Water Supply Update:
The Truckee Meadows Remains in Good Shape Even though it has been exceptionally dry this summer in the Truckee River Basin, the Truckee Meadows' upstream water supply is still in good shape from a water storage perspective. We will experience normal Truckee River flows for the rest of the year and into 2008. Due to the elevation threshold at Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River will have reduced Floriston rate flows at the state line of 300 cubic feet per second during the months of November and December of this year. For the year to date, Truckee Meadows Water Authority’s (TMWA) water production and demand is 109% of last year, due to a long, dry spring and summer. August 1 was our peak demand day this year at 136.2 million gallons (mg) delivered in one day. This is less than last year’s peak day of 140.81 mg, which again proves that conservation is important to many in the community. Re-Investing in our Water System Infrastructure:
Rehabilitation of Aging Pipes and Facilities Keeps our Water Flowing TMWA’s water distribution system needs constant attention and investment to keep an uninterrupted supply of high quality water flowing to our customers. In our annual planning cycle, aging pipes and facilities in our water system are continually being assessed for rehabilitation. Parts of the distribution system, including underground water mains, are now reaching their useful life of over 50 years old. Since TMWA was formed in June 2001, approximately $100 million has been spent in replacing many parts of the system. There are over 1,300 miles of water mains underneath the Truckee Meadows serving more than 93,000 homes and businesses. In addition, there are water tanks, pump stations, wells and treatment facilities that need constant reinvestment to keep them running efficiently. Here are a few of the many rehabilitation projects under construction this year:
Read the whole story An Update on the Truckee River Fund:
Emergency Funds for Hawken Fire and Others Approved Emergency funds for Hawken Fire watershed restoration, as well as five other watershed protection projects, were approved this summer. The funds will come from the Truckee River Fund. As you know, the River Fund was established as an innovative method of stretching TMWA dollars and saving our customers money on projects devoted to protecting our primary source of water. Funds, as directed by the TMWA Board, must be used exclusively for projects that protect and enhance water quality or water resources of the Truckee River, or its watershed, thus benefiting both the primary water source for the community and TMWA customers. The TMWA Board of Directors and Truckee River Fund (TRF) Advisors, approved $100,000 for Hawken Fire restoration in August. Another $189,989 in emergency funds has been approved by the TRF Advisors and is pending approval by the TMWA Board at its Sept. 19th meeting. The Nevada Land Conservancy, who will manage the project, is providing a match of $135,111 (cash) and $7,508 (in-kind) and continues its fundraising efforts. The funds will be used for erosion control, debris removal, hydro mulching and aerial seeding for 54 burned acres just uphill from houses in southwest Reno. The watersheds that were burned in the Hawken Fire, including Alum Creek and the upper portion of Hunter Creek, are unstable and could impact Truckee River water quality. Therefore, erosion control efforts will begin immediately before winter rain and snow has any impact on the burn area. At the July TMWA Board of Directors’ meeting, the following five new projects were also approved for funding:
Read the whole story. The Truckee River Fund is Honored:
Receives a 2007 Silver Star Award The Truckee River Fund was selected as a 2007 Silver Star award winner for Truckee Meadows Tomorrow’s 10th anniversary Accentuate the Positive celebration. The Fund was selected for the remarkable work that it has accomplished to positively impact the Natural Environment Quality of Life Indicator. A record number of Silver Star nominations were submitted to TMT by local businesses and community members this year. The event will be held October 5 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Truckee Meadows Tomorrow is a community-based, non-profit organization whose vision is to enhance our community's ability to continually improve the quality of life in the Truckee Meadows. 2007 State Legislative Session:
Interim Western Regional Water Commission Created Have you been wondering about the results of Senate Bill 487 and how it will affect TMWA? Here is a link to a newly produced Issue Paper on the subject. Per Senate Bill 487, the new Western Regional Water Commission will be formed and become effective next April 1. Until then, the local governments and water agencies have started developing the interim organization, fostering greater local coordination. The TMWA Board, as well as all member agencies, approved an Interlocal Agreement in the last month for the formation of the Interim Western Regional Water Commission. This will allow appointees from each entity to begin meeting before the legislative implementation date of April 1, 2008 and to give direction on activities to the staffs of TMWA, Washoe County, South Truckee Meadows General Improvement District, Sun Valley General Improvement District and Cities of Reno and Sparks.
Read the whole story. Many Convenient Ways to Pay Your Water Bill Pay online, by phone, in person, by mail, or automatically – whatever suits you best. There are many convenient ways to pay your water bill for whatever your lifestyle demands. And now we added additional ways to pay your bill online and by phone that are free of any convenience charges. See the details of all payment options here. Get your account information anytime. In an ongoing effort to better serve our customers, we have an automated information system that is available by telephone. . This system will allow you to access to your account information 24-hours a day. For more details, click here. World Water Monitoring Day is September 18 World Water Monitoring Day is an international outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. Held annually between September 18 and October 18, the program engages communities in monitoring the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies. In connection with World Water Monitoring Day, I would like to make sure TMWA customers understand the stringent monitoring processes that ensure the safety of their water supply.
Read the whole story. Thank you for taking the time to read the TMWA newsletter.
Do you have any topics you would like addressed? Do you have any questions that I can answer for you offline? Would you like to be added to the mailing list? E-mail me here: newsletter@tmwa.net
Sincerely,
Lori Williams
General Manager, Truckee Meadows Water Authority Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA)is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a workforce of over 160 professionals. They ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 330,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows. |