The CRCC water system is really showing its age. Installed in the 1960s, the asbestos/concrete (AC) piping used for construction is very fragile and is now breaking down. Simply put, it needs to be replaced before a catastrophic failure occurs.
The water flow rate meters that were installed last month allow us to determine approximately where and how much water is being lost. As of 6/25/2024, the meter closest to the concrete tank on E Cascade Drive consistently showed a flow rate of 4.2 gallons per minute during non-peak hours. Doing the math, that means the Park is losing 6048 gallons per day. Or to put it in more human terms, 3780 toilet flushes every day.
It has been suggested we can continue to patch the existing system indefinitely or “for a few more years”. This is patently not true! The AC pipe is so fragile you can break it apart with your hands.
The Board of Directors is working closely with both the Department of Health and Department of Ecology. They are fully aware of the problems with which we are dealing. They are directly involved in helping us plan for a resolution to the state of emergency that we are in and fully understand the urgency of the situation. After the results of the Labor and Industry worksite violation inspection that surfaced zero infractions, they indicated they have a high degree of confidence in our ability to oversee the system replacement process. We are also working closely with a civil engineering firm to design and implement the replacement system.
The 6000-foot-long AC pipe coming from the pump house at the west end of Cascade Drive is used to both fill and provide service from the concrete water tank at the east end of Cascade Drive. This pipe is the one most in need of immediate replacement because it is the major contributor to the current leakage. While the replacement of that fill/service line is happening, an alternative way to fill the concrete tank must be available to keep the Park in safe drinking water.
The current plan being pursued is to drill a temporary well in Division 1 much closer to the concrete tank and use that well to fill it using a dedicated fill line. DOH, DOE, and the engineering firm all in agreement that this is a viable plan.
We are in phase 1 of an estimated 3-phase plan for the water system replacement project. Our engineering firm is helping us develop a long-term plan to keep costs down while completing the project in an expeditious manner.
As per Washington State Department of Health guidelines, the boil water advisory remains in effect.
As a reminder, water leaks on the property side of the water meter are the responsibility of the owner to resolve. Park caretakers are instructed to immediately shut off a lot’s water when a leak is suspected when examining the water meter. They will notify any people on the property before they shut it off. The caretakers did that on a property this week that had a 10 gallon per minute leak that was unknown to the residents.
If an owner notices the red “3-pointed star” dial on their water meter is spinning when they know no water is being used, it is their responsibility to immediately shut the turn off valve and notify a caretaker and/or the office of the leak. Emergency contact numbers are posted on the white board outside of the office.
As always, if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the board. We remain dedicated to preserving the health and safety of Park owners and their guests.
Sincerely, CRCC Board of Directors
