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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
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:
We are close to being on schedule, from a task-planning perspective. Details tomorrow.
CONSUMPTION
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:
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:
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:
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
Property Owners Association
Water Supply Corporation
Wimberley, TX