must comply with,” said Robert E. Martin, EVWD General Manager. “Of course, we want to move quickly on these mandates because they support our mission to provide customers with safe and reliable drinking water.”

Upgrades to the treatment plant at Highland Avenue and the 330 Freeway, plus designing and building a new treatment plant and booster station at Del Rosa Drive and 6th Street will enable the District to maintain its high quality standards and adhere to new regulations established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

By early fall, Conejo Drive will be upgraded with about 2600 feet of 10-inch sewer pipe – up from the current 6-inch pipe. The larger main will allow for better sewage flow without interruption. Upcoming projects include improvements to Plant 143, which will reduce air in the pipes that deliver water to customer’s homes east of Boulder Avenue. Also, crews will continue the Sterling Pipeline Project and upgrade more than two miles of 30-inch pipe beginning at 6th Street and Lankershim Street to 3rd Street, east of Palm Avenue.

These capital improvement projects will cost the District more than $45 million. Nearly 70-percent of this budget is earmarked for the mandated projects the other 30-percent will go toward routine upgrades and facilities improvements. In order to comply with regulations and manage customer rates, the District secured a $3 million grant from the “Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,” which is supported by the EPA and distributed through the CDPH. The District anticipates an additional $3 million grant by 2011. EVWD qualifies for more than $23 million in 0% interest loans, expected by next year.

An informational slide show was recently added to the District’s website, eastvalley.org, to show customers more about these projects.

# # #

Watch a video about East Valley Water District improvements

# # #

East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 to provide domestic water service to the unincorporated and agricultural-based communities of Highland and East Highlands. Today EVWD provides water and sewer collection services to about 68,000 people in western San Bernardino County. EVWD operates under the direction of a 5-member elected Board. The Mission of East Valley Water District is to provide its customers with a safe and reliable water supply that is delivered at a fair and cost-effective price. More information is available at www.eastvalley.org.

Media Contact:
Cara Van Dijk
760-776-1766 office
760-668-2424 cell

Plant flushing from 6/24-6/28 will affect Lynwood & Harrison intersection

Beginning on 6/24/10, East Valley Water District will begin flushing Plant 24 Well A. Due to repairs and maintenance the plant had to be shut down. Due to federal and state regulations the plant will need to be flushed before if can be placed back into the distribution system. Plant 24 is located at the corner of Lynwood and Harrison in San Bernardino.

The district is looking at flushing for approximately 10 hours for 3 days (6/24- 6/25- 6/28), approx. 7am – 5pm, and 1-2 hrs approx. 8am – 10am the following 2 days (6/29-6/30) if the sampling comes back absent of bacteria it will be returned to service on the third day. If sampling comes back positive for bacteria we will need to continue flushing until we get a good sample, so it is possible we may need to flush more days.

The Water that is being flushed is non-potable (not fit for human consumption) water. The intersection at Lynwood & Harrison will be affected by this flushing. Warning signs regarding the flushing will be posted in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions regarding this flushing please call our Engineering Department during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at (909) 888-8986.