Based on March’s board meeting –
New manager – Matt, new engineer – Chris
Charlie Smith has helped with the transition but is now retired.
Back in 2010 a capital improvement plan was developed but… the intervening years have been spent on patching the system LDWA inherited to keep the water flowing. The board is talking about revisiting the 2010 plan. Meanwhile, this past November, the main water pump had an issue that caused a drop in pressure that might have resulted in significant system damage. Chris and Charlie were able to patch their way back to a working system without loss of access to their customers. A second/backup pump has been ordered and is expected sometime this year. The recent newspaper article about PFAS reminds everyone that regulations can be changed in very little time and can lead to unpleasant rate increases.
The current lake level is 789′ with full access expected to the pine ridge ditch in May. However, in late summer water from Lake Nighthorse may be needed to cool off Lake Durango depending on this summer’s weather.
My personal takeaway is one of concern – new group of engineers, same old problems with an even older infrastructure. Hopefully, the older pump holds up until the new one is installed.
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