20030729Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTll.JTIES COMMISSION
Case No. BIT-03-
For Immediate Release / July 24, 200.3
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Sale of Bitterroot Water proposed
BOISE - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment on a proposal to sell the Bitterroot Water
Company southwest of Athol to Kenneth and Cathy Rickel of Hayden Lake for $50 000. The Rickels own the Rickel Water
Company, which borders the Bitterroot Water Company.
Bitterroot, currently owned by Bruce Burnett of Anchorage, Alaska, has about 100 customers, but growth is anticipated
as housing north of th~ company s present customer base develops.
The Rickels intend to leave fees the same in the near future, but maintain that an increase may be needed to repair a
number of hook-ups that may be losing water due to faulty back-flow prevention valves. This repair, the Rickels say, will
potentially stop the water shortages that have been occurring in the Bitterroot system. If expansion to the north develops as
anticipated, another well and reservoir will need to be installed, the Rickels contend. The two water companies already share a
reservoir and have some common infrastructure.
The commission will proceed under a modified procedure that doesn t include a public hearing, but written comments
may request a public hearing. The comment deadline is Aug. 14.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at
www.puc.state.id.and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (BIT-03-1) and enter your
comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone]. A full text of
the company s application, as well as documents that will be filed as the case develops, will soon be available on the
commission s Web site at www.puc.state.id.us.Click on "File Room" and then on "Water Cases.