20260520Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Jessi Henderson
Submission Time: May 20 2026 7:17AM
Email:jessi [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 364 Lakeview Dr
Blanchard, ID 83804
Name of Utility Company: CDS Stoneridge
Case ID: SWS-W-25-02
Comment: "To Whom It May Concern,
We are writing to express my opposition to the proposed water rate increase requested by
CDS Stoneridge Utilities.
After reviewing the available filings and supporting documentation,we have significant
concerns regarding the justification, accuracy, management, and timing of the proposed
increase. While we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable water
system, customers should not be asked to absorb substantial rate increases without clear
accountability, transparency, and demonstrated need.
The documents submitted raise several important concerns, including:
• Proposed costs for projects that have not yet been completed or placed into service •
Requests to recover expenses for preliminary engineering and future infrastructure work
before those projects are operational • Inconsistencies in revenue calculations and
supporting financial information • Questions regarding management, ownership structure,
and administrative expenses • Inclusion of expenses that appear unrelated or only partially
related to water utility operations • Significant discrepancies in reported chemical and
operating costs • Concerns about maintenance planning and prioritization of system
repairs • Limited long-term planning documentation regarding future system capacity and
infrastructure needs In addition to these financial and operational concerns, we are also
troubled by the lack of communication and transparency with customers regarding water
system events that may affect public health and safety. There have been instances of
system depressurization where customers were not adequately notified in a timely manner.
Equally concerning is the apparent lack of follow-up communication regarding water
quality testing results after these events occurred.
Customers should be promptly informed whenever depressurization events occur,
including clear guidance regarding any recommended precautions, such as boil water
advisories if applicable. Follow-up water testing results should also be communicated to
customers so residents can have confidence that the water system has returned to safe
operating conditions.
Public trust in a utility system depends not only on infrastructure investments, but also on
consistent communication, transparency, and responsible system management.

Additionally, some of the cited infrastructure deficiencies appear to involve long-standing
maintenance and operational issues that should have been addressed through proper
planning and ongoing system management rather than through a sudden and substantial
increase in customer rates.
We are also concerned that some proposed projects and expenditures lackfinalized
engineering review, competitive bidding information, or sufficient documentation
demonstrating that the costs are reasonable and necessary at this time.
Customers in our community are already facing rising costs in many areas, including
housing, insurance, utilities, and groceries. Any rate increase should be carefully justified,
narrowly tailored, and based only on verified, necessary, and properly documented
expenses directly related to providing reliable water service.
We respectfully request careful consideration of the financial burden this increase would
place on residents and ask that any approval be limited to expenses that are clearly
necessary, properly documented, and directly tied to maintaining safe and reliable water
service."
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jessi Henderson
Michael Olson
364 Lakeview Drive
Blanchard, ID 83804