20250204Comments_4.pdf

The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Michele Martens
Submission Time: Feb 3 202S 6:09PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3633 E Nature Heights Ln
Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company: Syringa Water
Case ID: SW1-W-24-02
Comment: " I attended the meeting of the PUC on 1/21/24. While the rate structure and timing of meter
reading were brought forth and addressed there is a very important item that was not.
An engineering report by the PUC was sited in the initial filing of this complaint. I was told by PUC
officials that Case SWI-W-24-01 would be visible within this current filing for your review.The
engineering report highlighted a deficit of water storage capacity by Syringa Water of—73,000 gallons to
meet the minimum storage standard in case of emergency or system failure.The engineers noted lack of
compliance of IDAPA 58.01.08.501.04. Syringa Water currently has only 100,000 gallons of stored water.
Homes continue to be added to the Syringa Water Companies usage.The fires in Los Angeles have
brought to light the catastrophic results of hydrants that run dry. I am asking the commissioners for an
immediate investigation into this deficiency.
The owner of Syringa Water has a contentious relationship with homeowners and has not been
forthcoming with any documentation to prove that there has been any movement toward resolving the
issues sited within the state's engineering report.
Thank you."
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Name: Eric Martens
Submission Time: Feb 3 2025 9:34PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3633 E Nature Heights Ln
Coeur d Alene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company: Syrina Water Co.
Case ID: SWI-W-24-02
Comment: "I was an attendee at the resent workshop regarding the above mentioned utility. It was
enlightening and useful. A couple observations for consideration.
1

One of the PUC representatives during the workshop meeting (addressing questions regarding the rate
schedule) mentioned that conservation of water was a consideration as higher cost water rates (punitive
in our case) reduce water usage.
It also came up during the meeting that the utility provider pays virtually nothing for the water.
As a result,the utility profits from punitive rates (higher rates with no change in the cost of the source)
yet does/did not invest in adequate infrastructure to comply with Idaho Laws (regulated or unregulated).
This jeopardizes the value and insurability of its customers' homes while rewarding the proprietor.
Bottom line higher profits (higher rates plus selling "hook up" fees beyond established capacity) without
compliance with the law.
As the PUC contemplates its rulings I hope it considers this mismanagement of a small but important
utility.
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert Morris
Submission Time: Feb 4 2025 11:15AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:[phone]
Address: 1792 S Panoramic Dr.
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company: Syringa Water
Case ID: SWI-W-24-02
Comment: "• Water Capacity: Concerns remain about the ability to meet current and future water
needs as development continues and usage increases. Despite conservative water use, small restrictions
have occurred during hot periods.There is worry that the Company has not adequately planned for
normal usage in a fully built-out development.
• Fire Containment Capacity:The Fire District has indicated that an additional 1,000-2,000 gallons
in reserve are needed to effectively fight forest fires in the area. Leadership has raised this concern with
the Company, but there is no assurance that the necessary infrastructure will be built or a timeline for its
completion.
• Financial Capital Adequacy: Homeowners seek evidence of the Company's financial capacity to
complete necessary capital improvements for water capacity in all forms, along with a timeline for
completion. "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Lindsay gorrill
Submission Time: Feb 4 2025 1:40PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1803 S Scharelant lane
coeur d'alene, ID 83814
Name of Utility Company: syringa water company
Case ID: SWI-W-24-02
Comment: "I am very concerned with the findings in the earlier case SW1-W-24-01 stating that:
1. We have never seen any confirmation that Syringa water complied with the order on SW 1-W-24-01.
2. There was insufficient information on their service territory and I find it hard to believe that you can
make any decisions without knowing the total number of houses covered by Syringa as the deficiencies
mentioned may be bigger than expected.
3.There is not enough water available if there was a fire and the findings of SW1-W-24-01 state that we
are 70,000 gallons short.
4.There is only one transfer pump which makes our entire organization subject to a single point of
failure which is not legal.
5.They have a filter bay#3 that has been malfunctioning for long period of time and it is clear they do
not fix things in a timely manner and the PUC needs to make sure all these things are fixed.
All these issues need to be answered and covered in the new case SWI-W-24-02 "
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