20250331Comments_5.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name:Angelica Jewell-McGehee
Submission Time: Mar 29 2025 3:19PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:5891 w hayden ave
Rathdrum , ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Kootenai
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "I am deeply concerned about the on going rate increases at gem state water.There was
already a rate increase and water useage decrease since we've purchased the property. We have 5
acres of agricultural land and we do not have enough allotted water to even keep up on my grass
and garden beds in summer. I can't water my feilds to keep livestock. Instead of continually rasing
costs maybe we should consider adding irrigation water to parcels with acerage. Post falls has
water districts that supply household water and irrigation for half the cost of gem state. "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Robert and Susan Adcox
Submission Time: Mar 29 2025 4:19PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1376 W Garwood RD
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water Company
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Dear Idaho, Public Utilities Commission My husband and I have lived here in our home
here in Rathdrum for eighteen years at this address.We moved to Idaho in 1988 and love it here! My
concern is the letter we received from Gem State Water Co. showing us a water increase proposal.
My husband and I are retired to which that would put a heavy burden on us financially.When we
moved here in our home 2007, our highest water bill was 185.00 in the summer, since then our
highest bill was 368.00. If this is approved, it adds to the burden with this high economy.

Store prices are very high in today's day which so many of us have fruit trees and vegetable gardens
which needs watering, so if water companies continue to keep raising,they're prices then the stress
becomes greater.Thank You!"
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Frederick Thompson
Submission Time: Mar 29 2025 11:30PM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address:31697 n roberts rd
Athol, ID 83801
Name of Utility Company: Gemstate water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "In regards to the application Gemstate water has made to increase their rates, I
strongly oppose. There are several reasons why, beyond the financial burden to customers,
Gemstate should not be allowed to raise rates at such a outrageous rate.
*Their 79% increase is outrageous compared to what the inflation rate of 2.6% is in this area.
*Their lines and pumps in most areas are not old in age in comparison to other systems in the area.
*They currently charge 3 times more then most citys and municipal rates.
*They seem to put more funding into their fleet, often used outside work hours,then their
infrastructure.
*Their water quality is on the verge of unacceptable standards for metals and acids.
*They have many land use issues,with customers, and refuse to solve them in a timely manner.
*Their staff has been heard saying they will use existing customers funds to widen their systems.
Traditional new customers pay for system extensions.
*They are owned and operated from a neighboring state, and used to siphon idaho funds out of
state,with little reguard to customers.
If this is allowed to go forward the trust in our community will diminish and lead to poor standards
for all.
Thank you for your time.
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"r-CEIVED
March 19, 2025
10?5 MAR 31 PM 10: 12
i j,�,u,� p0al lc
�'i-I i �' ISSION
Case No. GSW-W-24-01
To Whom it May Concern:
I have lived i n my home for 43 years. In that time, I have personally known Troy Hoffman
and always had Hoffman Water. It was a wonderful price with delicious water-$25
minimum everythree months.
Gem State Water bought Hoffman Water out and fora whiletheir prices were very good.
Eventually they had a price increase of$35 minimum EVERY month. Now, oh my gosh!
What a price increase they are proposing!!!
I am TOTALLY AGAINST the monthly price increase ($62.65-up$27.65 with a 79%
increase) and so are my neighbors! I am not a rich out-of-state owner, but a long-time
resident and homeowner with serious concerns about this price increase. I am currently
paying for water for two homes.
Sincerely,
a
Kathleen Goodwin
1025 E. Timber Lane, CDA, ID 83815
1070 Margaret Avenue. CDA, ID 83815
208-818-1546
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3 -25-2025 i ;=CEIVED
Idaho Public Utilities Commission 2025 MAR 31 PM 10: 1 I
P.O. Box 83720 I:" comNIISSION
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
RE Case GSW-W-24-01
Gem State Water Company Rate Application
Dear Commission
I am writing to you in the OPPOSITION to the GSWC rate application. I
Live in the Rickel water district. GSWC is requesting a whopping 79% increase
over the current rates. Most of us are on a modest income and a $125 +/-
increase In our water bill per month will have a major negative financial
impact on us , making it increasingly difficult for us to make ends meet for
food and the essentials.
Additionally we live in a forested area that has a HIGH risk for wildfires
during the summer months, if this rate for increase is approved, we will have
to significantly curtail our maintenance of the vegetation that we use as a fire
break immediately surrounding our residences. These areas will become
tinder dry and will no longer act as fire protection in the event of a wild fire. No
to leave out the fact that a lot of us in the area have gardens and livestock that
require water.
Still further more I question the competency of any water company that
has been run in such a manner that a 79% increase and lowering the min
water that you can use by half in a single year. Who can afford to absorb a
79% increase in any utility? Better long term planning should be imposed on
the GSWC so that it recoups its cost on improvements over a longer duration
of time. However if an increase in that the commission determines is justified,
then only allow a modest increase that is reasonable and takes into
consideration the publics ability to bear the additional expense.

Something also to note is that I have saved my water bill since I have
purchased my house. Since GSWC took over the utility the water meters are
not read on the same day of the month. Some bills are for 20 days, some are
for 40 days of usage. What that equates to is that on the 20 day bills we use
way under the min and are still billed for our min water bill. On the 40 day bills
we use way over and are billed for the overage charges. I feel that this is a very
crooked way for a Utility company to operate and should be investigated.
Thank you for your consideration
Stanley Holecek
26734 N Clagstone Rd
Athol, Idaho 83801
V