Message from I-Pei Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Fri. July 3, 2009; 1:34:33 PM CDT

NOTICE

In compliance with Texas Open Meetings Act (Section 551), the following notice is given: a meeting of the SRE Water Supply Corporation (WSC) Board will be held Tuesday July 7, 2009, 7 PM, at 126 Sunrise Canyon Rd.

AGENDA

1. President’s Report (I-Pei)
   1. Call to order and quorum count
   2. 2008 Consumer Confidence Report
2. Secretary’s Report (Eric)
   1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
3. Treasurer’s Report (Rob)
   1. Financial Status, June 30, 2009
4. Continuing Business (I-Pei)
   1. 2009 Tariff
   2. Drought Plan Revision
   3. Water Quality Testing
5. Operation Manager’s Report (Harlan)
   1. Site Construction Status

Message from I-Pei Hsiu Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Fri. June 30, 2009; 12:36:09 PM CDT

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Construction activities at your water well site have quieted, as we have completed all of the planned well rehabilitation work: well cleaning, installing the inflatable well packer, installing and testing a propane-powered emergency generator, and replacing the fencing. Activities needed to keep our water supply safe, reliable, and sustainable never completely cease, however, and your volunteer Board works diligently to ensure what is often taken for granted: economical, fresh water from our taps.

Thank you for your part in making the upgrades to our water system possible. Your support and cooperation during the planning and construction phases were essential to the success of our well rehabilitation project. Both the quality of water and reliability of our system during power outages have been markedly improved. If you haven’t yet already, I urge you to take advantage of the cost savings in the amount of salt needed for softener regeneration by adjusting your water softener settings to reflect a total dissolved solids concentration of 25 grains per gallon (down from approximately 90 grains per gallon).

It is no secret that we are in a state of drought. As the temperatures continue to soar to record levels and the prospects for significant rainfall this season dwindles, the Board has determined that the current situation warrants a drought response level of Stage 2 for our water supply. The Stage 2 level requires that we achieve a 15 percent reduction in total water usage, and doubles the usage charge per thousand gallons for consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons per month. Thus, charges for users of 1 through 10,000 gallons per month remain the same, but will increase from $2.00 to $4.00 and from $4.00 to $8.00 per thousand gallons for consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons and 20,000 gallons, respectively.

The Stage 2 drought response level enacts the following water use restrictions for all customers:

1. Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be limited to Sundays and Thursdays for customers with a street address or post office box number ending in an even number, and Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with an address ending in an odd number. All irrigation of landscaped areas is limited to the hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on designated watering days. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted at anytime if it is by means of a hand-held hose, a faucet-filled bucket or watering can of 5 gallons or less, or drip irrigation system.
2. Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer or other vehicle is prohibited except on designated water days between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand-held bucket or hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff.
3. Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, or Jacuzzi-type pools is prohibited except on designated watering days between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
4. Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system.
5. Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, or other related activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare.
6. The following uses of water are defined as non-essential and are prohibited:
   1. Wash down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas
   2. Wash down of buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection
   3. Water for dust control
   4. Permitting water to run or accumulate in any ditch or street
   5. Failing to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leaks(s)

These mandatory conservation measures and the Stage 2 tariff are in effect for the July billing cycle.

Enforcing our drought conservation measures is one of several activities required of our WSC by various regulatory entities. Another requirement of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is issuing the 2008 Consumer Confidence Report, enclosed in your June bill statements.

If you have any questions about our conservation efforts or the 2008 Consumer Confidence Report, wish to learn more about your water supply or volunteer your services to our WSC (mechanically-minded and book-keeping brained folks always welcome), please feel free to contact me at (512) 847-9045 or ipeihodge@gmail.com.

Best regards,

I-Pei Hsiu Hodge
President, Skyline Ranch Estates Water Supply Corporation

SRE-WSC has posted a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for Skyline Ranch Estates, issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This is a report of your drinking water quality for the year 2008.

http://skylineranch.org/content/filemgr/files/wsc_2008_water_quality.pdf [pdf, 2.7 MB]

Downloadable version of 2009 Annual Meeting Report [pdf, 80K]:
http://skylineranch.org/content/filemgr/files/annmeeting_2009-04-25.pdf

Introduction
The 2009 Annual Meeting of the Skyline Ranch Estates Property Owners Association was held at the Wimberley Community Center, at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday April 25, 2009.

A quorum requiring two-thirds of eligible membership votes was not met for this meeting.

The meeting was called to order by POA president Carl Galante, who welcomed property owners and introduced POA Board members:

• Carl Galante, President
• Gerald Tempton, Vice-President
• Gary Yowell, Treasurer
• Petesie Lee, Secretary
• Judy Nicholls [not present]
• Carol Wilson, Hospitality

It was noted that, next year, three new board members will be needed, as three terms will have been completed.

Minutes
The minutes of the 2008 Annual Meeting were presented, and a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer’s report was presented by Gary Yowell. The annual report was prepared, reflecting the time period of 4/25/08 through 4/24/09:

• Starting balance: $13,794.20
• Total inflow: $2,986.57
• Total outflow: $1,736.89
• Ending balance: $15,417.91

Recognition and Thanks
President Galante recognized and thanked

• Susan Ross for the Christmas party
• Eric Eubank for the website/mail list (and encouraged members to join)
• Pat Koeppe for the Neighborhood Watch program
• Bob Balslev and the Water Supply Corporation (WSC) Board

Recognition of New Neighbors
Several new neighbors were introduced: Jay Newman, Toni and James Nelson, Bob and Lisa Shine, and Carla and Curtis Phythian.

Updating By-Laws
The discussion of changing the by-laws was revisited. 2/3 of members are needed for a quorum and 3/4 for a change in the by-laws. A committee was to have been formed after the 2008 Annual Meeting, and President Galante noted that no action had been taken. It was agreed that by-laws revision is a priority, that a committee will be formed to draft a letter to POA members, and that another attempt be made to update the by-laws. It is especially important that members understand that the by-laws revision does not in any way affect the covenants. A 100% vote of the membership is needed to change the covenants.

Volunteers for the by-laws revision committee:

• Joan Balslev
• Julie Ray
• Henry Lykken
• Jan Harrison

Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch chair Pat Koeppe gave a report of the committee’s activity during the recent well rehabilitation project, and it was noted that the committee was a big help in this regard, in notifying property owners by telephone, who could not be reached by email.

Architectural Committee
The committee reported that there are two new homes under construction, as well as a barn and rainwater collection systems. Members of the committee are Bernie Ross, Joe Harrison, Beverly Galante, and Carl Galante.

Water Board
President Galante explained the possible use of POA funds to help fund water system upgrades. There will be a meeting of the POA Board with the Water Board.

Storage Shed
Harlan Mettenbrink reported that the well-site storage shed is in need of repair. Bob Fulton and Joe Harrison volunteered to make repairs.

Website/Mail List
There was a discussion of the possibility of including recommendations for contractors, plumbers, electricians, workmen, etc on SRE website and mail list. After discussion, it was agreed that the mail list works fine now by asking for recommendations on an individual basis.

Tax Assessments
It was agreed that, with new property assessments coming soon, the neighborhood mail list/website would be a good way to cooperate in lowering assessments, as needed.

Land on Skyline Drive
Someone raised the question of the land on the corner of Ranch Road 12 and Skyline Dr., as piles of cedar are a fire hazard and an eyesore. The Board agreed to look into this problem.

Speed Limits
There was a discussion of observing speed limits in the neighborhood and also calling the county about the missing stop sign on the corner of Skyline Ridge Lookout and Valley Vista.

Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:40 A.M.

Petesie Lee
SRE-POA Secretary

Message from I-Pei Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Fri. June 5 2009; 12:18:18 AM CDT

NOTICE

In compliance with Texas Open Meetings Act (Section 551), the following notice is given: a meeting of the SRE Water Supply Corporation (WSC) Board will be held Tuesday June 9, 2009, 7 PM, at 126 Sunrise Canyon Rd.

AGENDA

1. President’s Report (I-Pei)
   1. Resignation of Jan Harrison as Director
   2. Nomination of Lisa Shine as Director
   3. Director Roles and Responsibilities
2. Secretary’s Report (Eric)
   1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
   2. Skyline Yahoo Groups Posting Guidelines
   3. Recording Meetings/Open Government
3. Treasurer’s Report (Rob)
   1. Status of Community Resources Loan Application
   2. Financial Status, May 31, 2009
4. New Business (I-Pei)
   1. Consumer Confidence Report
   2. 2009 Tariff
   3. Drought Plan Revision
   4. TCEQ/EPA Regulations Updates
   5. SRE-WSC Map Update (Eric)
5. Operations
   1. Site Construction Status (Rob/Harlan)
   2. Meter Lockouts (Harlan)
   3. Water Quality Testing (I-Pei)
   4. Road Repair (I-Pei)
   5. Operations Manual/Packer Documentation (Harlan)
   6. Emergency Generator Operations Plan

Message from I-Pei Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Thurs. May 7, 2009; 2:58:09 PM CDT

We’ve tinkered and tested, pumped and puzzled, sampled and squinted, and ultimately have been forced to conclude that the outcome of our well rehabilitation project is a bona fide success. Qualitatively, you are likely to have noticed the decreased amount of iron and magnesium build-up in your filters, and the dramatic decrease in hardness of your tap water. Gone from my countertops and dried dishes is the crusty yellowish residue of salt; even my children have noticed the increased sheen and softness of newly washed hair. Quantitatively, recent well water samples indicate hardness levels ranging from 24 to 29 grains per gallon, an emphatic reduction from pre-well rehabilitation hardness levels ranging from 88 grains per gallon to 91 grains per gallon.

The significant reduction of the hardness in the pumped water and the consistency of the hardness measurements since the conclusion of the construction work offer proof positive that the inflatable packer is stably situated and functioning properly to reduce infiltration of the poor quality water from the upper Glen Rose Aquifer into the desired water pumped from the lower Glen Rose Aquifer.

You may now modify or contact your softener service company to modify your softener settings to reflect the improved quality of our water supply. The modifications will reduce your softener’s salt consumption and increase the time between regeneration cycles, resulting in an operational cost savings for you.

Water Technologies is used by some of our residents and they have been apprised of the change in our water quality.

I-Pei Hodge
SRE-WSC President

Message from I-Pei Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Tues. May 5, 2009; 5:48:05 PM CDT

Oh happy day. 

The boil water notice is officially lifted.

Analytical results from the well water samples collected on May 4, 2009 did not indicate the presence of bacteria in four out of four samples tested.  You may now return to normal water usage applications.

I-Pei Hodge
SRE-WSC President

Message from I-Pei Hodge, SRE-WSC President
Mon. May 4, 2009; 9:01:11 PM CDT

On Sunday, May 3, contractors injected chlorine solution into our well to re-disinfect the downhole well system.  Pumping from the well into our storage tanks was ceased until today, May 4, when our well was purged of the downhole chlorine solution and then returned to service. 

Water samples were collected from our well today after rechlorination; laboratory analytical results are expected by Wednesday and will indicate whether we will be able to discontinue our boil water notice.

Thank you for your patience.

I-Pei Hodge
SRE-WSC President
(512) 847-9045

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Fri. May 1 2009; 7:52:22 PM CDT

The boil water notice is still in effect. The three samples I reported on yesterday did not indicate a result eliminating the “boil water notice.”

Please be reassured that we continue to chlorinate the water delivered to our storage tanks and to our customers. The issue remains with getting a good test result from the source, before our chlorination is added.

PGMS has been coordinating with the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to resolve this issue for you. This weekend we will chlorinate the well, but not to the extent that you will be affected in your home.

On Monday, another sample/samples will be taken to satisfy the regulatory guidance under which we function.

It is my regret that for the past two years, serving as the SRE-WSC President, that this issue could not have been packaged as “done” and the WSC move forward to new challenges. That has not occurred — YET.

Today, new WSC board members were accepted. I have resigned, as planned, and I-Pei Hodge now has the baton/tiller as President of the SRE-WSC. Last year we recognized her experience and capabilities as a professional in the service of providing quality water service to our customers. We gave her a year to learn the community culture/business, and she now has the authority to represent you as your President. Please welcome her and help her as she moves forward.

There are two new Board Directors: Eric Eubank, who will function as Secretary and Jan Harrison, as Director-at-Large.

I want to thank Rex Wilson for his contributions/efforts in the past year as Secretary of your WSC.

It has been my pleasure to serve in my capacity as President, and I look forward to our established System Improvement goals: Reliability and Quality of the product we provide you. The opportunity for me to serve allowed the establishment of many community relationships. For that I am grateful, and in the future, I encourage new community members to stand up, volunteer, and serve. The personal benefits are priceless and unforeseen.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
Ex-President, SRE-WSC

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Thurs. Apr 30 2009; 6:34:35 PM CDT

We did not hear from the laboratory today re: BAC-T test results. Will follow-up tomorrow.

I have no answers, other than what is stated above.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 29 2009; 12:09:00 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

A water sample was not taken on Monday/Tuesday, primarily due to weather. Three separate samples were taken this AM. If one of the three passes, we will cease the “BOIL WATER NOTICE.”

Recent samples of mineral content indicate that the content in parts/million has diminished by ~50%. We are monitoring this trend to ensure this will be the new stabilized concentration. If so, much of our goal has been met.

We will advise you of a stabilized environment so that you can reduce the frequency of your water softener cycles.

Stay tuned.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Bob Balslev, president of the Skyline Ranch Water Supply Corporation, has posted a dowloadable version of the presentation he made at the 2009 Annual Meeting (Saturday April 25, 2009), for the benefit of those who missed it.

Download/view

1. Original PowerPoint presentation (5.25 MB):
http://skylineranch.org/content/filemgr/files/wsc_2009_annual_meeting_pre.ppt

2. Reduced size, pdf format (526 KB):
http://skylineranch.org/content/filemgr/files/wsc_2009_annual_meeting_pre.pdf

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sun. Apr 26, 2009

The following Hays-Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) documents are referenced in this post:
User Drought Contingency Plan (UDCP) [pdf, 4.6 MB]
Proposed Legislation, Draft – Apr 26, 2009 [pdf, 62 KB]
Proposed Legislation: Analysis [pdf, 40 KB]

This post concerns the HTGCD User Drought Contingency Plan (UDCP), as well as draft legislation to be considered by the Texas Legislature, which proposes to give HTGCD the funding required to “manage” water utilities/users under its control by raising fees and taxes.

Consequences of proposed legislation to citizens are a proposed maximum tax rate of 5 cents per 100 dollars of property valuation, plus fees for new wells ($400.00), new customers tap fee ($400.00), and customer transfers ($125.00). The draft legislation would provide the HTGCD with the resources from taxes and fees to provide active enforcement of the UDCP.

I recommend you review the UDCP and reflect on how its enforcement will affect your WSC to meet these requirements.

Our existing contract with PGMS will be significantly impacted by the increased regulatory practices mandated in the plan.

Regards,
Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Fri. April 24, 2009 6:22:37 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

CONTINUE BOILING WATER. Today we received notice that the results of a bacteria analysis sample collected Thursday AM was positive. Until we can take another sample on Monday AM, with results on Tuesday PM, we need to continue boiling water for internal consumption (drinking/cooking). All other uses are approved and emphasized. Our storage tanks are full.

GOOD NEWS: Two water samples taken a day apart indicate that the mineral content of our water has been reduced by ~ 50%. We hope this continues, but it is early in the game to attribute this to moving the pump an additional 100′ lower (from 525′ to 625″ below the surface) into the Lower Glen Rose Aquifer — or the packer installation at ~480′. Science is a progressive phase, not immediate gratification, as we continue to be used to.

Stay tuned, news at ???

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

When:  Saturday, April 25, 2009, 10:30 A.M.
Where:  Wimberley Community Center in the Senior Room
Address:  14068 Ranch Road 12.  Turn and drive up the hill from the traffic light at Ozona Bank.
Google Maps:  Wimberley Community Center map

The combined annual meeting of the SRE Property Owners Association and Water Supply Corporation is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Wimberley Community Center in the Senior Room. The POA meeting will begin at 10:30 A.M., immediately followed by the Water Supply Corporation meeting, and ending with lunch.

The main course and drinks will be provided. POA members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. In the past this event has been a lot of fun and a good time to visit with neighbors. Please plan to attend.

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 22 2009; 6:35:08 PM CDT

At ~5:25 PM, our well is functioning properly – providing a flow of ~60 gallons/min to the storage tanks.

“TAKE A SHOWER BUT BOIL WATER.”

Other than routine household washing, please limit outside usage until we have good, positive results over a period of time.

Further evaluations need to be made to validate the fact that we are in the Glen Rose Lower Aquifer and that the packer is separating the soluble gypsum minerals from the pump.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 22 2009; 5:52:28 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

At 4:03 PM today, our pump, now down at 625′ –versus the previous 525′– commenced pumping water at its expected rate (See Photo) of ~60 gallons/minute. We still need to cleanse the well by pumping out residual chemicals and sediment. We should be pumping to our storage tanks by late evening. We have cancelled additional deliveries of water to the site.

Given we are not currently adding water to our storage tanks, I am requesting that conservation measures continue until advised, tomorrow. In the morning, we will take a sample for bacteria testing and should have results by Friday. Positive results will allow cessation of the “boil water notice.” If our storage tanks are full in the AM, I will send out “take a shower, but continue boiling water” message.

CONSERVATION

In the past day, we consumed 4400 gallons of water. We are now relying on what is in the storage tanks (~12,000 gallons usable) to get us through until we are filling the storage tanks from our well. The community has proven during this project that it can consume as little as 4400 gallons a day, or up to 15000 gallons a day. It’s now up to us, over the evening, to conserve.

Thanks for your support.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Down hole project: Wet gold, 2009-04-22 [click to enlarge]

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Tues. Apr 21 2009; 7:17:11 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

Today we commenced insertion of the pump/packer/stainless pipe. At 6:15 PM tonight, there were 8 sections of 20′ pipe remaining out of ~31 total. My expectation is that sometime on Wednesday AM, we will commence pumping water, which needs to be evaluated for bacteria (~2 days). The good news is that once we start pumping – and there is good clarity – our customers can commence normal watering, with the continuing caveat to boil our water for personal, internal consumption.

Attached is a photo taken of the “packer” in position, preparing to go down-hole.

I want to thank whomever in the community retrieved our “boil water notice” and reposted it.

CONSUMPTION

I guess Monday was “wash and water day” for some of our customers. Consumption in the past 24 hours was back to “normal” at ~ 15,000 gallons. It is disappointing that the WSC customers could not hang in there for 1-2 days longer. We have stressed the community in this project, through unanticipated delays, but it was artificial in terms of the long term. Should, in the coming future, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) get some regulatory “teeth” from the legislature, the 30% reduction they claim to currently mandate, given the drought, will cause your WSC to take drastic action. In conservation, that normally means unbearably higher rates to change behavior.

No more soapbox, and I hope to report that we are pumping tomorrow.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Down hole project: packer insertion, 2009-04-20 [click to enlarge]

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Mon. Apr 20 2009; 5:45:57 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

The chlorine was removed from the hole today and the contractor’s pipe pulled. Tuesday we will commence installation of the pump/packer/stainless pipe. A picture of the packer is attached, with our WSC Chief Engineer assessing the multiple components.

CONSUMPTION

It was confirmed today that Sunday’s consumption was 5100 gallons. Sunday PM, late, four truckloads of water (8800 gallons) were delivered. I will not have a consumption report for Monday. Data collection error, sorry.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Down hole project: packer and engineer, 2009-04-20 [click to enlarge]

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sun. Apr 19 2009; 6:07:50 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

Well currently “steeping” with chlorine. Chlorine removal and pump/pipe/packer installation to commence Monday AM.

CONSUMPTION

5100 gallons, with the caveat that there were no reported deliveries today. This is great for the community, if true.

WE ARE STILL UNDER A “BOIL WATER NOTICE” UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. FRIDAY’S STORM RELOCATED OUR SIGN AT THE ENTRANCE.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sat. Apr 18 2009; 6:31:14 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

Yesterday we completed cleansing of the well with acid. We have now cleansed the acid and poured chlorine down the hole to finish the process. The well is currently “steeping” with chlorine. On Monday we will commence installing the pump/packer and stainless pipe. We should be pumping water NLT than Wednesday AM. Once pumping is started and the chlorine removed, we will gather a sample for bacteria testing: keep boiling or hauling your water to your home for personal consumption.

CONSUMPTION

We consumed 8600 gallons of water in the past 24 hours. A good thing and thanks. We only needed to haul two truckloads today and cancelled the remaining three – saving $334.00 in hauling fees for the project.

I think there is a light in the tunnel – hopefully not a train.

Regards,
Bob

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Fri. Apr 17 2009; 10:31:09 PM CDT

Harlan has filled in for me in the past two days, as I was called out of town on assignment. Murphy always interferes with plans.

That having been said, we (our community) need to pull together for a few more days (TBD) to endure a project beset with scientific analysis, reset given down-hole unknowns, and now weather complications. Water will be continued to be delivered through the weekend. But to be honest, I do not know at this time if it will equal consumption over the weekend. With today’s rain, I can see no need for outside watering in the next few days. However, that is your personal decision and your commitment to your community. NO GESTAPO METER POLICE HAVE BEEN CONTRACTED!

One customer contacted me this PM and stated that he had not washed or showered in five days. I stated that this was beyond our expectations and that he should take the necessary actions to meet his health needs.

I can only ask this: “When was your last shower?” I was gone to North TX for two days, so I can say, this AM and yesterday, I had a shower at some other WSC’s expense. Consider your situation. I know that we have several households that have critical health needs, and for them I say “do what you’ve got to do, as we care.”

Most of us are not in that situation, and to those I say, be patient.

My expectation is that Tuesday/Wednesday we should (?) be pumping water, but the boil water requirement may be still in effect until we get a clean bill of health from the laboratories.

In the meantime, I have ordered a “bulletproof vest” in anticipation of my presentation on 25 April 2009 and political national Armageddon proposed by some.

In all seriousness, we have learned a lot regarding community communication efficiency, and the Directors will make that part of the FY 2010 planning goal for improvement.

The Block Captains, bless their souls, are our last point of defense/communication. I truly want to thank Pat Koeppe and her team: Petesie Lee, Ed Ziegler, Carol Wilson, Kay Allison and Beverly Galante for contributing to this communication effort for improved water quality and reliability.

Additionally, Eric Eubank has been the Community Gatekeeper attempting to get all those affected residents connected to our first line of communication, the SRE Yahoo Group. His efforts you cannot believe, as he is truly committed to our community and its success.

Please call him and express your thanks – as well as to the Block Captains.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Harlan Mettenbrink, SRE-WSC Operations Manager
Fri. Apr 17 2009; 7:48:33 PM CDT

Progress was slow today, due to the storm and possibility of lightning. The work being done, as of now, is to install the piping necessary to evacuate the chemical treatment materials.

Our water use remains the same – we used 11,000 gallons. We are not reaching our goal but are able to meet the demand by trucking water. Hope we don’t have a glitch in deliveries.

Thanks.
Harlan Mettenbrink
SRE-WSC Operations Manager

Message from Harlan Mettenbrink, SRE-WSC Operations Manager
Thurs. Apr 16 2009; 6:45:36 PM CDT

The project ran into a problem late Wednesday evening: the chemical insertion tube would not go to the bottom, where it is needed to treat the formation with chemicals. To solve the problem, the drilling rig was set up, drill stem pipe was lowered to the bottom, and the treating chemicals were installed at the proper level. This treatment will require 24 hours for complete reaction.

You may have noticed the water delivery truck was sitting on the side of the road, broken drive shaft. Another truck assumed the duties and delivered 11,00 gallons; and we, as a community, used this delivered amount.

Hopefully, with everyone crossing our fingers – and maybe toes – we can complete this project with no more major setbacks.

In Place of Bob,
Harlan Mettenbrink
SRE-WSC Operations Manager

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 15 2009; 3:08:10 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

• Flushing complete
• Chemical insertion in progress
• Commencing generator installation project

CONSUMPTION

In the past 24 hours, we consumed what was delivered: 11,000 gallons (5 truckloads). Not a great trend since yesterday. Our normal usage is 15,000 gallons/day.

Nothing further needs to be said. But tomorrow will tell how serious the community is about emergency conservation.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Tues. Apr 14 2009; 2:40:41 PM CDT

Consumption measurements were taken at 11 AM today, 14 Apr 2009. In the past 24 hours, we used ~4500 gallons. This is exceptional: means that half of the planned daily deliveries ($111.75/delivery) are required at this rate. I do expect consumption to increase slightly, as certain household needs accrue.

Cleaning of the well commenced this AM. The process involves pumping compressed air through a 1″ pipe, encased in a 3″ pipe. Underground air pressure forces water and sediment up the 3″ pipe, where it is collected until clear water flows. This process is done in increments of 20′ — from 600′ to the bottom of the hole at 705′ — and consequently, is time consuming.

We hope to complete the cleaning process today and insert the chemicals designed to purify the hole.

More tomorrow, and thanks for the conservation effort the past 27 hours since we started yesterday. Images from today’s report are included below.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Down-hole Project overview [click to enlarge]

Pump removed [click to enlarge]

Cleaning flow [click to enlarge]

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Mon. Apr 13 2009; 6:10:06 PM CDT

ACTIVITY

The project was started this AM, with the following tasks completed:

• Well pump and pipe removed.
• Insertion of a 3″ inch pipe encasing a 1″ pipe for the cleansing activity commencing tomorrow.
• This past Friday (10 Apr 2009), the inflatable-packer was shipped from Denver, CO. Scheduled delivery: Tuesday PM (14 Apr 2009).

We are close to being on schedule, from a task-planning perspective. Details tomorrow.

CONSUMPTION

• Between 8 AM and 6 PM today, we consumed 3400 gallons of water in 10 hours. I will have a 24 hour consumption report out tomorrow PM (11 AM – 11 AM)
• We are cautiously optimistic that we will meet a daily consumption goal of ~8000 gallons at this rate. TBD for now.

Thanks for your participation.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sun. Apr 12 2009; 10:17:38 AM CDT

Happy Easter, I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Much has been said over the past few weeks regarding your project: improved water quality and reliability are the goals.

To get there, Easter is the last day that you have to take care of those non-conservation actions, all discussed before.

Tomorrow, Monday, 13 April 2009, at 8 AM, the pump will be shut down and the well pipe removed for down-hole cleansing. We then must rely on all our customers to initiate major conservation of this precious resource, which will be dependent on the trucking of a limited supply of water to maintain minimum consumption or face complete system shutdown. This effort is required through the coming Saturday, should the project go as planned.

For those new members of the SRE Yahoo Group site, you can read endless notifications, status reports, and re-planned actions since this project began two weeks ago. Just go to skylineranch.org for an afternoon of reading pleasure.

Remember, with the exception of special health needs, our individual consumption goal is 50 gallons/day/person in your household. You should all be expert meter readers when this is over: a skill which can result in catching reading error charges in your water bill.

Best wishes, and see you at the Annual Meeting. I will be the guy with the bullet proof vest.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Thurs. Apr 9 2009; 8:28:21 PM CDT

We will commence removing the pump and pipe from our well, 8 AM, Monday, 13 April 2009. Your only access to water will be what we can haul/day at $111.23/truckload, or $.05/gallon. Strict water conservation measures are expected if we are to maintain a reliable supply for the six (6) days, Monday through Saturday.

Please fill your pools, water your grass/plants, and store water for these purposes during the trucking period by Sunday evening, 12 April 2009.

For a daily conservation goal, I would recommend not more than 50 gallons/day/person during this period. If we can do this, our trucking costs will be minimized, but more importantly, we can maintain an uninterrupted supply. Once each day, at approximately the same time, go read your meter – starting Sunday – and try to do whatever is possible in your household to meet this personal goal. A few households require more for medical purposes, and this is not an issue.

Our schedule, now, for completion:

• Friday, 10 April 2009: ship packer from Colorado to SRE.
• Monday, 13 April 2009: pull pump and pipe from the well/shut down normal supply, commence trucking water.
• Monday, 13 April 2009: commence cleansing the pool. Duration ~ 3.5 days.
• Thursday/Friday AM: commence installing packer/pump and new stainless pipe.
• Saturday: commence pumping well water.
• Saturday: continue with boil water notice until bacteria test results are received — early in week of 20 April 2009.

We appreciate your co-operation. More notices from me and the Block Captains will continue.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

The following chart displays Skyline Ranch aquifer levels through March 2009, relative to drought stages.

You may also view older SRE Water Supply Corporation documents, including previous aquifer level charts.

The following chart submitted by Andrew Jefferies of SRE-WSC Board, 2009-04-09. Click to enlarge.

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 8, 2009; 2:08:22 PM CDT

The following pdf document is referenced in the post:
HTGCD Drought Contingency Plan: Conservation Measures [pdf, 112 KB]

Several of the WSC directors met with PGMS management this AM, and the following decisions were made:

1. Resume the project on Monday, 13 April 2009. This will include cleansing the well (cleaning and rust reduction) as originally planned, plus installation of an inflatable-packer to isolate the gypsum layer (aka “white stuff”) from the pump — resulting in a more palatable appearing water source, better tasting and with fewer minerals. The decision to install the packer was a result of the well logging on 31 Mar 2009.
2. Continue the “BOIL WATER POLICY” now in effect, until project completion. This is to minimize confusion associated with an on again/off again process.

We anticipate resumption of normal operations on Saturday, 18 April 2009.

I am pleased with the dialogue that this project has generated within the community. We all know more about water, conservation, and preventive measures than 9 days ago. I am attaching a page from the HTGCD User Drought Contingency Plan, which provides some common sense tips on conservation measures. You will be hearing more on this plan in the future.

Any questions, please contact me. I have a new set of hearing aids, so I promise not to miss a word.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President
847-2419

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Tues. Apr 7, 2009; 8:47:59 PM CDT

No change in the Boil Water Notice instructions. Hopefully tomorrow! When we have a complete recap, we will inform you of the regulatory process we have been involved in since day 1.

In the interim, many great pieces of information have been disseminated through the email list. We take none of them at issue. All of us are smarter than us.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Mon. Apr 6, 2009; 5:29:12 PM CDT

The Boil Water Notice is still in effect. State (TCEQ) wants another well sample. We have sampled outlets at random residences, and there is no bacterial contamination. This means the water we are sending to the public is not contaminated, but the water from the well needs additional testing — hence the need to continue the water boiling, only for internal personal consumption.

Washing, watering, etc is OK.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sun. Apr 5, 2009; 4:04:14 PM CDT

I have received several inquiries regarding what is required to remove contamination (i.e. bacteria) from home water systems such as reverse osmosis, water softeners, filters, etc.

First of all, we have no reason to believe that we have a bacteria contamination problem. All the water we are currently pumping from the well is chlorinated per regulatory standards.

We do need, as part of a proscribed due diligence process, to have bacteria test results from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) before we rescind the “Boil Water Notice.” These results should have been available Saturday, and I can only infer that we will hear on Monday.

Regarding your personal systems, we will advise you of any action required on your part, should that be necessary.

You also can infer from this message that I do not have currently have all the answers to these questions.

Keep boiling, or go to the market for your water needs. I will be happy to make a market run for those who need this assistance.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sat. Apr 4, 2009; 5:32:37 PM CDT

The following pdf document is referenced in the post:
Boil Water Notification, 2009-04-04 [pdf, 148 KB]

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

It has been necessary for the WSC Board to issue a BOIL WATER NOTICE to all users of the SRE-WSC water system.

This is due to the fact that we have not received the results of the bacteria level test from the state. Once a BOIL WATER NOTICE is released to the public, then we can turn on the pump which has been checked and commence water production – allowing our customers to take care of their routine needs. The only exception: you boil any water used for drinking, cooking and ice making (turn off your automatic ice maker/water dispenser so as not to potentially contaminate the refrigerator line).

Included is a copy of the TCEQ’s Boil Water Notification [pdf, 148 KB]. In addition, the Block Captains should be delivering a Boil Water door hanger and a notice posted at the SRE entrance.

We will continue this policy until we receive bacteria testing results.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Sat. Apr 4, 2009; 10:17:27 AM CDT

Bacterial test results not back yet, hopefully this P.M. We are not pumping from the well — only relying on water deliveries. CONSERVE. CONSERVE. CONSERVE.

Water consumption in the past 24 hours was a disappointing 13,750 gallons: HIGHEST YET. We cannot sustain service with deliveries at this rate of consumption.

Hopefully the news will be better this P.M. with good bacteria readings and we can initiate pumping.

Water deliveries are not available on Sunday. We are painting ourself into a corner.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Fri. Apr 3, 2009; 11:49:16 AM CDT

BAD NEWS: We are still awaiting the results of the second bacteria level test. Until we receive these results, the well pump cannot be utilized and trucking of water must continue.

GOOD NEWS: Our daily consumption has reduced dramatically in the past 24 hours. Here are the consumption numbers taken each day at 11 AM:

• Wednesday, 12,900 gallons
• Thursday, 11,900 gallons
• Friday, 7,800 gallons

Friday’s consumption is very encouraging, and we need to keep this painful process up. Our normal daily consumption is ~ 15-16,000 gallons per day. In our project planning, we had hoped that a communication campaign would get us to a reduction of 50%, which we have finally attained. Keeping it there will be harder as time goes on and as consumption demand increases.

Will keep you advised.

Thanks for your contributions.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Thurs. Apr 2, 2009; 8:10:23 PM CDT

I have been informed that we need to re-do our bacteria sample process. As a result, it will be necessary for our customers to continue their conservation efforts through Friday.

Pat Koeppe

Please contact the Block Captains ASAP, and have them inform their representatives that we are stressing our system and that additional conservation methods are required. Otherwise it may be necessary to shut off the supply. We have 24 hours for the community to cooperate or we will need to increase the monthly tariff in June to compensate for a need to continue as usual.

Additional trucking of water to meet our customers needs is possible, but not at the expense of a rate surcharge, commencing in May.

I am requesting that the Block Captains contact their constituents, advise them of the situation, and determine if they were informed as to the situation. This poll will result in assessment of the possible need to better inform our customers.

The history of this project is at http://skylineranch.org/, thanks to Eric Eubank.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Wed. Apr 1, 2009; 3:28:08 PM CDT

Following a detailed evaluation of the well logging data, we have additional information which changes our project’s scope and final completion date. We reinstalled the pipe and pump this AM and are currently conducting a bacteria level test prior to coming on line with your normal water supply. Results of the test take 24 hours, so we request that you maintain your conservation efforts until notified.

Well logging data revealed that there is a mineral strata of gypsum, highly soluble, located about 80 feet above our pump which is a major contributor to your water’s high mineral content. Our pump is approximately 225 feet below the aquifer’s surface. Our plan is to install an inflatable-packer between the gypsum layer and the pump, isolating the pump in purer water.

Delivery of a suitable packer is currently unknown. For those interested, Google: “well, inflatable-packer” and you can learn more than you want to or need.

Conservation efforts have not been as good as expected, but we now have a better idea of your conservation consumption needs. At $0.10/gallon delivered, excessive consumption is a fiscal liability, and the next time we start, we will need to do better. Over the first 24 hours we reduced average consumption by 20% or 3000 gallons.

Down-Hole start up date is contingent on the packer’s availability. So, stand by. I will notify you tomorrow of the bacteria test results.

Regards,

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Tues. March 31, 2009; 5:48:16 PM CDT

This is the first of what is intended to be a series of daily progress reports regarding your project.

Bottom line: Project on schedule and public water consumption conservation is meeting our goals. This evening’s usage will be a key indicator of our plans success to maintain personal usage needs.

• 8 AM today: your two 20,000 gallon storage tanks were topped off and the well pump shut down.
• Immediately thereafter the well’s galvanized pipes were removed by Whisenant & Lyle Water Services, Inc. of Dripping Springs.
• Once the pipes were removed, GEO CAM of San Antonio commenced logging of the well hole. The logging process is a precision, continuous top-to to-bottom analysis via resistivity measurements defining the mineral composition of our 705′ hole.
• Following the logging, measurements were also taken, top to bottom, of the hole diameter.
• Logging and all measurements were completed at approximately 2 PM.
• The logging process is necessary in order to plan a composite water quality improvement plan.
• At 4 PM, 2,200 gallons of water were delivered and transfered to the storage tanks.
• Prior to the water transfer at 3 PM, our customers had consumed approximately 3,400 gallons of water.
• Tomorrow AM, we will have a better assessment capability of our consumption measurements.

On Wednesday, we will commence cleansing of the well, a three day process.

Thanks for your consumption conservation efforts.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President

Message from Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President
Mon. March 30, 2009; 4:39:49 PM CDT

The day of reckoning will commence tomorrow. At 8 AM, Tuesday, 31 March 09, we shut off the well pump and pull the piping. Once the pipe is removed we will log the well from top to bottom, making a scientific assessment of the mineral climate, foot by foot.

This assessment will involve one of two decisions: cleansing of the well at the current pump depth or, drilling another 100 feet in hopes of tapping a higher quality of water source.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Our definition of conservation consumption for this ~7 day project is the following. Household personal water consumption for hygiene, cooking and drinking need not be changed (However, lengthy showers are not part of playing your role). All other uses need to be minimized or stopped until the system is back up and running. The SRE-WSC will keep you informed daily on your consumption/down-hole project progress. Our plan does include the trucking of water to our storage tanks to meet your minimum consumption needs.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President
512-847-2419

The combined annual meeting of the SRE Property Owners Association and Water Supply Corporation is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Wimberley Community Center in the Senior Room. The POA meeting will begin at 10:30 A.M., immediately followed by the Water Supply Corporation meeting, and ending with lunch.

The main course and drinks will be provided. POA members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. In the past this event has been a lot of fun and a good time to visit with neighbors. Please plan to attend.

Please fill in and sign both proxies that were enclosed with the annual meeting notice you received in the mail, even if you think you will be attending the meeting. In the event that you cannot attend, the proxies will enable you to request that the Boards cast your votes for you, or you can name a specific person to do that for you.

Return the POA proxy to

Skyline Ranch Estates Property Owners Association
P.O. Box 1894
Wimberley, TX 78676

Return the WSC proxy to

Skyline Ranch Estates Water Supply Corporation
P.O. Box 2287
Wimberley, TX 78676

It is very important that you do this. As per the SRE POA by-laws, we are required to have a quorum of 2/3 membership (that total is made of members present plus signed proxies) at the meeting in order to conduct business.

Just a reminder: Have you subscribed to the Skyline Ranch Estates email list? To subscribe and keep up to date with the news and notices as well as participate in neighborhood issues, go to http://skylineranch.org/?page_id=6 and follow directions, or send an email to info@skylineranch.org and request to be added.

We look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting!

This post was submitted by Bob Balslev, SRE-WSC President, 23 Feb 2009.
The following pdf documents are referenced in the post.  NOTE: These pdfs are large.  Right-click to download.

WSC System Improvement Plan: overview [pdf, 1.13 MB]

WSC System Improvement Plan: Well Investigation pt.1 [pdf, 8.75 MB]

WSC System Improvement Plan: Well Investigation pt.2 [pdf, 11.85 MB]

WSC System Improvement Plan: loan documents [pdf, 197 KB]

SRE-WSC Customers,

Last April the SRE-WSC Board of Directors presented in its annual report to our customers a System Improvement Plan which consisted of three primary components: Water Quality Improvement, Reliability Improvement, and a Tariff Rate Increase to fund the two basic improvement components.

The planning phase is now complete, and on 20 February 2009, we established a line of credit with the Community Resource Group [http://crg.org/], of Fayetteville, AR. The line of credit is currently established at $60,000.00 with a rate of 5.5 percent (5.5%) per annum for five years. The basic terms of the agreement are: we only draw from the line of credit when an invoice is received for work accomplished that meets the goals of the plan.

BACKGROUND

• The Directors’ concerns were focused on the following: declining water quality, systemic corrosion of the well piping requiring replacement of pipes approximately every eighteen months, aggravating intermittent rust bubbles in the system and the need to improve the reliability of our single well system serving 76 customers.
• Development of the plan established a requirement to compile a comprehensive history of the SRE-WSC well to include: original water well report and driller’s log from 5/29/85, tested samples on record by Texas Testing laboratories, lnc., Texas Department of Health well records and other recorded data over the past 23 years.
• To meet this requirement SRE-WSC contracted with: The Wellspec Company and Bond Geological Services to investigate corrosion and water quality problems in the SRE-WSC well. COMPLETED FEBRUARY 2OO8.
• The study concluded with findings and recommendations from which the current plan was developed. This study/report can be found on the SRE web site: pdfs, [pt.1 and pt.2]. COMPLETED FEBRUARY 2008.
• Implementation of the plan required that a budget estimate be accomplished and an appropriate rate (tariff) increase be approved by the Board of Directors. Our membership was notified and tariff approval was achieved in April 2008, effective June 2008.
• In the following months leading up to November 2008 the WSC accumulated a needed emergency resource reserve and made final decisions in November/December 2008 meetings to formalize the plan and solicit funding.
• In November the WSC procured 520 feet of stainless steel pipe in anticipation of an upcoming need to replace the wells pipes once again. It is envisioned that stainless piping should be an improvement over the previously used galvanized steel pipe. Procurement of the pipe was through a competitive bidding process and the contract was awarded to PMI Steel Pipe of San Antonio for $6976.80. Pipe delivery was in late December. The WSC used accumulated cash reserves for the pipe procurement.

On 7 January 2009, the board met and decided to initiate a process to establish a line of credit to meet our two objectives. The decision was made to secure funding through the Community Resource Group (CRG), which is designated by the US Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution. One of its roles is to provide communities with loans for water and wastewater. The SRE-WSC has in the past utilized the CRG for system improvement loans. On 20 February 2009, the loan was approved and we are now executing to plan.

PLAN

• Reliability improvements are primarily through procurement of an on site Propane powered 36KW, 200 ampere, Generac Generator with a non service rated transfer switch. This system provides automatic electrical backup should we be impacted by commercial power failure or brown-outs. Through competitive bidding we have selected Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing who will install the generator pad, propane tank, generator, and all electrical hookups. The system is completely automated to include a monthly self test capability and automatic turn on with power interruption. Contract for this capability is: $21,345.00
• Water quality improvements include the following: a down-hole survey and/or geophysical logging of the well, systematic analysis of selected well constituents as a function of depth, chemically treating the well to remove the resident iron eating bacteria (i.e., source of the rust that appears in our water), sanitizing the well and installing the stainless pipe previously procured. This project will be managed by PGMS which is currently soliciting bids from qualified well drilling companies that can perform the tasks recommended by the February 2008 study.
• Execution planning is essential to minimizing our customer’s water supply disruption which is estimated at seven days.
• We will provide a 5 day notification of the projects initiation, estimated in early March. During the maintenance period we will be hauling water to our storage tanks to meet minimal demands. It will be essential that all customers conserve water to the utmost so that a continuous low rate of supply can be maintained without the complete loss of line pressure which must be maintained.
• There will be daily postings at the SRE entrance, SRE web site, and email notification to those members of the SRE Yahoo Group.
• We want to complete this project in March/early April before the high demands of the summer months commence.

With the completion of this project we will have a more reliable source of water supply and hope that the down-hole tasks provide us with a much improved quality of water without the need to drill to additional depths for better quality.

Should you have questions regarding this project please contact the Board’s President, Bob Balslev (847-2419) or the Operations Director, Harlan Mettenbrink (847-0031).

Regards,
Bob Balslev
SRE-WSC President
505 Stoney Creek Vista
Wimberley, TX 78676
balslev@aol.com