20051013Comments.pdf

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Case No. EAG-OS-
Order No. 39870
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According to a memo/letter to Contact Gene Fadness dated September 30th, 2005 re: the above
referenced situation, it states that "the company" responded to an Aug. 3 emergency order from the
commission to correct low-pressure problems in the Eagle Springs Estates subdivision.... And goes on
to say that the company believes it has addressed immediate problems, it is concerned about
occasional drops in water pressure" especially in light of the continued wasting of water that has
been observed in Eagle Springs" subdivision, according to the company s application.
Well, the "occasional drop in water pressure" have been happening since at least 1997.
Taken frorl) September 25, 1997 Eagl~s SprilJgs Homeowner s Association Mif'utes:
Status Report on Eagle Water Pressure and Volume Drew Seargent provided an update on the Eagle
Water situation. At this time, the water pressure is about 55 pounds per square inch (psi) which is well
within the legal requirements. Engineering studies and plans have been completed which include the
addition of two more wells and a "loop" line to help increase water pressure and volume. The state of
Idaho s Division of Environmental Quality has been contacted to help assure compliance with standards
and resolve problems. Eagle \-Vater Co. has posted a cash bond for the planned additions to the system.
Drew noted that rates will inevitably increase but must be approved by the Idaho Public UtilitiesCommission.
Taken from Autumn, 1997 Eagle Springs News
Water System Studies Completed
With input from the state Division of
Environmental Quality and our
developer, Brenson Corporation, the
Eagl~ Water Company has completed
studies related to expansion and
improvement of the water system in our
area. The studies indicate the need for aloop line to be installed adjacent to the
new highway 55 to provide additional
volume of water to Eagle Springs. Based
on the studies our water pressure
sho~ld improve considerably. As the
studies and plans for improvement of
the system are implemented the board
of directors and others will be following
events closely. Progress will be reported
as it occurs this fall and into next
sprIng.
According to the May 4, 1999 Minutes:
Water Pressure - This continues to be a problem but seems to be improving somewhat ov~r time. Peter
Harris has been told repeatedly that the pressure should improve as more homes come on lIne and
demand increases.
January 2000 Eagle Springs News:
From the Developer, Peter Harris
Construction of the additional pump station to
improve our water pressure is still underway.
An easement allowing Eagle Water Co. to cross
Horseshoe Bend Highway has temporarily
delayed construction progress, but we sti
expect the pump station to be operational this
spring. I continue to work closely with Eagle
Water to see that this project is compteted
before our landscape maintenance season
begins.
May 3, 2000 Minutes:
Water System Peter announced that some progress was made on improving the domestic water
system. Eagle Water Co. has completed connection with a second 12-inch main line to provide
more water to Eagle Springs and adjacent Bonita Hills subdivision. The long promised booster
pump is scheduled for installation by June 1 2000. Peter is continuing his pressure on Eagle
Water to meet that date.
July 2000 Eagle Springs News:
Eagle Water Installs New Pump
For most of us, the installation of a new booster
water pump will greatly improve our domestic
water and irrigation pressure is long overdue.
Our subdivision s developer Peter Harris has
been monitoring the progress for months with
Eagle Water. The latest conversation is that the
pump should be fu1ly functional by the first of
August, if not sooner. Hurrah!
July 28, 2000 Eagle Springs Special Edition:
Special Homeowner s Meeting Held
At the Boards' request a special homeowners
meeting was held on Tuesday, July 18th. The
Idaho Public Utilities Commission (P.
attended for the purpose of disclosing the
current status of domestic water services and
the investigation process by the P.
involving Eagle Watel"_CqmpanY.._.AJurn out of '
33 homeowners were present to listen to
C. investigative process and expected time
frame for a preliminary report to be presented
to the P.s. Commissioners. P.C. guest
speakers, Nancy Harman and Scott Woodbury
answered many questions from the
homeowners.
In September of 2000 the PUC had a Case No. EAG-W-OO-l re: Eagle Water and its ability to provide
adequate water service to the Eagle Springs area.In the Summary, it stated that during the outage
Eagle Water and the subdivision developer provided bottled water to residents, etc. That did not
happen here on N. Blacktail PI.
. .
It also stated that Eagle Water has plans to drill a new well, has obtained water rights permit, and
expects to have it operational by the summer of 2001. It also was in the preliminary planning stages
for a new storage reservoir.
July 2003 Eagle Springs News:
Low Water Press ore
Our management company AMI has received
several phone calls over the past several
weeks from nlembers experiencing low water
pressure in the ~
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mornings. Theassociation has no control overthe delivery of dol11esticwater and your II concerns
about the water pressure should
directed to Eagle Water Company 939-0242.
Eagle Springs News Fall 2005:
MESSACE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Water pressure for Eagle Springs residents
continues to be a vital concern but it appears that
there is hope for improvement. Here is a recap of
what has been done and what is on the horizon.
This is the PUC Report by PUC representative Dave
Schunke at the September board meeting:
Dave last appeared at the July board meeting
and much has happened since then.
Eagle Water was issued a violation letter by the
PUC on August 1.
The commissioners gave
Eagle Water seven days to
correct the pressure issue.
. An 8" main line was
replaced by a 12" line and
the pressure went up
significantly.
The commissioners required Eagle Water to
conduct an engineering study relating to short
term and long term issues.
The commissioners required Eagle Water to file
an application for a surcharge within twenty-one
days. There are three options for surcharge:
(1) an inline booster pump to help residents at
the rim of Eagle Springs; (2) replace the main
booster pump by the gravel pit; and (3) create a
new well.
. On October 12 at 7:00pm, there will be a
hearing at the Eagle Senior Center. Prior to the
meeting at 6:00pm, there will be a workshop.
Guests are welcome. 'Questions or comments
will be accepted by the commissioners at the
hearing. Questions or comments may also be
sent to the PUC website.
GtNY)' A~- President
I am confused to the water usage issue re: Eagle Springs. It seems to me that no one has been told
not" to use water; and I was under the impression that when someone "uses" water, Eagle Water
would be making money... and I thought that is why they were in business.
The Eagle Spring News, Autumn 1997 article references "completed studies related to expansion and
improvement of the water system....
You can find in the 9/25/97 minutes that engineering studies and plans have been completed.... Why
do we need to pay for these aga in?
You can find in the 9/25/97 minutes that a cash bond was in place for planned additions and, I'm
assuming, also for 2 wells. To my knowledge this has not happened.
Eagle Water was to conduct an engineering study relation to short and long term issues. That was
done in 1997. Again , why do we need to pay for these?
In the Eagle Springs Fall 2005 article.... (2) replace the main booster pump by the gravel pit... why
should we pay a surcharge on something that "was undermined by a local gravel pit operator
(Referenced in the September 10th, 2005 letter from Eagle Water). It's my understanding that
businesses need to carry liability insurance for such things as this.
I understand that there is a "sort of moratorium " on connections to Eagle Water until an additional
source or sources are provided that are large enough to meet minimum state requirements stated in
a letter written by Michael R. McGown, to Eagle Water, dated September 7, 2005. Well, I am not
certain how or why, but it appears that the letter was disregarded. There is new building across the
street from Eagle Springs where a lot of water pressure problems exist.
According to the Item/Cost section of Case No. EAG-W-Q5-
To replace the line... that is a liability issue - not a surcharge item
Prepare engineering report... that was done in 1997 - the company needs to take
responsibility for that
Legal & Accounting Expenses... they need to take responsibility for that also
We paid for hookups, water rates, etc. and a surcharge shouldn t be on us.
In 2004 when I called Eagle Water re: water pressure and bad smelling water... I was told to run our
outside water full blast for 10 minutes (along with everyone else on our street at the same time)
because of water smell. The problem, according to Eagle Water, was our hot water tank, our water
softener, and our outside water backing into our house.
I do not believe that the following Idaho Statute has been in compliance:
TITLE
PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION
CHAPTER 3
DUTIES OF PUBLIC UTILITIES61-302. MAINTENANCE OF ADEQUATE SERVICE. Every public utility shall
furnish, provide and maintain such service, instrumentalities, equipment andfacili ties as shall promote the safety, health, comfort and convenience of its
patrons, employees and the public, and as shall be in all respects adequate,
efficient, just and reasonable.
As you have read from the above minutes, etc. our water service has not been maintained as in the
above referenced statute. On one occasion we were not notified until a month later that there were
problems with our water quality.
We not only pay for our lack of water service and quality... we are paying for bottled drinking water
as we do not have confidence in the water company supplying our water.
Due to the history of Eagle Water... I believe they should take responsibility for running their business
correctly. Surcharging customers for their lack of business sense, or whatever should not be passed
on. They need to accept responsibility and act accordingly.
Any of the excerpts on newsletters or minutes referenced above can and will be sent in their entirety
if requested.
Teenie Kline
Marjorie Hopewell
10986 N Blacktail
Boise ID 83714
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9754 W. Big Springs Blvd.
Boise, ID 83714
October 12 , 2005
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
I wish to submit comments on Case No. EAG-05-
am a resident of Eagle Springs subdivision and experienced severe reduction in water
pressure during the summer. Although the situation has improved since the replacement
of the a-inch mainline with the larger 12-inch mainline, I am concerned that the
improvement will only be temporary. I believe that when the large numbers of
customers in the Shadow Ridge subdivision are added to the water system , we wi II agai n
experience pressure reduction, due to the difference in elevation. It is also quite likely
that future developments along Hill Road and Horseshoe Bend Road will exacerbate this
problem.
am also very concerned about the proposal for Option 2. I believe the additional
booster pump for Big Springs Boulevard is essential to ensure adequate water pressure
EVEN IF Option 1 or 3 is approved. However, it is not appropriate to assess that cost
to just the 51 customers in Eagle Springs. When Eagle Water committed to providing
water service to Eagle Springs, the Engineering staff knew the number and type
homes that were planned in this area. They also knew of the elevation difference. It
obvious that the project was improperly engineered and planned. The
engineers/planners further contributed to the potential for pressure problems by
installing only one branch from the main line to be shared by two homes. I understand
that Eagle Water installed all water service in the subdivision in this manner. It
inappropriate and unfair to penalize the 51 homeowners for the failure of Eagle Water
to properly plan and engineer this project. The cost of corrective action (additional
booster pump) should be paid by the entity that caused the problem-Eagle Water.
I wi II appreciate your careful consideration of my concerns in these matters.
Susan Menhorn
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October 5 2005
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
I wish to submit comments on Case No. EAG-05-
am a resident of Eagle Springs subdivision and experienced severe reduction in water
pressure during the summer. Although the situation has improved since the replacement
of the 8-inch mainline with the larger 12-inch mainline, I am concerned that the
improvement will only be temporary. I believe that when the large number of customers
in the Shadow Ridge subdivision are added to the water system, we will again experience
pressure reduction , due to the difference in elevation. It is also quite likely that future
developments along Hill Road and Horseshoe Bend Road witt exacerbate this problem.
am also very concerned about the proposal for Option 2. I believe the additional
booster for Big Springs Boulevard is essential to ensure adequate water pressure , EVEN
IF Option 1 or 3 is approved. However , it is not appropriate to assess that cost to just
the 51 customers in Eagle Springs. When Eagle Water committed to providing water
service to Eagle Springs , the Engineering staff knew the number and type of homes that
were planned in this area. They also knew of the elevation difference. It is obvious
that the project was improperly engineered and planned. The engineers/planners
further contributed to the potential for pressure problems by installing only one branch
from the main line to be shared by two homes. I understand that Eagle Water installed
all water service in the subdivision in this manner. It is inappropriate and unfair to
penalize the 51 homeowners for the failure of Eagle Water to properly plan and
engineer this project. The cost of corrective action (additional booster pump) should be
paid by the entity that caused the problem-Eagle Water.
I will appreciate your careful consideration of my concerns in these matters.
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October 5 2005
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise , ID 83720-0074
I wish to submit comments on Case No. EAG-05-
am a resident of Eagle Springs subdivision and experienced severe reduction in water
pressure during the summer. Although the situation has improved since the replacement
of the 8-inch mainline with the larger 12-inch mainline , I am concerned that the
improvement will only be temporary. I believe that when the large number of customers
in the Shadow Ridge subdivision are added to the water system , we will again experience
pressure reduction, due to the difference in elevation. It is also quite likely that future
developments along Hill Road and Horseshoe Bend Road witt exacerbate this problem.
am also very concerned about the proposal for Option 2. I believe the additional
booster for Big Springs Boulevard is essential to ensure adequate water pressure, EVEN
IF Option 1 or 3 is approved. However , it is not appropriate to assess that cost to just
the 51 customers in Eagle Springs. When Eagle Water committed to providing water
service to Eagle Springs, the Engineering staff knew the number and type of homes that
were planned in this area. They also knew of the elevation difference. It is obvious
that the project was improperly engineered and planned. The engineers/planners
further contributed to the potential for pressure problems by installing only one branch
from the main line to be shared by two homes. I understand that Eagle Water installed
all water service in the subdivision in this manner. It is inappropriate and unfair to
penalize the 51 homeowners for the failure of Eagle Water to properly plan and
engineer this project. The cost of corrective action (additional booster pump) should be
paid by the entity that caused the problem-Eagle Water.
I will appreciate your careful consideration of my concerns in these matters.
Ckfj'Lil )A
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Name (Printe
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Address
October 5 , 2005
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
I wish to submit comments on Case No. EAG-O5-
am a resident of Eagle Springs subdivision and experienced severe reduction in water
pressure during the summer. Although the situation has improved since the replacement
of the 8-inch mainline with the larger 12-inch mainline, I am concerned that the
improvement will only be temporary. I believe that when the large number of customers
in the Shadow Ridge subdivision are added to the water system , we will again experience
pressure reduction , due to the difference in elevation. It is also quite likely that future
developments along Hill Road and Horseshoe Bend Road wilt exacerbate this problem.
am also very concerned about the proposal for Option 2. I believe the additional
booster for Big Springs Boulevard is essential to ensure adequate water pressure , EVEN
IF Option 1 or 3 is approved. However it is not appropriate to assess that cost to just
the 51 customers in Eagle Springs. When Eagle Water committed to providing water
service to Eagle Springs, the Engineering staff knew the number and type of homes that
were planned in this area. They also knew of the elevation difference. It is obvious
that the project was improperly engineered and planned. The engineers/planners
further contributed to the potential for pressure problems by insta'iling only one branch
from the main line to be shared by two homes. I understand that Eagle Water installed
all water service in the subdivision in this manner. It is inappropriate and unfair to
penalize the 51 homeowners for the failure of Eagle Water to properly plan and
engineer this project. The cost of corrective action (additional booster pump) should be
paid by the entity that caused the problem-Eagle Water.
I wi II appreciate your careful consideration of my concerns in these matters.
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Address
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October~5!eO05
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Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
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I wish to submit comments on Case No. EAG-O5-
am a resident of Eagle Springs subdivision and experienced severe reduction in water
pressure during the summer. Although the situation has improved since the replacement
of the 8-inch mainline with the larger 12-inch mainline, I am concerned that the
improvement will only be temporary. I believe that when the large number of customers
in the Shadow Ridge subdivision are added to the water system , we will again experience
pressure reduction , due to the difference in elevation. It is also quite likely that future
developments along Hilt Road and Horseshoe Bend Road wilt exacerbate this problem.
am also very concerned about the proposal for Option 2. I believe the additional
booster for Big Springs Boulevard is essential to ensure adequate water pressure , EVEN
IF Option 1 or 3 is approved. However, it is not appropriate to assess that cost to just
the 51 customers in Eagle Springs. When Eagle Water committed to providing water
service to Eagle Springs, the Engineering staff knew the number and type of homes that
were planned in this area. They also knew of the elevation difference. It is obvious
that the project was improperly engineered and planned. The engineers/planners
further contributed to the potential for pressure problems by installing only one branch
from the main line to be shared by two homes. I understand that Eagle Water installed
all water service in the subdivision in this manner. It is inappropriate and unfair to
penalize the 51 homeowners for the failure of Eagle Water to properly plan and
engineer this project. The cost of corrective action (additional boosterupump-)should-b-e
paid by the entity that caused the problem-Eagle Water.
I wi II appreciate your careful consideration of my concerns in these matters.
Name (Printed)
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