20161102Request Letter.pdf

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Rate case, Morning View Water Co. # MNV-W-16-0'y' RECE IVED
Update October 13, 2016 2016 Q:-'T 13 p 1 3: 00
Attention: Jean Jewel, Terri Carlock Idaho Public Utilities Commission
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On October 6 2016 our well system failed and we had a flood. A small part
failed on the new well and the security systems failed to alert us of the
problem. The result was that the message to the new well was "low
pressure." The new well pumped for several hours at 130 lbs of pressure.
The high pressure blew out a pipe in the old well house. Water shot up
damaging the ceiling, insulation, dry wall and water was two feet deep when
the door was opened. The electrical boxes and two computers operating the
two older wells were saturated with water.
We worked until the water leak was turned off. The whole system was shut
off and the failed part was changed. The new well is functioning and clean
up was begun. The two older wells are off for repairs.
The following are damages:
A 6 X6 foot collapse of the ceiling with insulation.
The north wall drywall was partially collapsed including insulation.
The electrical panels and two computers regulating the two pumps were
knocked out.
The west, south and east walls were flooded to about two feet of drywall.
The seal on the bottom of the garage door opening was ruined.
Pump supplies were soaked and some are damaged.
The new valve and meter installed last November separated from the pipes.
We will need to ascertain if it is damaged, a new connection pipe needs to be
purchased and reconnections made.
We are trying to dry out the well house and equipment before we can test the
computers and mechanicals.
DEQ required testing has been done.
Actual costs and estimates for repairs are being ascertained but this setback
represents a significant blow to our company.
Ryan Loftus the engineer with the construction project came to help us tum
off the water and assess the wells. After a one and a half hour shut off, the
new well is functioning with the other two wells off line. He called in
American Pumps based in Ucon, Idaho, to look at the programming and the
security system. They were able to reprogram the sleep cycle of the new
well and it is believed that this should lower the electrical bills from this
point on.
Mr. Loftus will be convening the 3H Company, Omni Security, American
Pumps and the Electrical Co. to ascertain why alerts of high and low
pressure didn't respond given the initial programming done at construction
time. Reprogramming will be necessary.
It is very possible that an inadequate job was done in the construction to
program and secure the system. The excessively high power bills over the
last year may be an indication of this. ~ try
accountable even though the warranty expiredin August 2016
Should this catastrophe, with resultant needs for funds, be included in the
pending rate case? Perhaps your specialists can help give us direction. Are
there any emergency funds that could help us solve the problems quickly. If
that is not possible we are requesting a deferment of cost so that the
expenses can be recouped in the next rate case.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your timely help.
Sincerely,
?~
Nolan Gneiting, President
Morning View Water Co.
208 745-0029
Note: Repair estimates will be provided as soon as possible
Attachment: Pictures of the failure
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Morning View Water Company
Well failure and Flood
October 6, 2016
Break
Flooding in Old Well House
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2
Failed Pipe
Bolt
Failed at Meter Connection
3
Water to the Ceiling
Damaged about 6X6'
of drywall and insulation
Shutting it Off
Water Receding
Damages:
New meter
Electrical Panels,
Two Computers
Walls and Ceiling
6
<High water Mark on Door
Damaged Seal
on Garage Door>
7
Aftermath
Morning View Water Company October 6, 2016