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Beaches Water Co.
                   NEWSLETTER - SUMMER 2001 
                   June 27, 2001
5901 Hillside Road
P.O. Box 164
St. Leonard,  MD  20685-0164
410-586-8710  Office
apc@chesapeake.net
.
 
OUR MISSION
-
"To provide water service that is dependable, economical, and meets or exceeds health standards for all co-operative members”
 
TOPICS INSIDE

I. Annual Water Quality Report
II. Water Usage & Conservation
III. Water Quality Improvements
IV. Hydrant Flushing
V. Financial
 
 
BWC OFFICE

LOCATION:
   5901 Hillside Rd
MAIL:
   P.O. Box 164
PHONE: 
     (410) 586-8710
WEB PAGE:
www.chesapeake.net/apc/bwc.html
EMAIL:
   apc@chesapeake.net
DROP BOX
   Outside Gate
 
 
Board of Directors
(As of June 2001)
Jack Jorgensen -
                        President
Stephen Davis -
                Vice President
Gary Clarke -
    Secretary / Treasurer
John Randall - Director
Bill Bozman - Director
Tony Penna - Director
John Wynn - Director
 
 
Contract Management
(As of June 2001)
Dennis DiBello - 
Business Manager /              Superintendent
Linda Speciale –
              Receptionist
Jackie Jacob - 
               Bookkeeper
Christi Brockman -
       Office Assistant
Kenny Grover – 
      Operations Tech
Ray Foster - 
   Maintenance Tech

Bill Rausch
In Remembrance of
William E. Rausch
who passed away 
August 1, 2001

I. Annual Water Quality Report

-

Our drinking water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements for community drinking water.  In 2000, there were no treatment plant, distribution system, bacteriological, or chemical Maximum Containment Level (MCL) violations. 

Our water quality results are based on testing done throughout the annual year 2000.  Terminology used in this report is what is generally accepted as a means of measurement of the degree of contaminates in the water.  Contaminates include natural occurring items in the water such as minerals and foreign matter which may or may not be acceptable based on the level.  The amount of containments in our drinking water is well below levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency in all categories.
 

Some Terms Defined
Action Level (AL) - The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements, which a water system must follow.
Non-Detects (ND) - Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter  - One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Treatment Technique (TT)  - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level  - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.  MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal  - The “Goal”(MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in the drinking water table (shown below), which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
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Water Characteristics tested in 2000
Contaminant MCLG MCL Level
Detected
Violation Likely Source
of Contamination
Arsenic (ppb)
n/a
50
10
No
Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrate (ppm)
n/a
50
< 1
No
Runoff from fertilizer use,
leaching from septic tanks,
sewage, Erosion of natural 
deposits
Nitrite (ppm)
n/a
50
< 1
No
Microbial
Results
MCLG
MCL
Level
Detected
Violation
Likely Source
of Contamination
1.  Total
Coliform 
Bacteria
0
Presence
not to
exceed 5%
of monthly
samples
0
No
Naturally Occurring

The Beaches Water Company routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The tables above show the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2000. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some constituents.  It's important to remember that the presence of these constituents does not necessarily pose a health risk.
 
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
-

If you have any questions about the Annual Water Quality Report or concerning your water service, please contact us at 410-586-8710. 
Usted puede obtener esta informacion en espanol por llamar por telefono la casa del ayuntamiento de Beaches Water Company a 410-586-8710.


Where Does Our Water Come From?
The sources of our drinking water are from 4 wells in the Nanjemoy and from 4 wells in the Aquia Aquifers, which lie respectively about 350 and 450 feet below the earth’s surface in a confined layer.  An aquifer is like an underground river, which is tapped by drilling wells and pumping the water to the surface for distribution.  The 350 feet of earth between the surface water sources and this underground river helps to purify the water before it actually reaches the aquifer, making it easier for us to treat before we pump it into your water distribution system.  The BWC wells are located in confined aquifers in the coastal plain as classified by the MDE source water assessment plan.  The confined layer offers the greatest amount of protection against surface contamination.  The replenishment zones for our aquifers are located in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.
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All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.  The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.  More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
-
Minimizing Water Usage:
Indoor water usage

Bullet Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.  Turning the water off can save 4-10 gallons of water per day.
Bullet Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load.  Dishwashers use up to 15 gallons of water for each load.
Bullet Run the clothes washer only when you have a full load.  Clothes washers use 20-25 gallons of water for each load.
Bullet Fix leaky faucets and toilets.  A leaky faucet or toilet can waste up to 25 gallons of water per day.
Bullet Replace conventional faucets and shower heads with low flow ones.

Water Quality Questions
Milky Water?

Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water.  When water enters your house it warms up allowing oxygen bubbles to escape that make the water look "milky".  To determine if this is what is happening, run water in a glass.  If the water clears from the bottom to top, then this phenomenon is occurring.

Chlorine smell?

Water is disinfected to ensure it is safe to drink.   Chlorine treatment is the most common and effective disinfectant.  At times the treated water may have a chlorine smell. This is the free chlorine residual that we must maintain to ensure the water at your tap is safe to drink.   Letting the water stand for a few minutes dissipates the smell.
 

II. Water Usage & Conservation

According to a recent State announcement our rain fall so far this year is below normal.  The State is implementing a State facility 10% reduction in water use and water audits throughout all agencies.  Homeowners are also encouraged to conserve water.  Some conservation items are listed to the left.

Community water allocation is calculated on a per household basis.  If we fail to use our water wisely, the Maryland Department of the Environment can impose mandatory water usage restrictions. 
 

III. Water Quality Improvements

The BWC field staff has been very busy with fixing leaks as well as making improvements to the system.  These guys work very hard under harsh, undesirable conditions.  We thank you for all the nice gestures and comments made about their work.  A positive comment goes a long way.

New 2 inch main - We added over 1000 feet of 2-inch pipe to create a loop on the backside of the older part of Long Beach.  This was a major improvement to water flow and improved the water quality as well in this area.

New 6 inch main  - We connected our waterfront pumping station, Gerard, via a 6-inch main back to the primary 6-inch loop distribution system.  We now have all pumping stations tied in with 6-inch mains.  Also in this area we now have increased fire hydrant service.  By having our internal staff install close to 1000 feet of 6-inch water pipe, the BWC has saved thousands of dollars.  It may take longer but it is worth the savings.
 


Outdoor water usage

BWC discourages lawn watering.  Almost half the water used by our members during the summer months is for outside water use, primarily lawn watering.  Most grasses can weather dry periods by going dormant.  Lawns quickly revive and turn green again after a rainfall.  Consider only watering plants that may die from a lack of water.  Here are some tips for effective watering if you have to water outside plants.

Bullet Don’t water on windy days.  The water only evaporates or blows to your neighbor’s yard.
Bullet Water every third day.  Over watering washes nutrients from the soil and can cause root rot. 
Bullet Water only long enough to put down ½” of water, use a soup can as a gauge.  More water will only wash nutrients below the root line.
Bullet If it rains don’t water for 2-3 days. 
Bullet To minimize the lawn watering effectiveness, lawn watering should occur between 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m.  Over-night watering is prohibited.

-
Schedule of Fees
(As of June 2001)
Quarterly Service
     $70.00
New Service
     $3,000.00
Pool (annual)
     $70.00
Shut-off
    $70.00  ($40.00
 Customer’s Request)
Reconnect
     $40.00
Extended Shut-off
     $280.00
Return Check
     $2500
Late Penalty
     One time 10% applied
15 days after quarter



     The Beaches Water Company is
     a not-for-profit community
     owned water system.  We now
     have over 800 member
     households in the communities
     of Long Beach, Calvert Beach,
    Cherry Lane Farm, Kings
    Creek II, & Calvert Beach
    Estates II


Quarterly Billing
January 1 April 1
July 1 October 1
A 10% finance charge is
assessed 15 days after
the quarter for unpaid bills

Meeting Notification

Announcing the Beaches Water
Company’s Annual Meeting

Date:  September 9, 2001
Time:  3:00 p.m.
Location:  Long Beach Civic
Center on Calvert Blvd






 

Check with your insurance company for reduced rates for having nearby hydrants.  Some members have reported as much as $30.00 per year reduction in insurance rates.
BWC worked closely with the County to install new water mains before major road paving on Long Beach Drive. 

IV. Hydrant Flushing

Hydrants are flushed in the Spring and the Fall.  During the flushing you may notice cloudy air-entrained, brown water, which can be cleared by running your water for a few minutes.  Start with the highest faucet in the house and then every other faucet working from the highest point in the house to the lowest floor.  This is a temporary situation, which should clear in 24 hours.  You may also want to run your washer without clothes to ensure the discolored water does not stain any fabrics.  This situation may also occur if we are making repairs or additions to the system.  We make every effort to bleed outside faucets in the areas affected. We appreciate your patience. 
 

V. Financial

This year's budget has been dramatically changed in that for the first time we have not accounted for new hookups as part of our operating revenue.  The new hookup fees are intended for capital improvements and repairs to the system thus, should not be used to offset the budget.  The number of new hookups has decreased in recent years and has been unpredictable.  The Board of Directors recognizes that we are nearing build out in the community and hookup fees will become non-existent in the future.   Operating revenues must be supported solely by water rents.  After much deliberation, the Board decided to raise rates from the current $65.00 to $70.00 per Quarter for the fiscal year 2002 billing.
 

BWC FY 2002 BUDGET INCOME
Water service
200,760
Shut off/Reconnect fees
520
Pool water service
1,820
Total Income
$ 203,100
BWC FY 2002 BUDGET EXPENSES
Auditing
3,500
Bad Debt
200
Bank Service Charges
100
Depreciation Expense
 17,690
Professional Memberships
500
Engineering
500
Insurance
7,500
Mortgage interest - GMAC
14,340
Mortgage interest -MDE
5,120
Credit Line - Calvert Bank
500
Legal
350
Licenses and Permits
200
Office - Other
3,600
Operating Supplies
  3,500
Repairs & Maintenance
7,500
Routine Service
115,500
Utilities
20,000
Water Testing
2,500
Total Expense
$ 203,100

 
Beaches Water Company being a community owned system works closely with its members to assist with problems on the service line from the road to the house.  The responsibility of the water company ends at the curb valve.  In those cases where the leak exists on the member’s property, BWC can advise various courses of action that can be more economical than just calling the first available plumber at premium fees.  A lot of times we are able to relieve the immediate emergency by providing alternative service via a neighbor’s hose bib connection.  In behalf of those whose receive this kind of support, we thank the neighbors who provided this consideration. 

Ruler

Please submit all questions and comments to 
beacheswater5901@gmail.com