Another active year has passed for our Beaches Water Company. First I want to commend all of our Board of Directors for their participation in serving the Water Company.  Our staff is dedicated to our company, and has performed in the highest order. 

Our property owner company is rather unique in our area and over the years has performed wonders in transporting a bankrupt private water company into one of the best in Calvert County.  It simply could not be done without a dedicated Board of Directors and an active community membership.

The weather has not been cooperating with planned progress in renovating some of the old water lines in the system, but we expect to be back on track by the end of the summer.  There may be some water shutoffs scheduled, but with the new controls we have installed, fewer homes will be affected.  Notices will be posted and the off times will be minimized. 

We are actively planning to take care of any and all system deficiencies by planned replacements in the future.

Please plan to attend the Company annual meeting in September.  Details will be mailed later this summer.
 

Sincerely, Jack C. Jorgensen President
.. Announcing the Beaches Water Company’s Annual Meeting Date:  September 14, 2003 Time: 3:00 pm  Location:  Long Beach Civic Center on Calvert Blvd

Remember even with the massive amounts of rain that we have had this Spring, our water is drawn from deep aquifers.  It takes years for surface water to replenish these deep aquifers.  Conservation is just as important now as it was last year during the drought periods.  Therefore, please use water wisely.  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. Multiple Services

The Bylaws of the Company charge the Board of Directors with maintaining the financial health of the Company.  Being a member-owned not-for-profit business means that each member pays his or her fair share for the availability of a safe and secure water supply now and in the future.  The understanding under the Rules is that each connection serves one household, and multiple households on one tap are considered to be the same as additional hookups.  Past practice has always been that the term “household” refers to any portion of a dwelling, which could function alone, meaning that it has a separate bathroom and kitchen facilities.  This would clearly mean any attached or detached building, which is so equipped, or even a basement or other apartment so equipped within the dwelling.  This is simple and clear in the case of the rental of an apartment, garage, or other portion of a dwelling.  However, it must also include ‘mother-in-law' apartments equipped and used in that way whether they are charged for or not.  If your property falls within this description and is actively used in this way, please be aware that you are responsible for paying for the water use of multiple households both because it is necessary under the rules but also because it is only fair to our other members, your neighbors.   If this describes your property, please contact the Company and we will adjust your bill accordingly.  If you were unaware of this requirement and notify the Company, you will be billed only on a future basis, not for past usage. 
 

IV. Security Concerns

Due to the September 11 attack, there has been increased concern about the security of water systems. Many measures have been made to ensure the safety of our drinking water. These measures include fencing, lighting, wellheads concrete enclosures, and emergency alert procedures. Any unauthorized entry into the fenced area must be fully reported.  Please ensure your children do not enter the fenced in areas of the water company.  If you see unusual behavior at the pumping stations or hydrants, please give us a call.

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).

Although Beaches Water Company, Inc. has been able to defray certain costs; increases in other operating costs and capital expenditures have made it necessary for us to increase our fees.  The Schedule of Fees below reflects a $5.00 increase in our rates effective July 1, 2003. 

The following chart is a breakdown of the budget for the fiscal year 2004,
7/1/03 – 6/30/04.