Butte County Grand Jury
• 2008-2009
Butte County Grand Jury Report 2008/2009 Thermalito Water and Sewer District
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 3 findings
F1
The recent water rate increases appear reasonable. Water rates charged are below or close to those charged by similar Water Agencies in the vicinity.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The District should expand its explanation of the need for rate increases in the literature sent to its customers and during public meetings. Specifically, the District should outline its needs and plans for pipeline repairs and upgrades.
F2
The District currently reports a three to five percent Unaccounted for Water statistic which is low for this system. However, considering the age of portions of the system, the use of steel pipelines, high static pressures in some areas, transient pressures from the well pumps, and potential ground movements, the situation could change dramatically. At pre- sent, the District relies on customers and the public to report leaks. It does not have a leak- age detection program. Relying on District customers and the public to report leakage is not sufficient. Water saved would reduce the District’s treatment and pumping costs. Water saved could be released from Oroville Reservoir and used to produce power and meet other downstream water uses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The District should continue to carefully monitor its calculations of “Unaccounted for Wa- ter” for any significant changes. To prepare for any significant increases in Unaccounted for Water, the District should develop and have ready for immediate implementation a leakage detection program.
F3
The District has not developed a Water Conservation Program to encourage conservation or to inform the public of water savings practices. The District’s flat water consumption 83
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The District should review the water conservation programs adopted by other California Water Agencies, tailor a program to its situation, and then implement a water conservation program to inform and encourage its customers of the need to conserve water. The District should review and evaluate using a tiered consumption rate to encourage conservation.