EWUA has successfully secured $1.68 million in funding for a wide variety of necessary water system improvements through the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.

The projects will be implemented over a three-year construction period, hopefully beginning in the fall of 2011. The funding is in the form of a 40-year loan at 3.375 percent, and may be paid off early without penalty if finances allow.

“This funding … will allow the association to move forward with needed system improvements with minimal impact on rates,” said EWUA manager Paul Kamin.

Among the first projects slated are a new water storage tank for View Haven and a new water main on Matia View. A storage tank on Double Hill and replacement of undersized and fragile water mains on Urner St and Harrison Point will follow.

Other projects will expand system capacity, including four new wells with water quality treatment systems expected to provide capacity for new memberships through 2030. Twenty new fire hydrants will also be installed.

New technology for EWUA’s metering and mapping systems is also planned, along with automated and electronic bill paying options. New water meters will support wireless “driveby” reading, reducing meter reading costs and allowing quick identification of water leaks.

EWUA will also partner with San Juan County’s Geographic Information System department to digitally map EWUA’s entire system of 1,000 meters, 30 miles of water mains, 250 valves, and 100+ hydrants.

Annual debt service for the loan will be about $78,000. The sale of new memberships is expected to cover half, as demand for new memberships is rising after a lull in recent years. The other half will be raised through an increase of at most $2/month in single family service fees.

Even with the substantial capital demands associated with these projects, EWUA plans to maintain adequate financial reserves to address other system needs or potential emergencies.

For more information, call Kamin at 376-2127.