WIWSA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

September, 2015

I would not be surprised to learn that more than a few of our member water systems are in need of an important upgrading of treatment equipment, replacement of well and / or distribution pumps or piping or expensive repairs or improvements of some sort.  If we pay the attention that we should to the “water works” on which we rely for our most basic human requirement we all find wear and tear or simple obsolescence that we cannot ignore indefinitely.

Recognizing the needs of our water systems is easy, but finding the money to pay for responding to those needs can be difficult.  While the State’s Small Water System Management Program (WAC 246-290-105) calls for making a component inventory and assessment with a view to putting money away in advance to replace equipment on a planned schedule, this practice (even if carried out) will not always provide the money we need when we need it.

Among our members are small water systems owned by every level of “income demographic” (as the bankers say).  Wealthy owners / operators can typically agree on an appropriate assessment, collect the necessary funds and get on with their projects.  Many of our members do not fit that demographic and must look to outside sources for the money they need to keep their systems in the best of shape.

Our association is familiar with the federal, state and non-profit sources of money for taking care of our water system needs.  We will host representatives of those sources at our Quarterly Members Meeting on September 16, 2015 at 6:00 pm, at the Race Road Fire Station 1164 Race Road Coupeville, WA 98239
to provide advice and answer questions from our members.

Warm regards, Jim Patton