Heceta Water People's Utility District

There are newsworthy events happening throughout the District all the time.  Check out the articles below to find out what’s up at HWPUD.

NOTICE OF ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS – July 17, 2020

Lane County has opened the process for residents to run for a position on the Board of Directors. Subdivisions 3 and 4 are up for election on November 3rd. The last day to file is August 25, 2020. Filing information and registration forms are available at HWPUD. You can also go to lanecounty.org for more election information.  If you need to know which subdivision you reside it, call us at 541-997-2446.

HWPUD 2020-21 BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING – May 19, 2020

The HWPUD 2020-21 Budget Committee will be meeting on June 2, 2020 at 4 pm via GoToMeeting.  If you have a microphone on your device, click on the following link.  If you don’t have a microphone, call the number listed below (next to ‘United States:’) If you have any questions about this process before the meeting, please call HWPUD at 541-997-2446

Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/470809933

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 470-809-933

The HWPUD Budget Committee will not accept any verbal public comments but citizens are still encouraged to express their views to the Budget Committee. Those interested may do so by submitting written communications in one of the following ways:

1. Submit written comments via email to customer-service@hwpud.com
2. Mail written comments to HWPUD 87845 Hwy 101, Florence, OR 97439
3. Drop off written comments at HWPUD’s office at 87845 Hwy 101. There is a drop box available in the parking lot, if you are going to drop off comments after 4 pm.

All written comments received at least two hours prior to the start of the Budget Committee meeting on June 2 at 4 pm will be distributed to the Budget Committee and will be made part of the record.

Copies of the proposed budget will be available at the District office beginning on May 26 in the afternoon.

COVID-19 UPDATE – May 15, 2020

The office will be opened up again on May 18, 2020. Thank you for your patience. Be safe and be well.

COVID-19 UPDATE – April 1, 2020

To ensure the health and well-being of our staff, customers and community and in following the Government’s social distancing guidelines, our office will be closed to the public until April 30, 2020. Our staff will be available Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm by phone (541-997-2446) or by email (customer-service@hwpud.com)  We have just mailed the bills out. You can mail us a check or put it in the drop box in our parking lot.  Be sure to paperclip the small part of your bill to the check or write your customer number on the bottom of your check. We can take credit card/debit card payments over the phone. If you must pay with cash, please call the office to make payment arrangements. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time.

COVID-19 -March 23, 2020

Following the direction of Governor Brown, our office is currently closed to the general public until April 1, 2020.  We will still be answering the phone and responding to emails. Operators will maintain state standards in keeping our water clean. If you have any questions, please call us at 541-997-2446 or reach us by email at customer-service@hwpud.com

JOB  APPLICATIONS – December 31, 2019

Thank you everyone for submitting applications for our opened positions at the end of 2019.  All positions have been filled. If you submitted an application and resume, we will maintain your paperwork for a year in case of an opening in our staff.  Thank you again for your interest in working for HWPUD.

HWPUD HIRING NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – November 1, 2019

HWPUD is looking for an individual with a positive attitude, great communication skills and computer aptitude. Job description and Application available by clicking on the links. If you have any questions, call Vickie at 541-997-2446.

HWPUD NOW HIRING -October 2, 2019

HWPUD wants to hire folks to fill Operator 1  or Operator 2 positions.  These are full-time positions. This process is open until we find the right people to fill the positions.  Find the Application here. Here are job descriptions for both Operator 1 and Operator 2. If you have any questions call Vickie at 541-997-2446.

ELECTION TIME! – July 18, 2018

The next election for three Board seats is on November 6, 2018.  The subdivisions up for election are #1, # 2 and #5.  Call the office for information about which subdivision you live in. The earliest day to file is July 19, 2018. The last day to file is August 28, 2018. Your paperwork would need to be in the Lane County Elections office by 5 pm on the 28th. There are packets of filing information in our office or you can find the information online at Lane County Elections.

BOARD MEETING CANCELLED – May 15, 2018

Due to the lack of a quorum, the May 15th Board of Directors meeting has been cancelled.

NEWSLETTER CORRECTION – April 9, 2018

The Spring 2018 Newsletter was recently delivered to you. There was an error in the District’s phone number on the top left hand side column.  If you need to reach us, please call 541-997-2446.

BOIL ORDER NOTICES – ONGOING

There are times when the water pipes break. As soon as the water operators are aware of broken pipes, they will turn off the water and repair the pipe.  As soon as the pipe is repaired, you will have water service again.  However, as the quality of the water may be compromised, the General Manager orders a Boil Order Notice. If you get an orange tag on your front door, you should boil tap water for one full minute and let it cool before using it, or use bottled water.  Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food and baby formula preparation. Discard any ice you have that was made by your automatic ice maker made from tap water.  The District will only contact you again if this condition continues past the ending date, which will be posted on the top of orange tag.  We will take a water sample to the lab in Eugene.  We will know the outcome of the test within 24 hours.

BUDGET COMMITTEE – February 22, 2018

It is time for the Budget cycle to begin.  There are two positions on the Budget Committee that need to be filled.  Positions are three years long. The requirement for someone serving on the Budget Committee is that they are registered voters in Lane County. What will be expected of a successful committee member is that you will be willing to read over and study the proposed budget. Then you will need to attend a Budget meeting with nine other committee members  to discuss the budget and listen to input from community members who are invited to the meeting. If you are interested in being a member of this committee,  please call Vickie Kennedy at 541-997-2446 or email her at v.kennedy@hwpud.com. Please contact me by March 30.

BOARD MEETING – TIME CHANGE IN DECEMBER – December 4, 2017

Due to holiday schedules, the December Board of Directors meeting time has been changed to 2:30pm on the third Tuesday on December 19, 2017.  This is only for December. The public is invited to attend.

BOIL NOTICE LIFTED – October 27, 2017

The lab has called. The water is safe.  No need to continue boiling water.  We appreciate your patience!

MAIN BREAK – October 25, 2017

HWPUD Staff turned off the water in the Mercer Lake Road  and nearby area due to a main leak.  Crews are in the process of repairing the main and restoring service hopefully around 3pm. They will not go home until your service is restored. After service is restored, consumers should follow the directions on the door hangers for a Boil Notice that will be placed on each residence affected. A Boil Order asks that you boil tap water for one full minutes and let it cool before using it, or use bottled water. Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food and baby formula preparation.  Be sure to discard any ice your have that was made by your automatic ice maker made from tap water.  Thank you for your patience.

CLEAN WATER – July 20,2017

The report came back – clean water is running through our pipes.  The boil order in the Rhododendron Loop area has been cancelled.  Thanks again for your patience.

MAIN BREAK – July 18, 2017

We have a main break in the area of Rhododendron Loop.  The water has been shut off, as the operators repair the main line.  There will be a door hanger on your door if you will be affected by a boil order that will be in effect until Thursday afternoon. Thank you for your patience.

OFFICE CLOSED – April 26, 2017

Due to some electrical engineering, HWPUD will be closed on April 26th for most of the day. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.  Water operators will be available for customer service.  If you can’t reach us by calling the Office, call 541-999-1426.

Two watercraft were beached at HWPUD’s intake valve on Clear Lake.  Give us a call to identify and claim – 541-997-2446.

WATER MAIN BREAK – February 21, 2017

On Presidents’ Day, there was a water main break in the Heceta Beach area around 3rd Avenue.  This is in approximately the same area as our main line break on February 6.  The line was repaired within two and a half hours. Again, there was a bit of turbulence in the water line that dirtied the water coming into some homes in the area.  There is a boil order on Falcon Street and two homes on 2nd Avenue until Wednesday at 4pm.  Please call the office with any questions or concerns – 541-997-2446.

ENCHANTED VALLEY RESERVOIR – February 13, 2017

Serving a small portion of the District at the end of Mercer Lake Road is our new Enchanted Valley Reservoir.  This stainless steel structure replaces the redwood plank reservoir that has been in use since 1975.  The old reservoir needed to be replaced as it was leaking.  It had been repaired a number of times. Our new tank is 12,500 gallons.  This is smaller than the old tank.  It will help the District maintain water quality to the 15 homes in the area.  R & G Construction of Scio has done a wonderful job! Thanks, guys.

WATER MAIN BREAK – February 6, 2017

Around noon on Monday HWPUD received a call that there was a main line break in the Heceta Beach area around 2nd Avenue.  The crew had the main repaired in under four hours.  However, this affected a lot of homes in the Idylewood area, Heceta South area and all the way east to Heceta Self Storage on Hwy 101.  If you have brown water showing up in your sinks and toilets, it is from the stirring up of water in the lines when the operators were switching main lines to isolate the break area.  You should be able to run your water a little bit to clear it up.  A few homes in the direct area of the break are on a boil order until Wednesday afternoon.  If you have questions, give us a call at the office – 541-997-2446.

HECETA WATER PUD IS HIRING – December 28, 2016

Heceta Water PUD in North Florence, OR, is looking for an individual to join our team. If you have outstanding work ethics and want a challenging career in the water industry, please pick up an employment application at the District office.  This position is an entry level position.  The utility worker/OIT classification is a hands-on entry level position that assists in the operation and maintenance of the raw water intake, water treatment plant, District buildings and grounds, distribution lines, and reservoirs.  This classification assists the staff in ensuring the continual production and delivery of a high quality water to all District customers.

Minimum qualification: High School diploma or equivalent, Oregon Driver’s license and insurable with the District’s insurance carrier. Upon selection, pass a physical, drug screening and background check. This position is considered a security sensitive position. Some waterworks experience is desirable.

Full-time, 40 hrs/wk. Salary: $15.36-$26.27/hr. depending on experience, and benefit package. To be considered for this position, a District application and a resume must be filled out and received at the District office by January 13, 2017 at 4pm.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law. Selected applicants will be invited to interview; all offers contingent on successful drug/alcohol screen and background check. Click here for application: hwpud-job-application  Job description: Operator in Training

ELECTION IS OVER – November 9, 2016

The ballots have been counted.  Although not ‘official’ as of this date, the measure to dissolve Heceta Water District has passed.  1451 in favor and 433 opposed was the tally.  We also have two new members on our Board of Directors.  Wendy Rohner was voted  in for another term as the Director of Subdivision 3.  With Bob Hursh’s retirement from the Board, Vito Coviello has run and was voted in by the constituents in Subdivision 4.  They will both serve for four  years.  Thank you for taking time to vote.

BALLOT MEASURE – October 11, 2016

There are many items on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 election.  One that particularly interests Heceta Water is a measure that concerns the operation of our water district. Ever since the May 2013 election, there have been two water districts housed in the same building.  The Heceta Water District (HWD) Board of Commissioners resolved to turn over the reins of the District to the ‘new’ water company, Heceta Water People’s Utility District (HWPUD), effective June 30, 2014.  At that time, the Board of Commissioners turned all of their property and most of their assets over to HWPUD. HWD was not dissolved then because of the complexity of the funding of a bond issue that had been issued in 1996 to pay for the filtration plant that was constructed.  That bond was paid off in July 2016.  That means it is time to dissolve HWD.  The ballot title is ‘Heceta Water District Dissolution’ which asks “Shall the Heceta Water District be dissolved and all assets and liabilities transferred to the Heceta Water People’s Utility District?”  By voting YES, you are agreeing with the Board of Directors who has determined that it is in the public interest to dissolve HWD and to transfer the remaining assets and liabilities to HWPUD

BIOS FOR CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS – September 13, 2016

Bios are posted at the bottom of the Board of Directors page.  Election will be held on November 8, 2016.

CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS – August 1, 2016

Lane County Elections has opened the filing period for the November 8, 2016 General Elections.  There are two Board seats that need to be filled.  These are for Subdivision #3 and Subdivision #4.  The qualifications are that you are a registered voter living in that subdivision , that you have resided in HWPUD continuously for two years immediately preceding the date of the election and you will be elected by the electors of the subdivision being filed for.  If you are interested, contact our office to find out what subdivision you live in.  We have the form you need to file with the county to be on the November ballot.  The last day to file is August 30, 2016.  If you have questions, need clarification or want to pick up the paperwork, come on in!

HYDRANT WATER FLOW TESTS – August 1, 2016

Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue will be conducting fire flow testing in the HWPUD area during the month of August.  These tests are generally on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Fire Marshal Sean Barrett said, “The fire district is working on getting a better Insurance Services Office (ISO) grading that will affect the fire insurance rates of the entire district.”  He also said there is a possibility of dirty water being produced due to the scouring of the water mains.  Should dirty water occur, residents are asked to refrain from washing laundry or performing other clean water activities until the water clears up, usually within six to 12 hours.  If you are having water quality issues, do not hesitate to call HWPUD at 541-997-2446.

CURTAILMENT ORDER LIFTED – July 2016

After months of negotiations, waiting for parts and hard work from our staff and the Knife River crew, the curtailment that was ordered by the HWPUD Board of Directors in December has been lifted. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to our incredibly patient water users in the Collard Lake area and the untiring SVFR firefighters who have hauled water up to the Mercer Lake Reservoir for over six months. The pump that has been put in is a temporary one.  We are still waiting for parts for the permanent pump.  The water has been tested and retested.  We invite customers who have questions or concerns to call the office at 541-997-2446.

AUTO PAY THROUGH CREDIT CARDS – July 1, 2016

Many customers have been asking that we do auto pay through credit cards.  That possibility is now available.  There is a form that needs to be filled out and filed at the HWPUD office – ACH for Credit Cards . We will honor all credit cards and debit cards except American Express.  All customers will still receive a paper bill with water usage and charges listed.  We appreciate your patience, but more importantly, we appreciate comments that customers share, so that we can better serve you.

CURTAILMENT EXTENDED – February 16, 2016

At the February 16, 2016 HWPUD Board of Directors meeting, the Board has accepted the advice of the General Manager and the Engineer to extend the Curtailment Order for three months.  GM Neville did announce that the residents in the Mercer Lake Reservoir area had reduced their water usage by 38%.  He also shared that the IFA (Infrastructure Finance Association) had approved a loan and grant package to cover the costs of moving the water line.  The snafu is getting permission from Lane County to put that line along Collard Lake Road.  The District thanks the water users for their patience and for using less water.  More information will be posted as the project moves along.

EMERGENCY DECLARED – December 2015

Because of recent rainfall (over 26″)  that happened in December, the Board of Directors has issued an emergency Level 4 curtailment order for the customers that live in the Mercer Lake Road area.  The water line that goes from the plant to the Mercer Lake Reservoir has been shut down.  This affects about 90 customers.  The Level 4 curtailment requests that customers don’t use water outside of their home at all and try to cut their overall water usage down to 30% less than last month.  The Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue has a tanker truck that has been tested to be capable of carrying potable water.  The firefighters are delivering water to the Mercer Lake tank so that there is always water available for homeowners to use in that area. Currently the tank is over 85% full.  As soon as SVFR has filled the tank, they will continue to keep it close to 100% full.  Thank you everyone, for your help and your concern about the quantity and quality of our water.

HWPUD is in the process of building a new waterline in that area.

BOIL ORDER LIFTED – November 2015

As of 10:00am November 6, 2015, the Boil Order that was called on Monday has been lifted.  Water samples were tested at our lab in Eugene.  The water is free of any harmful bacteria.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 541-997-2446.

PRESS RELEASE – November 2015

Starting Monday November 2^nd Heceta Water will be completing the final phase for two capital improvement projects that started nearly five years ago. This will cause two main line shut downs.

We are issuing a boil order for the affected areas during these tie-in’s in compliance with American Water Works Association and Oregon Health Authority’s best practices for main line depressurization. There is no evidence of harmful bacteria nor is any expected.

The boil order will start Monday November 2, 2015 at 8:00 am and end Friday November 6, 2015 at 4:00 pm. Do not use the water for human consumption. Customers should boil tap water for one full minute and let it cool before using it, or use bottled water. Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food and baby formula preparation. Discard any ice you have that was made by your automatic ice maker made from tap water. The district will only contact customers again if this condition continues past the expected ending date. For more information please visit the website or contact the district office at: Telephone 541-997-2446 Website: www.hwpud.com E-mail customer-service@hwpud.com

Water outages will be on Monday November 2 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and again on Wednesday November 4, 8:00pm to Thursday November 5, 7:00 am.

Areas affected are in the North Sutton area and those customers will be directly contacted with door hangers. If you have questions as to whether you are affected please call the district office.

We are very sorry for this inconvenience. We ask for your support in this matter. Also, during this time, if any problems occur please call the office. On the answering machine is a recording with the 24/7 on-call operator’s phone number.

Sincerely, Carl Neville – General Manager

OPEN HOUSE – June 2015

HWPUD will host an Open House on Friday, June 26 from 11 am to 2 pm.  You will have an opportunity to meet your subdivision’s Board representative.  There will be various demonstrations to show you about things that happen in the District.  The District will provide hot dogs and other refreshments.  There will also be guided tours of the District’s Treatment Plant so that you can see how our operators process your water.  Drop in for a few minutes or spend the afternoon with us.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11:00 – Board and Staff Introduction

11:30-1:30 – Every half hour – Plant tour (limited to ten people at one time

11:30 – Backflow Presentation

12:00 – Fire Flow Demonstration

12:30 – Main Tap Demonstration

NEW METERS – 2015

It has been seven years since HWPUD installed its first touch read meter.  We have replaced over 50% of the meters in the district.  How does this affect you?  How does it affect the District?  It means more accurate reading of the meters which in turn helps with water loss prevention and customer billing.  It means less operator fatigue and possible time loss due to stress and strain caused by the repetitive nature of manual meter reading.  It also means that our skilled operators are spending less time reading meters, which has already realized a 75% decrease in time spent reading meters.  No staff will be laid off due to the installation of new meters but rather it will allow more time to perform skilled jobs for which they have been trained for.  It is the District’s hope to replace approximately 300-400 residential meters a year until the District has only touch read meters. Disruption to water service often goes unnoticed and typically lasts five minutes or less.  Customers will not see any additional fees or charges on their bill for the new meters.

     

                                          

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS – 2015

Those who live the North Sutton Lake area are probably aware of work going on the neighborhood. After several years of finance negotiations and environmental clearances, HWPUD was able to start work on five waterline upgrade projects.  The purpose of these projects is to replace vulnerable water mains that are aging and are in environmentally sensitive areas.  Ray Wells, Inc. of Florence, was hired as the contractor.  Crews are utilizing temporary wooden crane mats to allow equipment to move on marshy areas.  This is part of HWPUD’s Project 3, which is to construct a new waterline – approximately 1,020 lineal feet of 10-inch water line – from Sutton Lake Road and across Rath Creek marsh to Levage Drive.  The new lines that are being put in have a much long service life than the older lines now being replaced. (Article from Siuslaw News, August 26, 2015)

In early 2014, Shields Painting was awarded a contract to paint Clear Lake’s 625,000 gallon reservoir, and the 525,000 gallon reservoir at Mercer Lake (pictured above.)  These reservoirs had been covered with a light green lead based paint years ago.  For Don Shields and his crew to capture the paint stripped from the tanks, it was necessary for them to bring in Safway Scaffold from Eugene to construct scaffolding that would encompass Clear Lake’s 40 foot tall tank  and Mercer’s 34 foot tall tank.  Both tanks are 52 feet in diameter.  The scaffold was enclosed with plastic to contain all of the blasting material.  Both reservoirs were blasted to a near white metal condition and were primed  with daily inspections from the District’s engineers.  Two coats of primer and one top coat of forest green paint were applied to each reservoir.  Both reservoirs have passed the 28 point  mill gauge test, providing a long lasting and professional job provided to the District from the crew at Shields Painting.  This was one of the Capital Improvement Projects on the District’s agenda.