Middlesex Water Authority

Transcription

1

2 Middlesex Water Authority Established by the Middlesex Board of Supervisors on June 10, Purpose: to determine whether there is a need for the Authority to construct and operate a water system within the established service areas of Middlesex County. If feasible, the Authority may construct, operate or contract for such water system as is deemed necessary. The Authority cannot require mandatory connections to any water system and will instead employ initial connection fees that encourage, but do not require connection. The Authority must be a self-sustaining entity without County general fund subsidy.

3 Benefits of a Public Water System Public Health and Safety The Water Authority will be regulated by the VA Department of Health and be required to maintain high quality water. The system will be operated by trained, licensed professional operators to ensure excellent quality and service. No bacteria in your well from the neighbors failed septic systems. Restaurants and other public establishments can be confident their water is safe. Fire Protection Makes home safer for you and your family. Can lower homeowner s insurance premiums by 30% or more. Helps existing and potential new businesses. Less Hassle No well pumps or treatment equipment to maintain. Never out of water due to equipment failure because regulated public water system requires redundancy. Have water during power failures. Good Water from your Tap No reason to apologize or explain Deltaville water to your guests. Clothes actually come out of the washer cleaner than they went in. Bathe in water that smells clean. Drinkable water from your faucets!

4 Groundwater in Coastal Plain of Virginia Typical Aquifer Configuration with Confining Units Aquifers in Coastal Plain of Virginia

5 Groundwater in Deltaville and the Influence of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater Crater Impact Area Crater Impact Effect on Aquifers

6 Water Samples Existing Deltaville Water Sample Proposed New Deltaville Water System

7 Conceptual Layout Treatment Plant

8 Preliminary Deployment Map

9 Project Timeline 1. Conduct Town Hall Meetings to solicit interest and Subscriber Agreements: May July Subscriber Agreements and initial Deposit due August 31, Application for Funding - Aug Deadline to Determine Project viability Oct Funding Application Approved Nov Design Build Contract signed Nov Design and Permitting of Water Treatment and Distribution System Nov 2015 Nov Commence Construction of Water System Aug Complete Construction of Water System April Balance of Connection Fee is Due when available at your connection Estimated at April Water Service to Deltaville April 2018.

10 Project Timeline Year Month Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Receive and Evaluate Proposals Develop MOU and Subscriber Agreement Prepare for Public Information Meetings Hold Public Meetings/Public Outreach Accept Subscriber Agreements and Deposits Determine Viability of Project Secure Financing Execute Contract with Sydnor Bowman Team Design and Permitting Construct Deltaville Water System Enjoy Clean Clear Water

11 Subscriber Agreement Developed to insure that an adequate number of initial commitments are received before moving forward on deployment of a water system. Requires written and binding commitment with a 10% deposit toward the connection fee and is due by August 31, Deposit is 100% refundable should water system project be determined not feasible. The balance of the connection fee must be paid prior to the installation of a water meter. The Authority is investigating payment options for the connection fee. Once connected, the Subscriber cannot disconnect from the public water system and resume the use of a private water source for potable uses.

12 Average Monthly Bills a comparison Electric $ Telephone $41.80 Cell Phone (Verizon)...$ Cable...$64.41 Internet (mid tier)...$46.92 Water......$30.63 Gloucester s rate for water is currently $ (Monthly water fees across the State range from a low of $10.40 in Altavista to a high of $59.20 in Strasburg) Sources: 2103, Electric Bill Study by EIA.gov, Telephone 2011 Study by Statista.com, Verizon Study Arstechnica.com, Cable Study FCC, Internet Time Warner, Water Draper Aden Water Rate Study

13 Preliminary Connection Fees, Rates & Other Costs ¾ 1 1 ½ 2 3 Connection fee prior to August 31, 2015 $5,000 $12,500 $25,000 $40,000 $65,000 Connection fee after August 31, 2015 $10,000 $25,000 $50,000 $80,000 $100,000 Minimum monthly bill active account $55 $100 $200 $400 $500 Base volume ( gal/month) 4,000 5,000 10,000 20,000 30,000 Rate per 1000 gal above base volume $12 $20 $20 $20 $20 Monthly Reservation cost $20 $40 $80 $160 $200 Other Service Connection Costs $500- $1,000 $500- $1,500 * * * Maximum flow rate (GPM) Typical residential user requires ¾ meter * Cost varies based on piping and backflow requirements

14 Estimated costs of a new well in Deltaville New 60 to 120 well = $5, Majority of new wells require treatment: Water softener system = $2,000 to $3,000 Under sink RO system = $1, Complex/Whole house treatment systems = $20, to $25, Requires regular maintenance and service Source: Krout s Well Drilling and Fetteroff Well Drilling

15 Frequently Asked Questions Question: Who will own the Water system? Answer: Middlesex Water Authority (MWA) will own the water system. Question: What do I have to do to connect to the water system? Answer: Please complete a subscriber agreement and make a deposit before August 31, The subscriber will be responsible for payment of any outstanding balance of the connection fee when the Deltaville water system service is available, and it is recommended to hire a plumber to complete the connection. It is estimated that this additional cost to the user will range from $500 - $1,000 for an average residential connection. Question: How will I know when to pay the balance of the connection fee? Answer: MWA will hold regular public meetings to keep residents and customers aware of progress during construction as well as estimates of when service will be available. The Authority is investigating installment payment options. Question: Do I need to hire a plumber? Answer: A connection will need to be installed from the meter to the residential or business user. A Plumbing Permit is issued only to a licensed plumber or homeowner, in order to complete the work and to ensure the integrity of the water system is maintained. Plumbing costs will include installation of backflow prevention devices (vacuum breakers) and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

16 Frequently Asked Questions Question: Will I still be able to use my well for irrigation? Answer: Yes, if desired, you can continue to use your well for irrigation. A licensed plumber will disconnect plumbing from the dwelling to the well and will connect your property to the new Deltaville water system. Question: What does the Backflow prevention device do for me? Answer: Backflow prevention devices are required by the building code and prevent cross contamination to the water system from Pools, restaurant equipment, HVAC equipment and other commercial equipment which may need a connection to the water system Question: Will the new water system also provide fire protection? Answer: Yes, fire hydrants will be installed every 1000 feet, where pipes are installed for the system. Question: How Often will I get a water bill? Answer: Middlesex Water Authority will send out bills on a monthly basis. Question: Can I turn off my water in the winter to avoid paying my water bill? Answer: No, however your service can be secured for a fee during the winter to prevent excess water bills/property damage if your pipes freeze and break. Minimum monthly rates will still be due each month.

17 Frequently Asked Questions Question: Will my water from the new water system have any taste or odor problems? Answer: No. Water to be supplied from the new Deltaville water system will be free of taste, odor and iron problems. Question: Why do I need to connect to the new water system? Answer: Water from the new system will be treated to remove excess iron, salt and hardness and will provide a long term, reliable and safe source of drinking water for future generations. Question: What are some other non-potable uses for my well water if I choose to keep my existing well? Answer: Other uses for your existing well water may include filling swimming pools, washing cars and rinsing off watercraft and irrigation of lawns and/or gardens. Question: Why not pipe water from Hartfield? Answer: Running water lines from Hartfield was not found to be an economically viable option. Question: Is the Water Authority applying for Grant Funding? Answer: Yes. The Water Authority is applying for Grant Funding that could be used to assist low to moderate income subscribers connect to the water system.

18 Frequently Asked Questions Question: What factors went into determining the rates used by the Deltaville Water System? Answer: The groundwater system of aquifers underlying the Deltaville area were impacted by the meteor that struck earth many thousands of years ago. This event collapsed/compressed the fresh water aquifers found in other parts of the State. These collapsed aquifers have been affected by saltwater intrusion from the larger Potomac Aquifer. The proposed water system is being designed to remove the salts found in the groundwater and produce very clean, potable water. The equipment needed to clean the water of the size needed to serve the whole community is more expensive than normal filter units that just remove particles. Additionally, this system is being designed and built with redundant pumps, tanks, treatment units, etc. such that it is a very reliable system to insure customers receive water and fire protection during severe weather events.

19 For more information: Questions?? visit the Middlesex Water Authority webpage: call:

20 It s time to celebrate! The opportunity for good, clean drinking water is here! Sign up now!