July Is Smart Irrigation Month
Have you ever been surprised by a high summer water bill? Extra water costs for summer irrigating really add up! This is partly because Northshore Utility District's tiered rate structure, designed to encourage conservation, means the more water used, the more each unit costs.
We could hit a rainless record this July and August! All the more reason to take advantage of July's Smart Irrigation Month to double-check your watering system efficiency.
GIVE YOUR PLANTS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WATER BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS:
- Lawns need just 1" of water per week to stay green, spread out over 2 or three waterings. Measure sprinkler output with a simple tuna can, or a rain gauge you can get from NUD for free. If you decide to go "golden," water deeply once a month to keep roots alive.
- Water deeply and less often. Check soil before you water to see if it's dry a few inches down. Water enough to moisten the whole root zone (the top 6 to 12 inches of soil).
- Water early or late in the day to reduce evaporation.
- Get water to the roots with a watering wand instead of a hose or sprinkler. For maximum efficiency, consider installing a drip irrigation or soaker hose system. View tips for installing drip irrigation (pdf) and a soaker hose how-to video.
- Use a smart irrigation timer to adjust sprinkler runtimes to match the weather. This reduces water loss from evaporation and overspray. NUD customers can get up to a $100 rebate to install a new WaterSense timer - learn more at the Saving Water Partnership website.
The Saving Water Partnership shares more in-depth information on outdoor water use efficiency.
NUD Volunteers Continue Our Community-Cleanup Tradition
On Saturday, June 3rd, a volunteer crew of NUD employees, friends and family gathered together to help spruce up NUD's adopted stretch of Juanita Drive.
A NUD tradition for many years, our Adopt-a-Road area was named "Nancy's Mile" in memoriam of a former NUD employee.
Adopt-a-Road is just one extension of NUD's commitment to community service, a tradition we're proud to continue.
Just half of our volunteer team working hard to make "Nancy's Mile" shine!
March 20-26th Is Fix-A-Leak Week
MARCH 20-26TH IS FIX-A-LEAK WEEK
That annoying faucet drip at your bathroom sink - did you know if you let it go long enough, it can cost you more than 3,000 gallons of water per year? That’s enough water to take more than 180 showers! These kind of small leaks – let alone larger ones – use up over 1 trillion gallons of water a year in U.S. homes.
Every March utilities nationwide promote Fix-a-Leak Week to help us all remember to hunt down and catch those drips.
Doing regular home water audits can help you make sure you’re using water as efficiently as possible. In addition to saving this important resource, it might even save you some extra money on your water bill.
Northshore Utility District has a full page on finding and fixing common home leaks. [We even made a video!] Below are some top tips.
TOP WAYS TO WATCH OUT FOR LEAKS:
1. CHECK YOUR WATER BILL. Is it a lot higher than normal, or than previous months? This could be a sign of a leak. Your bimonthly bill includes a handy comparison graph to help you track changes.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO "POTENTIAL LEAK NOTICES. Our “smart” water meters are equipped with a sensor that registers continuous usage. When we read your bill every two months, if your meter triggered this alarm, we send you a notice.
Sometimes the leaks are small and don’t change your bill much. But keep in mind: small leaks eventually become large, expensive problems – especially on your outside water line – and it’s wise to investigate right away. Further, our leak adjustment policy only allows a certain amount of time to make repairs and request a credit on your bill of some of the excess water use caused by the leak.
3. CHECK YOUR WATER METER - for “real time” information. It’s typically located at the edge of your property line in a concrete or plastic box. Use a screwdriver to lift the metal lid. You may need to dig away some dirt (used for insulation) to find the meter. Lift the black cap covering the meter face to see the water-use register.
You can check for leaks using your meter in two ways. Make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home first.
4. TEST YOUR TOILET - the most common indoor home leak. Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and let it sit for 15–30 minutes – or overnight, if possible. If the color seeps into the bowl, you have a leak. Flush toilet afterward to avoid staining.
Toilet leaks can waste 200 gallons or more per day! A loose flapper is a common cause – here’s a video showing you how to replace your old flapper.
If you are ready to replace your toilet, you may benefit from this rebate for high-efficiency toilets that use fewer gallons per flush.
MORE WAYS TO USE WATER WISELY
As a NUD customer, you have access to free water-saving resources!
- Faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads – two per household allowed. Stop by our office to pick some up.
- FREE gardening classes to help make your landscape as water-efficient as possible – held right here at NUD! Classes are taught by local landscape and garden pros – some of whom even teach at the NW Flower and Garden show. Check out our class roster and register for a class at www.nud.net/gardening. See more local classes at www.savingwater.org.
Water Leak or Ground Water?
Ground oversaturation from heavy rains can look a lot like a bad underground leak.
During our last month of record-setting rainfall, NUD has fielded high numbers of calls from residents concerned about water leaks.
At first glance, it looks like a break in an underground water line: water is flowing or looks to be “bubbling up” from the street, or a driveway or yard. But when large storms and heavy rainfall occur – as we’ve experienced this February - this type of “leak” situation is often caused by ground water. When the ground is saturated, water has no other place to go than to run – down the street, through a yard, over a driveway.
NUD handles water/sewer issues, but city storm crews take care of ground water concerns. We want to make sure the issue gets routed to the right party right away so response can be efficient and immediate.
At first glance, it looks like a break in an underground water line: water is flowing or looks to be “bubbling up” from the street, or a driveway or yard. But when large storms and heavy rainfall occur – as we’ve experienced this February - this type of “leak” situation is often caused by ground water. When the ground is saturated, water has no other place to go than to run – down the street, through a yard, over a driveway.
NUD handles water/sewer issues, but city storm crews take care of ground water concerns. We want to make sure the issue gets routed to the right party right away so response can be efficient and immediate.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE ISSUE IS A LEAK OR EXCESS GROUND WATER?
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The blue "leak dial" on your meter face spins when water runs continuously. If you're not using water on purpose, this could mean a leak somewhere. Check your meter (make sure no water is being used inside/outside). If you have a leak on your property, you will see the “leak indicator dial” – a tiny blue snowflake on the meter face – spinning continuously.
For more help troubleshooting leaks, here's a video to walk you through the steps. If you do have a leak and don’t know what to do, please call us (24/7 in emergencies).
- If you see water running down the street, listen for a moment. Do you hear water flowing in the storm drains? If not, that is a good sign the storm drain is blocked and the water you see is storm water runoff. In that case, you want to call the city storm crews right away – you can find contact numbers HERE.
French drains are often hidden, so
overflows can look like water
"bubbling up" from underground. - Do you see water “bubbling up” from somewhere on someone else’s property? A lot of times these are overflowing French drain systems. If you can get closer, you might see the water source is greenish in color – a sign of algae/plant life in groundwater. Public water is treated and will always run clear.
Hopefully this information helps – first, to relieve immediate concerns that you have a leak on your property, which no homeowner wants! Ground water issues often resolve themselves after a couple of days. But if flooding looks possible, getting city storm crews involved right away can help them address the trouble before it gets worse.
But please be kind to your city storm crews! In extreme weather situations, they are doing their best to respond to many service calls as quickly as possible. You can help by clearing any visible debris like leaves or trash from storm drains to avoid clogs.
As always, if you have a water or sewer emergency, we are available to you 24/7 – contact (425) 398-4400. And we’re happy to answer any questions anytime.
NUD Staff Earn Honors In Leadership Course
January 4, 2017
We are proud to announce that four members of Northshore Utility District’s operations staff recently completed an intensive leadership course through the Dale Carnegie Institute, winning several awards throughout the program.
Brian Gumke, Water Quality and Safety Officer, earned the “Highest Achievement Award” for his outstanding performance throughout the course; Senior Utility Worker Rick Alne was awarded the “Break-Out Award”; and Utility Worker John Herndon obtained the “Outstanding Performance” award.
We are very proud to celebrate both their achievements - all earned during their own time - and our entire team's commitment to professional growth and excellence. To date, NUD has graduated eight staff through this leadership course.
Dave McMorris Recognized for Workplace Leadership
December 8, 2016 - Northshore Utility District (NUD) Inventory and Purchasing Specialist Dave McMorris will be highlighted in an upcoming publication of the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD). The feature invited WASWD member agencies to nominate staff who represent going “above and beyond the call of duty” to serve the public.
Inventory and Purchasing is one of those hard-working interior gears of an organization – not often spotlighted because it’s busy keeping the machine running smoothly. But Dave’s work is integral to NUD’s success and service of our customers. We are privileged to him on our team and to share this recognition.
The full text of the article is included below – nomination written by NUD Finance Director Steve Hamilton.
"Northshore Utility District’s Inventory and Purchasing Specialist Dave McMorris is a prime example of workplace leadership and continually going above and beyond the call of duty for Northshore Utility District and its customers.
Dave has been working for the District for almost seven years, and provides both internal and external customer service at a level most managers only dream of.
Dave’s responsibilities are typical for an inventory and purchasing specialist:
- Orders, procures, receives, distributes, and manages inventories.
- Researches and negotiates pricing for the best goods/services at the best value.
- Analyzes and develops complete specifications to meet the competitive price quotes requirement among all vendors.
- Conducts open competitive bidding processes from start to finish and evaluates performance to ensure contract compliance and user satisfaction
- Prepares and maintains databases and spreadsheets to analyze and monitor inventory of purchases of all tools, equipment and supplies for yearly state audit
- Stocks.
- Maintains inventory records and levels.
However, it is the manner in which he manages these responsibilities that makes him such an invaluable member of the District’s team. He goes so far beyond the level of simply meeting these responsibilities. He OWNS them, taking great pride in everything he does. It is not uncommon for Dave to pore over a voluminous purchase agreement to make sure that the supplier lives up to all his commitment. When a lunchtime delivery interrupts his lunch, he happily makes his way back to the inventory room and takes care of business.
Everything Dave does, he does with a big smile on his face and a bounce in his step, cheerfully greeting every employee along the way. He has an attitude unsurpassed within the District. Dave does his job with a pleasant demeanor and youthful smile, not commonly found in an inventory and purchase guy.
He is always cognizant of the bottom line. He has researched using different vendors over the past year which resulted in over $15K in savings.
We have annual All Star awards to employees who go that extra mile. The recipients are voted on by their co-workers. Since inception, Dave has been an annual winner."
Juanita H.S. Teacher and Bothell Resident Matt Breysse Appointed as Commissioner
November 29, 2016
(L) [shown here with District legal counsel Kinnon
Williams at right] was sworn into office on Monday,
November 21, 2016.
Mr. Breysse brings to the position a long commitment to public service. Born and raised in Seattle, Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Administration from Western Washington University, in addition to a teaching certification from Seattle Public University. An educator for the past 21 years, he currently teaches history at Juanita High School.
Matt had actually run against Margaret Wiggins in the General and Special Election held in 2015. Among his reasons for pursuing the role, Mr. Breysse
cited the importance of protecting “the reliable water and sewer system[s] that we all use [which are] easy to take for granted.” Matt relayed his commitment to work with the commissioners to make sure NUD continues to provide “safe, reliable, low-cost water and sewer [services]” both now and in the future, and to promote a “concern for sustainability, environmental stewardship and accountability.”
Matt and his wife Sheila have lived in Bothell for over 27 years and have raised their two daughters here. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and listening to live music.
Matt looks forward to meeting and working for the people of Northshore Utility District. He can be reached by email at mbreysse@nud.net.
District to Adopt New Sewer System Connection Charge for the Totem Lake Area
UPDATED: Sewer System Capacity Expansion Connection Charge for the Totem Lake Area
In late 2015, the City of Kirkland adopted new land-use and zoning provisions for the Totem Lake “Urban Center.” The revised zoning provisions will allow for much higher densities of development, including mixed-use – a combination of commercial and multi-family residential housing.
These land-use decisions are driven by the Washington State Growth Management Act, which requires cities to provide adequate capacity for growth over a specific planning period.
Results from the Kirkland rezone are already being realized, with the Totem Lake Mall demolition and proposal for approximately 1,000 multi-family housing residences as well as office space, retail grocery, and restaurants to be constructed as the “Totem Lake Village.”
The allowance for higher densities in any particular neighborhood can have an adverse impact on infrastructure, including public water and sewer utility systems. And in fact, as a direct result of the additional densities promoted by the City in Totem Lake, the Northshore Utility District’s sanitary sewer system will require significant upgrades over the next ten years in order to increase capacity to accommodate the additional growth. The improvements required have an estimated cost of $9M.
In order to fund the improvements, the District Board of Commissioners will be considering a proposal to adopt a special Capacity Expansion Connection Charge (CECC) that will apply to new development, or redevelopment, of property located near Totem Lake. Development or redevelopment of any property located in any of the drainage basins near Totem Lake that may discharge into the sanitary sewer system requiring capacity expansion may be subject to the CECC.
The CECC will be assessed in addition to the District’s existing, standard connection charges, which also vary according to proposed development or redevelopment. The existing standard connection charges are available on our website at the following link:
www.nud.net/about-us/departments/engineering/sewer-water-service
Incidentally, please note that the District is considering a comprehensive review of the existing standard connection charges. This analysis is scheduled to occur over the next 18 months, and may result in an increase in the connection charges for both water and wastewater system connections District-wide.
To determine if the CECC may be applicable to a particular property:
Please follow the link below and locate your property on the map or enter the property address in the search field. Properties that may be required to pay the CECC are located within the various shaded areas on the map. These shaded areas represent the distinct sewer system drainage basins that discharge into the Totem Lake Sewer Trunk system.
The proposed CECC amount is $2,115 per equivalent multi-family residential unit. This proposed fee will be presented to the District Board of Commissioners for review and approval at the meeting to be held Monday, November 7th, beginning at 5:30 pm. The final CECC amount, and instructions for applying the CECC to proposed development, will be available within a few weeks after this meeting.
NUD Contact:
Dave Kaiser, P.E., Engineering Director
Phone: 425-398-4422
dkaiser@nud.net
Link to Property Search for Applicability of CECC: http://maps.nud.net/TotemLakeCECC/affectedarea.htm
Your Water Is Safe to Drink! Response to Chromium 6 Concerns
Recent news stories published concerns about levels of chromium 6 in drinking water systems nationwide.
We want to assure you that your water is safe to drink! Please reference page 4 of our 2016 Water Quality Report for specific data - located at www.nud.net/waterquality.
All results show safe, or non-actionable, levels of all compounds detected in our drinking water.
Northshore Utility District purchases its treated water from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). SPU issued the following further information in response to news items:
SEATTLE'S WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK
Recent news stories discussed a report by The Environmental Working Group (EWG) that said the chemical compound Hexavalent chromium (chromium(VI), Cr(VI), chromium 6) has been detected in water supplies for most U.S. cities, including Seattle.
Seattle’s water—and the water Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides to other local water utilities—is safe to drink.
SPU tested for chromium-6 in its water last year, and the results are contained in SPU’s 2015 Water Quality Report (Page 14). Sixteen SPU tests at four testing locations showed that Hexavalent Chromium is present in SPU’s water in low amounts, within a range of 0.063 to 0.17 parts per billion (ppb).
In California, one of the few places chromium-6 is regulated, the regulatory level is 10 ppb — 100 times the amount detected in SPU’s water.
Chromium-6 is an unregulated compound under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, and in most U.S. states, including Washington. The compound occurs naturally in the environment from the erosion of natural chromium deposits. It can also be produced by industrial processes. There are demonstrated instances of chromium being released to the environment by leakage, poor storage, or inadequate industrial waste disposal practices.
The City of Seattle owns or controls more than 100,000 acres of watershed that are closed to general public access. We protect these watersheds from fire, toxic spills, invasive species, and human disturbance.
For more information, visit the following EPA sites:
- https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/chromium-drinking-water
- https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods/hexavalent-chromium-questions-and-answers
In Memoriam of Commissioner Margaret Wiggins
The District’s long-time Commissioner, Margaret Wiggins, passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2016, at age 63. She served on the District’s Board of Commissioners continuously since 1998.
Margaret first ran for the Board position in 1997 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of another Board member. At that time Margaret, her husband and their two sons had been living in the District for 19 years. An Air Force veteran and a former project manager for US West Communications, Margaret was active in the community and served as a Precinct Committee Officer for the Republican Party.
Having retired from regular employment and with two grown children, Margaret was able to direct her energy to the office of Commissioner and devoted a substantial amount of time to the District. In addition to serving on the Board, she represented the District on numerous committees addressing regional, state or countywide issues. After almost two decades of participation, Margaret was recognized as a leader among the appointed and elected officials of most agencies within the water and sewer industry.
Margaret always took her duties as Commissioner very seriously. She demonstrated a keen interest in areas of emergency preparedness and cost containment. As staff, we all knew that our recommendations must withstand vigorous scrutiny by Margaret if it might increase the cost of operating the District. She extended the same inquisitive resolve towards rate adjustment proposals from King County and the Seattle Public Utilities —our wholesale suppliers—to keep costs down for the ratepayers.
Besides being busy with her work on behalf of the District, Margaret found time to continuously hone her skills to better serve the public. While serving as Commissioner, Margaret attained the highest designation – the Gold Certificate – from the Commissioner Accreditation Program, issued by the Washington Association of Water and Sewer Districts.
Commissioner Wiggins’ devotion to her elected office did not go unnoticed. Last November, she was re-elected to the position of Commissioner, receiving almost 72% of the total votes. For her re-election campaign, she only put out seven old yard signs left over from the previous elections.
Margaret will be greatly missed by those she represented, her friends and colleagues in the industry and the District staff.
