Boil Order Lifted!

To All Patrons:

As of 2:00 PM , Friday, January 29, 2021, as approved by DEQ, and based upon the final sample testing result, Kootenai County Water District No. 1 can finally lift the Boil Order that has been in place since Thursday, January 16th, 2021.  Thank you for your patience and understanding through this difficult two and a half weeks.  

Note:  There are two Patrons that are an exception.  The District has completed a repair of a leak in the Vista Loop area, and will be submitting tests for this line today to verify that line's specific water safety.  Both Patrons have been notified in person, and only those two Patrons are affected by the location of this leak.

Update Thursday Afternoon - System Recovery

To all Patrons:

Yesterday's post was not correct.  District personnel were not able to get access to the residence for the re-test sample yesterday afternoon as the property owners were not at home.  Samples were taken early this morning and delivered to the lab.  The lab is doing an expedite testing (18 hours instead of 24) in order to get us results by mid-day Friday.

This has been a frustrating process for all, and we appreciate your patience, as the District wishes, to not only comply with the legal requirements, but to be sure that the District water has been confirmed by test analysis, that it is safe for human consumption. 

Until then:

THE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Water System Manager Interview Schedule

NOTICE:  The Board of Director will be holding scheduled Water System Manager Applicant Interviews Thursday and Friday, January 28-29th, 2021 at 10:00 AM Thursday, ad 9:00, 10:00 (via Zoom with applicant), and 11:00 AM Friday, at the Fire Station, 7739 E Sunnyside Rd.

Update Wednesday 2:30 PM - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

Test results of the samples have been received from the testing lab.  Unfortunately, one of the samples from the central zone (Bonanza area) did not meet the total coliform level requirements.  The District has been in close contact with our DEQ Compliance Officer, Jim Williamson, and he has made it clear that, by law, all samples must meet requirements in order to lift the Boil Order. 

However, after reviewing the sampling method that was used by the District, he has authorized District personnel to take more samples from just this one area and re-submit for testing.  The District has done so, and expects test results within 24 hours.

Until then:

THE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Mid-Day Tuesday Update - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

Bacteriological samples collected and delivered to lab by 11:00 AM this morning.  District expects to receive results, tomorrow, Wednesday, noon.

Until test results confirm District water meets all DEQ requirements:

 THE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Monday Evening - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

As the water system operation has been stable for the required minimum 48 hours, Coliform samples were collected today and submitted to the lab.  Bacteriological samples will be collected tomorrow from the Distribution system from each of three zones: West (Grouse Meadows area), Central (Bonanza area) and East (Vista Loop area), and submitted to the lab.  The District expects to have all results by noon on Wednesday.  Turbidity readings are well within requirements.  Chlorine residual readings taken at different parts of the District have also met requirements.

Thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this emergency recovery.

Until then:

THE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors Meeting

 The KCWD1 Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday January 27, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. 7739 E. Sunnyside Rd.  View the Agenda under Board meeting Agenda pages tab.

Update Mid-Day Monday - System Recovery

 No new information at this time.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Sunday Night - System Recovery

 To All Patrons:

As of tomorrow, Monday, the water system will have been operating in a stable mode for 48 hours.  The District can then collect coliform samples and bacteriological samples to be sent in for lab analysis.  This is an important step in the process to qualify the water being produced by the system.  As soon as results are available, we will report on the blog.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Sunday Morning - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

No further updates at this time.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Saturday Morning - System Recovery

Further Update:  The Water System is functioning normally at this time, and controls indicate that the reservoir has recovered.  In 48 hours (Monday), the District can submit the first coliform sample set and Distribution bacteriological samples for lab analysis.  If these, along with other measurements, meet the respective DEQ criteria, the boil order can be lifted.  The District is hoping that all goes well and we will have our results by the end of next week.

To All Patrons:

Quiet morning.  Some road repair to be completed where the leaks were repaired in the Bonanza area.  District will continue to move forward with the qualification of the water being produced.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Friday Night - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

Some added detail to the previous post: 

• Both leaks were repaired and water service has been restored to the Bonanza Patrons who were affected.  There is still some road repair that needs to be done, scheduled for tomorrow.
• The 20 HP Pump has a new starter.  The 40 HP pump stack has been replaced.  Both pumps were observed to be operating normally.
• The system auto control system was tested and is operational.
• Chlorine residual testing has commenced again, the first step to qualifying the water being produced.  The latest information is that the process will take days if all goes well.

In the meantime:

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Friday Late Afternoon - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

Wanted to post an update before the Special Board Meeting at 6:00 PM even with limited detail, as the full daily report has not been communicated yet.  At this time, both leaks have been repaired, but the last communication was that the valve for Wagon Wheel was under water and crews were trying to drain the water so that they could uncover the valve to open it.  More updates on the leak repair after the meeting.

RC Worst was able to replace the pump stack assembly on the 40 HP pump.  The technician found several broken impellers when he took it apart.  Do not have the full report on the 20 HP yet.  Again, more detail after the meeting.

Matt Johnson of Wapiti Consulting was able to get the water system auto control system back to operational.  The District is now back online with auto controls to all parts of the system.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Friday Morning - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

An excavation crew began work this morning on the Templin Trail - Nugget leak, and will move to the Wagon Wheel leak after the first repair.  The District is grateful to John Shields for coming out to assist yesterday, and returning today, to complete these repairs to the mains.

Back at the Main Pump House, RC Worst has returned to work on the pumps, and Matt Johnson of Wapiti Consultants will be working on getting the control system back to full operational status.

By being able valve off the leak at Templin Trail, the reservoir was able to begin recovery.  The level was at 12.6 ft around 8:00 AM this morning.  Thank you, Patrons, for conserving water use over the last few days!  Please continue to use water wisely over the next day or so, as we get these leaks repaired.

JD Owen was meeting with Paul Sifford, our interim Water System Charge Operator, this morning.  When information becomes available about where the District stands currently with respect to qualifying the water being produced, the blog will be updated.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Thursday Evening - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

The District was not able to repair either of the two major leaks that were found this morning.  The Templin Trail leak has now been isolated by closing the valve to that main, but Patrons on S Nugget Dr. and S Reagan Dr. will not have water service until the leak is repaired, which the District is targeting for sometime tomorrow, as they have been able to finally valve off the water to that section of main.

The District has not been able to repair the second leak on Wagon Wheel and this evening the District has had to call in Big Sky, who was not available to the District earlier today and has equipment which is needed to do a careful excavation to uncover a stuck valve that needs to be manually closed to isolate the leaking section of main, and to remove the water from the leak site.  This leak, also, is targeted to be repaired tomorrow.  Patrons served by the Wagon Wheel Main (upper section of Dillon, Capt John Mullan, and others) will not have water service restored this evening, with the goal to restore service tomorrow.

The transducer in the 100K reservoir has been replaced, and seems to be working.  With the loss of water from the leaks today, and the inability to isolate them sooner, the reservoir is still at an uncomfortably low level.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO CONSERVE THE USE OF WATER SO THAT THE RESERVOIR CAN RECOVER!

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

Update Thursday Morning - System Recovery

9:55 AM Update:  Sizeable leaks located at Nugget and Templin Trail, and another leak on Dillon south of Captain John Mullan.  These leaks will have contributed to the depleting of the reservoir.  District assembling crew to repair.   

9:30 AM Update  The 20 HP pump did continue to run through the night as observed this morning at 6:00 AM.  However, it could not keep up with demand, and the 100K reservoir was depleted.  The reservoir depletion may also have been accelerated by a leak in the Wagon Wheel-Dillon area main. The District is assessing.  Currently, both the 40 and 20 HP are operating and moving water.  It will take at least 24-48 hours to recover the reservoir storage, so please conserve water use over the next few days.  The pumps are operating with known and suspected issues and the hope is that they will hold out until final repairs can be completed.

In addition to the pump issues, it appears that the transducer (signals water level to the auto control system) in the 100K reservoir is not working.  The reservoir transducer is scheduled to be replaced today.  Troubleshooting all of the control system continues today, as it has not recovered since the windstorm power outages.

THE ENTIRE DISTRICT IS STILL UNDER A BOIL ORDER.

DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 

 

To All Patrons:

The District has been made aware of the widespread water service outages this morning.  Awaiting a confirming report on the cause, but the most probable is that the temporary fix of the 20 HP pump in the Main Pump House on Sunnyside failed last night.  Will update when confirming details are communicated.  

Update Wednesday Evening - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

RC Worst, one of the District Service providers was able to get both Main Pump House pumps up and working.  However, the 20 HP pump is operating temporarily with a spare used starter, and RC Worst has ordered a new one to install after receiving it in a few days.  The technician believes that installing the new starter will get the 20 HP in reliable working order.  The 40 HP is running, but damage may have been caused by a faulty CLA valve which didn't open.  The current plan is to get the 20 HP pump in solid working order and then take down the 40 HP pump to assess whether there are any damaged impellers in the pump stack.  The District has both a replacement stack and the seal kit to rebuild that pump stack.

At this time, the District's controls service provider is checking out the controls system to assure that it will work properly in the auto mode.

Note:  The 20 HP pump can service the District's "typical" winter demand so please use water wisely until we get both these pumps back to good working order.

The District has called in the IRWA interim system charge operator, to continue the work on flushing hydrants and taking chlorine residual readings to keep the water qualification process going, while District personnel handle the pump issues.

REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Special Board Meeting, Friday, January 16, 2021, 6:00 PM

A Special Board Meeting will be held this Friday, January 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Fire Station at 7739 E. Sunnyside Rd.  This meeting replaces the cancelled meeting scheduled for January 15, 2021.  A concurrent Zoom Meeting will also be held.  As the regular Board Meeting is next Wednesday, January 27, 2021, the agenda for Friday's meeting will focus on the District Water Manager hiring process.  Please see the agenda on the Board Meeting Agendas page.

Zoom Meeting Information:

Topic: KCWD#1 Special Board of Directors Meeting

Time: Jan 22, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88436665842?pwd=KzBNSDNCdllJVE83OG8zN3c3STBIdz09

Meeting ID: 884 3666 5842

Passcode: 089266

Dial in only:

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 884 3666 5842

Passcode: 089266

Update Wednesday Morning - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

Unfortunately this morning we have a setback.  Both pumps are down at the Main Pump house.  The District has service providers at the Pump house, or on their way, to troubleshoot the issues at this time.  We will know more after they have done their assessments.  These are the pumps that move the filtered water into the distribution mains.  

Please conserve water use until it is determined how soon we might be able to get one or both pumps back online.

NOTE:  If you just received the letter transcript of the automated Emergency phone call from last Thursday, this should be old news.  The DEQ notification requirements include mailing this information out, which was done last Friday, and we are hearing that it is just being received now.  If this is the first you are hearing about the de-pressurization of the system that occurred last Wednesday, either we were not able to reach you by phone because the District does not have an emergency contact phone number for you, or the automatic phone call did not go through on the contact number we do have.  The service dials a maximum of five times before it records it as "Unreached".  Please send an emergency contact number or updated emergency contact number to:  

custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com

DAILY REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Tuesday Evening - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

The Kitty Lane main replacement was completed this afternoon around 3:00 PM, with all services tied in.  By 4:30 PM water pressure was recovered to higher elevation properties in the Bonanza area that were affected by this main break.  Work remaining on this job includes the back fill and road resurfacing of Kitty Lane.

Hydrant flushing will continue tomorrow, and chlorine residual readings will continue to be taken. When we have readings of 0.1 on the chlorine residuals, we will begin collecting the water samples for lab testing as the next step to determine when the the system is producing water which meets all DEQ requirements.

Good news.  Ziply came through this afternoon and spliced in new communications cables, so the District was able to switch back to auto controls between the Raw Water Intake Pump House to the Main Pump House, auto controlling the demand to the sand filters from the lake.

EVENING REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Tuesday Midday - System Recovery

To all Patrons:

The District believes that all system pump houses are powered and working. The communication line is not yet repaired between the Raw Water Intake Pump House and the Main Pump House, so we are still manually managing the water flow from the lake to the sand filters.  No ETR from Spectrum for that line repair.

We also have our electrical contractor coming in to troubleshoot the 100K gallon reservoir  transducer as the Main Pump House is getting erroneous readings on the reservoir level that communicates to the Main Pump House.

The replacement of the large section of the Kitty Lane two inch main is close to completion, and the cut over to the new pipe is scheduled to be completed this afternoon.

Hydrants are being flushed and testing of the water being produced, starting with chlorine residuals, is under way.  The District is following a process outlined by our local DEQ Compliance officer, and guided by our interim Water Charge Operator, Paul Sifford, to determine when the the system is producing water which meets all DEQ requirements for potable water.

DAILY REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Monday Evening - System Recovery

To All Patrons:

At around 3:45 PM this afternoon, the Grouse Meadows Booster pumps were primed and pumping water with restored power from Avista.  The District believes that we now have power restored to all District pumping stations in the system, and the pumps are operating.

There are still water service outages in the Bonanza area, as Big Sky, our contractor, has been working since this morning on excavating and laying 450 feet of replacement main pipe along Kitty Lane.  The Board had convened an Emergency conference call meeting this morning at ~7:30 AM to approve replacing the large section of the two inch main pipe on Kitty Lane.  We opted for this strategy instead of a spot repair since the main along that stretch of road has been repaired numerous times and continues to be a chronic trouble spot, and will most probably continue to split in the coming months with the change in seasons.  This will not be the permanent fix, but should hold us until the upgraded replacement is done as part of the Bond Project scope which has to be approved by DEQ.

We began initial sample collecting for testing, today, to begin the process of qualifying the water we are producing as meeting all requirements for potable water.

Again, wanted to mention that we have received a generous donation from one of our Patrons of almost a whole pallet of cases of drinking water.  We would like Patrons to forward to us the addresses of Patrons who are home-bound, cannot drive, or may have difficulty getting to the Fire Station, as we have had some volunteers who will drive out to deliver a case to them.  Please email us this information to: custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com as soon as possible.

DAILY REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Bottled Drinking Water

To All Patrons:

We have received a generous donation from one of our Patrons of almost a whole pallet of cases of drinking water.  We would like Patrons to forward to us the addresses of Patrons who are home-bound, cannot drive, or may have difficulty getting to the Fire Station, as we have had some volunteers who will drive out to deliver a case to them.  Please email us this information to: custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Update Monday Morning - System Recovery

Avista did not come through last night to restore the power to the Grouse Meadows Booster Pump Station, and we heard they will be back on the job this morning.  We have not received an ETR.

The Board convened an Emergency meeting this morning at ~7:30 AM to approve replacing a large section (475 feet) of the two inch main pipe on Kitty Lane.  We opted for this strategy instead of a spot repair since the main along that stretch of road has been repaired numerous times and continues to be a chronic trouble spot, and will most probably continue to split in the coming months with the change in seasons.  This will not be the permanent fix, but should hold us until the upgraded replacement is done as part of the Bond Project scope which has to be approved by DEQ.

REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Update Sunday Evening - System Recovery

To all Patrons:

If you have been monitoring the blog, you will know that District personnel have been responding to a major leak on Bonanza Rd. today that affected Patrons on Kitty Lane, Bonanza Rd. and Dillon Rd. 

However, as of 8:30 PM this evening, power is still not restored to the Grouse Meadows Booster Station.  Avista crews are still working in the area and have given a tentative ETR of 11:00 PM tonight.  If the power is restored, District personnel will have to prime the pump to get it operating.

The District has been considering moving the generator that was disconnected Saturday evening at the Main Pump House up to the Grouse Meadows Booster Station.  The assessment of the station has revealed that connecting to a generator at this station is not straight forward, as the electrical feed is under ground, and we would need to coordinate with Avista in order to make this connection.  It is definitely preferable to have power restored, but the District is monitoring the situation closely.

REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Major Leak on Bonanza Rd.

Update 8:30 PM:  Leak was repaired on Bonanza Rd., but another leak has been discovered on Kitty Lane.  The District intends to mobilize a contractor first thing in the morning to assess this latest break on Kitty Lane and have the contractor present to the Board some alternatives to consider and approve to address this latest development.

A major leak has occurred on Bonanza Rd,  District personnel are on the scene starting repair work.  Patrons on Kitty Lane, Bonanza Rd. and Dillon Rd. are all affected.

Update Sunday Morning

To all Patrons:

As of 11:00 AM this morning, it seems that power has been restored to most of the District.  Unfortunately, Grouse Meadows' power still hasn't been restored, so the Booster Pump Station that serves that area is also still down, so those Patrons still do not have water service.

If you missed last night's late update, power was restored to the Main Pump House on Sunnyside and the generator was disconnected at 7:00 PM.  Still no communication lines between the Raw Water Intake Pump House and the Main Pump House, and the last update we got is that it may be Monday when those lines will be repaired.  This means that the Raw Water Intake pumps must be manually turned on and off.

As of last night, there were only 16 cases of drinking water left at the Fire Station.  Please do not take one if you do not need it!

AGAIN A REMINDER! DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Thank you to the Patrons that have responded by emailing us an emergency phone contact number, or updated their numbers.  My last count was that I still have about 50 Patrons that have not provided us with a contact number, and there are a number that need to update our records as the calls did not seem to go through on the numbers we have on file.  So keep reminding your neighbors about how important it is to email the District with that information at custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com.

Wanted to make everyone aware of the tireless work that JD Owen has done, especially over the last five days, during this emergency.  He is everywhere, it seems, in the District checking to make sure we are recovering the system.  If you see him, give him a shout out "Thank you!"

Update Saturday Evening

 Special Update 8:30 PM:  Just got the word.  Main Pump house on Sunnyside Road had Avista Power restored and Generator was disconnected at approximately 7:00 PM.

To All Patrons:

Water service is returning slowly to most of the District.  Avista was not able to restore power to the Main Pump House today, and it is still being run by generator power.  Control System communication between the Raw Water Intake Pump House and the Main Pump House is still down, and the latest update is that the line may be repaired on Monday. 

All Patrons who are served by the Grouse Meadows Booster Pump Station are still without water service, as that Booster Pump station power has not been restored.   

AS A REMINDER, DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER, AS SUPPLIED, CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), AND LIVESTOCK.

THE DISTRICT WILL NOTIFY PATRONS WHEN THE WATER PRODUCED BY THE SYSTEM HAS TESTED AS BEING SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

We are down to our last half pallet of drinking water staged at the Fire Station, and Costco is currently out of stock.  Please do not take any water if you do not need it, so that your fellow Patrons who do need drinking water will have a supply.  District personnel are setting out 8-10 cases whenever they pass the Station as they travel from one area of the District to another to work on getting the system back up and running, but we do not have the staff to be on location all day.  Please only take one case.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

FYI.  We have received several more Emergency Contact Numbers today, along with changes to numbers we had on file for several Patrons, so please encourage your neighbors to email a phone number to the Customer Service email:  custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com so that they can be contacted by the automatic call service.  Please note that CallMultiplier is the service that does the calls, and the phone number will be an out of state number (Oklahoma).  There may be Patrons that are not answering because they do not recognize the number.  The service will call a phone number a maximum of five times before it stops.

Please check back on this blog for further updates.

Update Saturday Morning

To all Patrons:

Bringing the Water System back online is a slow process.  We still do not have automated controls operating between the main Pump House and the Raw Water Intake Pump House due to lines still being down, so certain pumps have to be manually turned on and off.  In addition, we may need to flush water to waste streams from the sand filters periodically.  As a result, you may experience fluctuating low pressures during this process over the next few days. We are boosting chlorine injections into the filtered water as part of the start up process.

AS A REMINDER, DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE.

THE WATER CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE USES INCLUDING TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS (DO NOT DRINK!), LIVESTOCK.

IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, EMPTY ANY ICE FROM AUTOMATIC ICE MAKERS AND TURN THE ICE MAKER OFF.  DO NOT TURN THE ICE MAKER BACK ON UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT THAT THE WATER IS SAFE AND YOU HAVE REPLACED YOUR REFRIGERATOR FILTERS.

As the District is using an automated call system to notify Patrons of important information, if you have not provided the District with an emergency contact phone number, please email it ASAP to custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com, so that you can be added to the list.  The District will only use this automated call system in emergencies.

Cases of drinking water are at the Fire Station being kept in a locked horse trailer, and periodically we are setting out a number of cases for Patrons to pick up.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but we do not want the supply to "walk away".  District personnel are not able to be on site throughout the day to distribute this water, as we are working at numerous sites around the District working on getting the system back up as quickly as we can.

Please pass this information on to your neighbors!

Update Friday Evening

To all Patrons:

Some good news!  Avista was able to restore power to the Raw Water Intake Pump house, so we are now pumping lake water to the sand filter bays.  In addition, our electrical contractor has connected a generator provided by Kootenai County Emergency Response to power the main Pump House.

It is estimated that it will take 48-72 hours to fully recover the system, so PLEASE CONSERVE WATER USE OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER BEING PRODUCED AT THIS TIME UNLESS YOU HAVE BOILED IT FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE!  TO BE ABSOLUTELY SAFE, CONTINUE TO DRINK BOTTLED WATER.  WAIT UNTIL THE DISTRICT NOTIFIES PATRONS THAT THE WATER HAS BEEN CONFIRMED SAFE BEFORE DRINKING OR TURNING ON AUTOMATIC ICE MAKERS. CHANGE YOUR REFRIGERATOR FILTERS BEFORE TURNING ON ICE MAKER.  THIS WATER CAN BE USED FOR ALL NON-POTABLE PURPOSES SUCH AS TOILET FLUSHING, LAUNDRY, SHOWERS, LIVESTOCK, ETC.

January 15, 2021 Special Board Meeting Cancelled

Due to the power outage and continuing issues resulting from the windstorm, this evening’s scheduled Special Board Meeting has been cancelled.  We will reschedule to a new date and time, which will be posted per the requirements of Open Meeting Laws.  Thank you for your understanding.

Update, Friday AM

To all Patrons:

Portable Toilets are at the Fire Station on Sunnyside Rd. for KCWD#1 Patrons’ use.

Kootenai County Emergency Response would not cross down power lines to deliver bottled water, so District personnel went to Costco to obtain the two pallets of bottled water and have brought them back to the Fire Station for pick-up by Patrons.  Please remember that there are about 750 people in our District so do not take more than what you might need for today, so that all Patrons can receive some drinking water.

We have some hopeful news.  Avista has finally understood the impact of this power outage on the KCWD#1 Water District and has mobilized to get power to the Raw Water Intake Pump House as well as the main Pump house.  They are hoping to get these facilities on line today!  It will take at least 24 hours to re-pressurize the full system, with all pumps working around the clock, so continue to conserve water use!

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE WATER PRODUCED INITIALLY IS NOT FOR DRINKING UNLESS IT IS BOILED FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE!

The District will let you know when the water is safe to drink after testing and monitoring over the next week.

Please check back on this blog this evening for another update.

Timing Regarding Depressurization of the Water System

To all Patrons:

In addition to the information previously posted, the depressurization of the system is estimated to have occurred between 6 PM and Midnight, Wednesday, January 14, 2021.  Water flowing, even at low pressures, after that time was gravity fed from what was remaining in the various reservoirs and distribution mains.

Again, any water that was, and is still, available after the system depressurization must be boiled for at least one minute before drinking.  To be safe, we advise drinking bottled water, instead, and using any water that is still flowing, if absolutely necessary, for non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, laundry, etc.

When full water service is restored, the water initially produced must be boiled by Patrons for at least one minute before drinking, until the District notifies all Patrons that the water system has passed all testing and standards that ensures that our water is safe for drinking.

Transcript of Patron Emergency Phone Message with Additional information

 

To all Patrons of Kootenai County Water District No. 1:

This message is from the Board of Directors:

The widespread loss of power in the area has shut all of the pumps down throughout the District water system.  As a result, all of the reservoir capacity has been used up in the last two days. 

Due to the system depressurization, it is important that you do not drink any of the water that you may still be receiving per directive of the DEQ.  I repeat, it is important that you do not drink any of the water that you may still be receiving.  Please drink bottled water only at this time.  For safety, empty out your automatic ice makers and turn them off at this time until the District confirms that the water is safe for human consumption. 

With the assistance of our interim water charge operator, Paul Sifford, and the Idaho Rural Water Association, we have mobilized some emergency measures.  Kootenai County Emergency Response will be sending emergency bottled drinking water for KCWD#1 Patrons.  This drinking water supply will be staged at the Fire Station at 7739 E. Sunnyside Rd.  Please monitor this District blog at www.kcwd1.blog.com for availability.  Please take only the minimum you and your family need to get by daily.  There is an estimated 750 people in our community and we need to help each other out during this emergency.

In addition, Kootenai County Emergency Response will be arranging for some Portable Toilets to be placed at the Fire Station for public use.  If needed, the District will arrange for a non-potable water tanker truck so that Patrons can fill containers to recharge their toilets.

The District Board has also authorized our Electrical contractor to make temporary connections to generators at the Pump House and the Raw Water Intake Pump House to begin recharging the system.  Contingent on Avista’s changing ETR, the work can be started tomorrow and completed no later than Saturday morning.  We will work with Avista to determine if this makes sense to do at this time.

Whether the system is powered up by generator or by Avista power coming back on, and water service is restored, do not drink the water without boiling it for at least one minute.  The District system will have to be flushed and tested numerous times to verify water safety, so please use the water after the system first comes back on for non-drinking purposes only, such as flushing toilets.  The District will notify you when the water is safe for human consumption.  When the water purity has been confirmed by the District, change your refrigerator filters before turning automatic ice makers back on.

This information, as well as updates, can be found on the District blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com.  You can find this internet site by searching for “kcwd1 blog”. 

Please contact your neighbors and make sure that they have gotten this message.  Not everyone has supplied the District with an Emergency contact phone number.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this emergency.

Special Board Meeting Friday, January 15, 2021, 6:00 PM

A Special Board Meeting will be held this Friday evening, January 15, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Fire Station on Sunnyside Rd., with a concurrent Zoom Meeting.  Please see agenda on the Board Meeting Agendas Page.

Simultaneous Zoom Meeting Information:

 Topic: KCWD#1 Special Board of Directors Meeting

Time: Jan 15, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87389583179?pwd=SjAxOUhPeHNyazNuNlRDRm9vdmp6Zz09

 Meeting ID: 873 8958 3179

Passcode: 389717

 Dial in only:

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

       Meeting ID: 873 8958 3179

Passcode: 389717

District Power Outage - No Pumps working!

To All Patrons:

PLEASE CONSERVE WATER!    NO POWER MEANS NO PUMPS OPERATING IN THE SYSTEM.  

System is working off of gravity feed only and reservoirs will be depleted as water is used.  When the power comes back on and pumps are restarted, it will take some time to recharge the whole system, so please conserve for 24 hours after power comes on.  Thank you for your cooperation!

FYI.  Our household is running our internet off of our generator, so will not be able to stay on long so that we can run essential systems in our home.  Also, cellular phone for certain carriers is also out, so phone calls may not go through.

Low Pressure and Water Outage in Bonanza Ranch

FINAL UPDATE:  At approximately 3:30 PM this afternoon, water service has been restored to all Patrons.  Thank you for your patience.

UPDATE:  The District has contractor Big Sky mobilized to arrive between 10:30 and 11:00 AM this morning to begin work on the repair.   Patrons on Bonanza Rd., Dillon Rd., and Captain John Mullan Rd. are affected.

A low pressure and water outage occurred last night affecting the Bonanza and Dillon Rd. area in Bonanza Ranch, and has been reported to DEQ.  The District is working on setting up repair work ASAP.  Please monitor this blog for updates.

Interim Water System Charge Operator

To all Patrons:

The District Board of Directors approved and entered into an Agreement with Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA), signed on December 31, 2020, to hire an interim licensed Water System Charge Operator until the Board hires a new Water System District Manager.  Jim Williamson, KCWD#1's DEQ Drinking Water Compliance Officer was notified, and issued the following statement regarding this transition:

"Thank you for your close coordination during the operator transition period. I spoke with Paul Sifford and he is the designated responsible charge operator (RCO) of the treatment and distribution drinking water systems at KCWD1 as of January 5, 2021.  As such, daily reporting of monthly operating compliance monitoring to this office is no longer required, and all compliance reporting will need to be reviewed by Paul until a permanent RCO is designated." 

The Board has received, to date, seven applications for the open District Water System Manager position and is in the process of qualifying and then scheduling interviews with candidates.

Thank you for your patience during this transition period. 

Special Board Meeting Wednesday, January 6, 2021 6:00 pm

 NOTE:  THIS WILL BE A ZOOM MEETING ONLY!

Please see the Board Meeting Agendas page for the agenda for Wednesday, January 6, 2021, 6:00 PM.

Zoom Meeting Information:

Topic: KCWD#1 Special Board of Directors Meeting

Time: Jan 6, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87931465506?pwd=T1lweDhjdHVYMzRXK3FSQkN4ejVvZz09

 Meeting ID: 879 3146 5506

Passcode: 212307

 Dial in only:

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 879 3146 5506

Passcode: 212307