January 1-February 17, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Notice of turbidity violations (August to November) and resolution published on January 8. December 2019 turbidity measurements did not incur a violation.

• Jepson Engineering completed a survey of the water treatment facilities, settling pond, and surrounding area on January 8-10.

• Dept. of Ecology Dam Safety annual inspection submitted, and the 5-year inspection by DOE engineers scheduled for April 2020. Emergency Action Plan and Operations & Maintenance Manual is in development.

• Dept. of Health Water Facility Inventory submitted with 221 total service connections, LISE has 250 permitted connections and three pending connection requests.

• Formal Compliance Agreement has been established between DOH and LISE on February 14 to address turbidity violations with deadline of July 1, 2020 to submit a schedule to address water treatment improvements and timeline.

• DOH Sanitary Survey scheduled for late July 2020.

January 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 425,320 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   417,370
Flushing 3,100 Residential meters    252,060 Unaccounted for water    162,210
Percentage of loss        39%

November 12-December 31, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Swim lake spillway project has been designed and we are coordinating with RAM Construction to begin installation of a new water level control structure to replace the wooden stop log setup. Project may start in January contingent on weather and lake level.

• Turbidity issues:

  • December turbidity levels remained below 0.3 NTU, meaning we will not receive a violation for that month. However, we will receive a violation for November that will require another public notice.

  • We visited an East Sound water treatment plant on Orcas Island on November 15 as part of our DOH plan to control turbidity. Based on this visit and subsequent jar testing we decided to test ferric chloride as our primary coagulant instead of alum.

  • We calibrated our SCADA system and set alarm points that will alert operators if turbidity reaches certain levels.

  • Coffman Engineering has completed a report “Water System Treatment, Pumphouse, and Discharge Improvements”.

• Settling Pond Permit: Coffman Engineering is also assisting us with our Dept. of Ecology permit for our settling pond. Bids are out to conduct a survey of the water treatment facilities area to use as a site plan as required by the permit.

• Fixed leak near meter at 70027 on December 9.

• Replaced 30 meter registers for battery failure.

November 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 421,500 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,690
Net to distribution   413,810
Residential meters    235,640 Unaccounted for water    178,170
Percentage of loss        43.1%.

December 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 395,560 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,946
Net to distribution   387,704
Residential meters    230,070 Unaccounted for water    157,634
Percentage of loss        40.7%

October 15-November 11, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Replaced Clubhouse Wi-Fi router.

• Winterized marina, clubhouse, and cabana.

• Swept community roads.

• Replaced 13 meter registers for battery failure.

• Isaac passed his Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Distribution Manager Level 2 exams November 6.

• Published Dept. of Health notice of violation for turbidity on October 18 with a mailing to all water customers and article on LISE website.

• Resolution of turbidity issues are ongoing. We have contracted with Coffman Engineering to evaluate the treatment plant and are currently exploring recommendations from DOH and/or consultants:

  • Coagulant feed pumps were wired to the reservoir pump

  • Jar test ferric chloride as a possible replacement coagulant to alum.

  • Jar test alum and polymer dosages

  • Test filter flow at slower rate

  • Extend filter runs and backwash less frequently

Water loss has increased substantially in October. Our leak detection has not yet determined the location.

October 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 432,850 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,946
Net to distribution   424,904
Residential meters    243,920 Unaccounted for water    225,934
Percentage of loss        42.6%

Sept. 6-October 14, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Replaced 12 meters because of dead radio batteries. 37 additional meters have failed batteries.

• Replaced the reservoir pump September 19.

• New small docks were delivered September 24.

• Isaac attended certification exam training on September 25-27 and is scheduled to take WTPO and WDM Level 2 exams in November.

• Purchased new backhoe, received September 27.

• Special on-site training with Department of Health for jar-testing procedure to optimize turbidity on September 30 and upgraded our jar-testing equipment.

• Removed docks for the off-season, completed October 3.

• Replaced filter media October 11.

September 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 434,900 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,700 Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   424,200
Residential meters    270,200 Unaccounted for water    154,000
Percentage of loss        36.3%

Aug. 19-Sept. 5, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Purchased replacement filter media in preparation of future needs.

• Installed new chlorine analyzer (Hach CL10).

• Replaced life ring at the swim lake.

• Isaac is scheduled for Level 2 exam training on September 25-27 and take exams for WTPO and WDM level 2 sometime in October.

• Tentatively scheduled: small dock removal for September 19 or 20, and large dock removal for October 3 or 4.

The new small docks are nearing completion, thank you to Duncan McLane and Chris Immer for all their work so far.

August 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 559,900
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   556,900
Residential meters    410,030 Unaccounted for water    146,870
Percentage of loss        26.4%

June 17-July 15, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Fire Marshall inspection items were completed, and the Clubhouse has been approved by the Whatcom County building inspector for 99 occupancy.

  • Mark Sexton replaced the main door and double doors with outswing doors and panic bar exit hardware.

  • PMG Controls (electrician) installed emergency exit lights.

• The mixer in storage tank #1 failed within the warrantee period. A replacement mixer unit was installed on July 12 along with upgrades to the breaker panel in the storage tanks vault.

• New water service for account 40003 installed July 2. Construction is underway for a new residence there.

• Investigated purchase options for replacement backhoe loader.

June 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 529,980
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   526,900
Residential meters    384,950 Unaccounted for water    142,030
Percentage of loss        27.0%

May 14-June 16, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Deployed the small docks on May 16 and installed a handrail on the ramp between docks on June 5.

• Replaced 34 meter registers due to dead batteries, and one meter body due to freeze damage.

• The meter body at account 40066 was found missing and a police report was filed.

• Tighten packing nut at pressure reducing valve at Hales Passage vault to fix a minor leak.

• Produce the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report / Annual Water Quality Report which will show that the LISE water system meets all primary and secondary EPA and Department of Health standards.

• Clear brush from Mount Vista Terrace roadsides.

• Mowed the swim lake north shore and created more shoreline access with Rich Hudson and his excavation equipment.

Mark Sexton installed the main Clubhouse door with an exit push bar and outswing to comply with the Fire Marshall’s inspection for increased occupancy. The double doors will be also be soon replaced with compliant push bars.

May 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 436,700
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   433,700
Residential meters    296,610 Unaccounted for water    137,090
Percentage of loss        31.6%

April 22-May 13, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Prepared and launched the main docks on May 8 with the help of Chris Immer and Brian Parberry’s forklift.

• Spread new playground wood chips at the swim lank playground, delivered by Rich Hudson.

• Hosted Wildfire Prep Day at the Cabana on May 4. Thank you to the many volunteers that helped remove about 36 cubic yards of limbs and debris from below the Storage Yard with the help of Mark Sexton’s dump trailer.

Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 398,200
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   395,200
Residential meters    266,400 Unaccounted for water    128,800
Percentage of loss        32.6%

March 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Completed the Clubhouse range hood installation. The range is now available for use.

• Replaced 13 meter registers because of battery failure. We are waiting on warrantee returns to replace about 38 meters with dead batteries.

• Located and repaired a major leak near 1237 Island Drive. Not including the estimated leak loss at this location, our percentage of water loss was 43%. Including this leak loss the percentage is 7.7% (see table below).

• Removed four at-risk trees from the Cabana Area with Baker Mountain Ranch Construction.

• Repaired reservoir pump-back line because of freeze damage.

• Replaced the reservoir booster pump motor. Pumping from the reservoir was stopped for a day while this repair was made.

• Met with Surowiecki Brothers Construction to discuss estimate for small dock replacement.

• Raised the Swim Lake level for the season.

• Began preparation and maintenance on the large docks for deployment.

The large docks are scheduled to be launched on Wednesday, May 8, depending on weather.

We had strong participation for the Island Roadside Cleanup on April 6. Thank you to all our neighbors who helped cleanup efforts in Scenic Estates.

Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 411,250
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   408,250
Residential meters    232,850
Island Dr. leak est. (25 days @ 4gpm) 144,000

Unaccounted for water    31,400
Percentage of loss        7.7%

February 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed the Clubhouse range hood installation and moved the range back to the kitchen for membership use.

• Submitted our annual Dept. of Ecology waste water permit.

• Met with Bellingham Marine for estimate of small dock replacement.

February was a month of snow and freezing temperatures, and a few residential water connections had issues with frozen water lines. We performed almost daily leak inspections during this month to monitor for water loss and inform members if their meters indicated a leak.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    364,320
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   361,320
Residential meters    207,460
Unaccounted for water    153,870
Percentage of loss        42.6%

January 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed repairs to a major leak on Hales Passage Drive (40044)

• Began installation of range hood, now waiting on electrician to complete wiring

• Replaced a freeze-damaged meter and identified another 33 meters that need to be replaced for battery issues

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    420,270
Flushing    2,000
Net to distribution    418,270
Residential meters    235,560
Unaccounted for water    182,710
Percentage of loss        43.7%

December 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Replaced 40 meter registers (that lost battery power that transmits the reading to our vehicle). Although the new meters are new purchases, the old replaced meters are still in warranty. So Master Meter will provide 40 replacement meter registers for our next round of battery failures.

• Received 70 folding chairs to complete our new furniture setup.

Repairs on a major leak on Hales Passage (40044) will begin in January. During December we were able to shut off the broken line since it serves only one part-time resident who needed water about 9 days this month. The difference in distribution usage helped us estimate the lost water at this location.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    415,140
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution    412,140
Residential meters    229,500
Est leak Hales Passage 9 days   28,060
Unaccounted for water    154,580
Percentage of loss        38%

November 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed the Water Facilities Inventory (WFI) survey. The WFI form is required by the Department of Health and contains information about LISE water system’s source of supply, water treatment, number of connections, population served, and contacts.

• Received tables and chair racks for the Clubhouse. Folding chairs are on backorder and will be shipped in December.

• Scheduled electrician to replace Clubhouse breaker panel and make minor repairs in mid-December. When this work is complete, we can proceed with vent hood installation and bring the range back to the Clubhouse kitchen.

• Had continued success with the new sweeper system. All roads in LISE were cleaned in about 4.5 hours, a substantial time savings from using the old walk-behind sweeper.

• Isolated a major leak to a short section of pipe on Hales Passage Drive near Scenic Place on November 30. We were able to shut off this section and will perform repairs as soon as possible.

More water meters are beginning to lose battery power that transmits the reading to our vehicle, and requires a manual reading of each meter (the water meter continues to measure usage without a battery). On November 1, we had to manually read 21 meters. This increased to 36 meters during the meter reading on December 1. We currently have 6 meters out for replacement and no reserve meter heads in stock.

Based on the limitations of the Master Meter warranty, we may need to purchase a group of new meters to replace the units with dead batteries and have a reserve for future failures.  

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    327,470
Backwashes    24,750
Net pumped    302,720
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution    299,720
Residential meters    218,670
Unaccounted for water    81,050
Percentage of loss        27%

October 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Removed large docks on October 1.

• Chris Immer installed aluminum railings to Marina gangway, completed October 5.

• Installed the broom attachment on the new lawn tractor. Completed sweeping of almost all roads in LISE in about 6 hours. Previously the walk behind sweeper would take about 3 work days to do just the Community Roads.

• Installed information sign at gate of Water Treatment plant, completed October 11.

• Obtained building permit for vent hood installation on October 17.

• Installed hitch receiver and trailer brake system on LISE truck October 19.

• Winterized Clubhouse, Marina, and Cabana facilities.

• Replaced 6 residential water meters, approximately 20 more need to be replaced under warranty.

On October 27, seven volunteers worked with Isaac on the Island Drive trail as a Firewise project, removing over 60 cubic yards of brush to Aiston Preserve. Sean Tait was hired to remove dangerous and overhanging limbs before this work day, and Mark Sexton contributed the use of his dumping trailer.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    326,110
Backwashes    25,575
Net pumped    300,535
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution    297,535
Residential meters    249,900
Unaccounted for water    47,635
Percentage of loss        16%

September 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed installation of remote monitoring equipment (SCADA) with PMG Controls. Readings for chlorine and turbidity are functioning although still need to be adjusted.

• Installed “Exit” signs and emergency lighting in clubhouse as part of fire regulation compliance. Kitchen range was removed temporarily until vent hood is installed. The Clubhouse was measured, and as-built plans drawn for the permitting process.

• The marina docks were removed beginning with the small docks on September 24. The large docks were removed on October 1 with the help of Chris Immer and Brian Parberry’s large fork lift.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    340,320
Backwashes    30,525
Net pumped    309,795
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    304,795
Residential meters    280,010
Unaccounted for water    24,785
Percentage of loss        8%

August 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Repaired major leak on a 4-inch main above the Marina parking lot, completed on August 16. During excavation, the pipe was severed with approximately 5,000 gallons lost during the repair.

• Received new lawn tractor on August 9 and road sweeper attachment on August 30.

• PMG Controls began work on electronics installation for remote monitoring (SCADA) system.

• Received emergency preparedness supplies to be stored at Maintenance Shop.

• Repair shower head in Cabana women’s bathroom.

The Fire Marshall inspected the Clubhouse on August 29 with a list of compliance items that we are currently working on.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    792,660
Backwashes    49,500
Net pumped    743,160
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    738,160
Loss from leak repair, estimated 5,000 Residential meters    426,600
Unaccounted for water    306,560
Percentage of loss        42%

July 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we completed the following projects:

• PMG Controls installed a control system (SCADA) at the Water Treatment Plant to monitor turbidity.

• Department of Ecology visited the Water Treatment Plant to review our Discharge Monitoring Plan.

• Installed a park barbeque at the Marina.

• Completed painting the Clubhouse exterior and deck, including repairs to the deck stair posts.

• Replaced modem at Maintenance Shop.

• Pogozone completed installation of a wi-fi network at Cabana.

The amount of unaccounted for water has been on the increase. In late July we identified two possible leak locations, one near Island Drive and Jamison Street, and a second location above the Clubhouse parking lot.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    759,680
Backwashes    51,975
Net pumped    707,705
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    702,705
Residential meters    443,910
Unaccounted for water    258,795
Percentage of loss        36.8%

June 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we completed the following projects:

• Submitted the annual DOH Water Use Efficiency Report.
• Identified and replaced a faulty meter that had failed due to freezing exposure. We also audited all customer meter readings to confirm all meters are functional.
•  Completed leak repair at the Marina blow off valve.
•  Removed pump-back pump from well for repair.
• Clubhouse and deck prep for painting (ongoing).
• Repaired damaged antenna for Master Meter computer.
• Reduced scrap pile at storage shed with approximately $400 scrap value.

On June 22 Jolyn Leslie, DOH Regional Engineer, presented Scenic Estates with the Gold Certificate of Achievement for achieving water turbidity optimization goals for 10 years (2008-2017).

There was an apparent break-in at the Maintenance Shop on June 8 when the LISECC modem and router went missing. The modem has been replaced and security cameras will be installed soon.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    478,310
Backwashes    49,500
Net pumped    428,810
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    423,810
Residential meters    322,730
Unaccounted for water    101,080
Percentage of loss        24%

May 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Installed the new Marina gangway and launched the docks.
• Firewise volunteer work party at the Clubhouse and Marina for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 5.
• Identified two failed customer meters, one of which failed to alert a leak at that address. These meters failed due to exposure and freezing conditions. We have since audited all meters that have not recorded usage in the last six months to determine if there are other failed meters in the system.
• Removed water meter at #30090.
• Repaired leak at Marina blow off valve.
• Asphalt repair at the Marina by Huizenga Enterprises.
• Backhoe brake line repair by Farmer’s Equipment Company.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    409,320
Backwashes    51,500
Net pumped    357,820
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    352,820
Residential meters    311,850
Unaccounted for water    40,970
Percentage of loss        12%

April 2018 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Reconfigured piping for pumps #1 and #2 and replumbed turbidity meters to comply with Sanitary Survey findings to allow monitoring of filter-to-waste system.
• Consulted with Master Meter rep to streamline our meter reading and leak detection software.
• Submitted a DNR lease renewal for the Marina facilities.
• Installed water service at 30074.
• Produced the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report (Annual Water Quality Report) for mailing in May.
• Replaced the pressure relief valve at the spillway vault with Blythe Plumbing.

LISE also hosted the Scenic Estates group of the Island Cleanup at the Cabana on April 7. This was well attended and greatly helped with litter pickup. Thank you volunteers!

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    432,280
Backwashes    49,500
Net pumped    382,780
Flushing    5,000
Net to distribution    377,780
Residential meters    245,130
Unaccounted for water    132,650
Percentage of loss        35%