October 13-November 8, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Completed Holiday Lake drainage for stop log replacement, completed by Ram Construction on October 19.

• Complete SCADA alarm notification system on October 24.

• Installed weather station and level gauge at Dickenson Lake on October 31.

• Conducted MURS radio test with MYN leads from top of water storage tanks that was not successful in communicating with other locations on Lummi Island.

Coming up:

• Dept. of Ecology 5 -year dam inspection of Holiday Lake and Dickenson Lake may postpone until 2021.

• Isaac to attend Small Water System Management Program training November 9-10.

October 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 483,460 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   475,510
Flushing 3,000 Residential meters    296,560
Unaccounted for water 175,950 Percentage of loss        37%

September 21-October 12, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Docks removed October 5, with thanks to Chris Immer and Brian Parberry for the large forklift.

• We are conducting vertical profiling (water sampling at various depths) every two weeks in Dickenson Lake in consultation with Bill Taylor.

• Holiday Lake level has been lowered below normal winter level, we will be doing another drainage from the fire dept standpipe the week of October 12.

Coming up:

• Holiday Lake stop-log structure repair tentatively scheduled for the week of October 19.

• Dept. of Ecology 5-year dam inspection of Holiday Lake and Dickenson Lake dams to occur late October, date not yet scheduled.

September 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 501,560 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,960
Net to distribution   493,870
Flushing & chlorine residual sampling 4,000 Residential meters    341,280
Unaccounted for water 148,540 Percentage of loss        30%

August 26-September 20, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Finished water quality continues to be very good with turbidity near the optimum level of  0.1 NTU.

• Repaired a leak at the Marina blow off valve on August 27. This is the main cause of the high loss in July and August.

• Replaced pump #1 and switched to that pump beginning August 31.

• Prepared for reservoir vertical profiling (depth sampling) project with Bill Taylor, including ordering equipment and lab sample containers.

Prepared schedule for the completion of Dept. of Health Sanitary Survey action items.

Coming up:

• Marina docks scheduled to be removed October 5 & 6 depending on conditions.

• Holiday Lake to be drained in early October to prepare for stop-log replacement.

• Dept. of Ecology 5-year dam inspection of Holiday Lake and Dickenson Lake dams to occur late October, date not yet scheduled.

August 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 687,450 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   679,500
Flushing 3,000 Residential meters    403,800
Marina blow off leak (estimated 3 gpm) 116,400 Unaccounted for water 159,000 Percentage of loss        24%

July 13-August 25, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Isaac attended Dept. of Health webinar for Asset Management

• Dept. of Health Sanitary Survey July 15 & July 21

• Completed Wilson Engineering Task 2 projects including:

  • Improvement of filter-to-waste system, functional July 21

  • Install inlet flow metering

  • Upgrade plant automation monitoring and shutdown controls

• Change main coagulant to ferric sulfate on August 10

• Contract with Bill Taylor for lake management consultation

• Replace six meter registers for failed batteries

We identified a leak at the Marina blowoff valve on August 24. We suspect this is the cause of the high loss in July.

July 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 688,000 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   680,050
Flushing 2,100 Residential meters    408,190 Unaccounted for water    269,760
Percentage of loss        66%

June 11-July 12, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Published Annual Water Quality Report for 2019 (Consumer Confidence Report)

• Plant shutdown controls and new monitoring system installed

• Complete filter-to-waste upgrade for pump #1 and 2.

• Begin testing new coagulant

In June turbidity levels did not exceed violation levels. In July the treatment plant has exceeded 0.3 NTU more than 5% of the month while we test the performance of a new coagulant. We expect to incur a treatment technique violation in July.

Our Department of Health Sanitary Survey is scheduled for July 15 (video conference) and July 21 (in person visit). This is a periodic inspection of our water system facilities

June 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 484,790 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,690
Net to distribution   477,100
Flushing 4,100 Residential meters    319,940 Unaccounted for water    153,060
Percentage of loss        32%

May 15-June 10, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Completed Dept. of Ecology water treatment discharge permit, including site plan, treatment plant schematic, and related documents.

• Completed Dept. of Health Water Use Efficiency report. Annual leakage in distribution is 35.7% which equates to consistent 3.6 gallons per minute. (May 2020 average leak rate was 3.1 gpm.) LISE has exceeded its long term goal reducing peak summer use by 5%. Water use in June to August decreased by 7.5% since 2014 when considering the increase in population.

• Launched new small docks and dock bridge.

• LISE truck reverse gear failed and required transmission replacement.

Since May 13 we have been filtering water well below turbidity violation level. We will likely incur a violation for the month of May due to turbidity problems in the beginning of the month. Raw water turbidity is slowing increasing and we are in process on the following items to control turbidity issues:

• Filter-to-waste upgrade is in progress.

• Plant shutdown controls to be installed in the last half of June.

• New coagulant option based on lab sampling of our raw water by the coagulant manufacturer.

• Possible algae treatment in reservoirs.

May 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 487,870 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   479,920
Flushing 2,700 Residential meters    337,270 Unaccounted for water    139,950
Percentage of loss        29%

April 16-May 14, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Streaming current monitor and particle analyzer testing with Wilson Engineering on April 16.

• Issue preliminary turbidity treatment technique for April on April 24.

• Clubhouse, Cabana, and playground closed for COVID-19.

• Measure Holiday Lake depth and calculate volume for possible algae treatment.

• Launched large docks May 11.

In May raw water turbidity has continued to increase. Our finished water turbidity to exceed 0.3 NTU (turbidity units) more than 5% of the time which will likely result in a treatment technique violation from the Dept. of Health for the month of May. The Department of Health and Wilson Engineering has been working with us on jar testing, suggesting coagulant and pH variables.

On May 13, our raw water quality began to improve to 1.0 NTU (from a high of 1.4 NTU two days before). We assume this is a result of reservoir turnover. Since May 13 we have been filtering water at optimum levels, below 0.1 NTU. However, we are aware that we still need a solution if raw water quality changes back again.

April 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 426,190 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,690
Net to distribution   418,500
Flushing 3,000 Residential meters    279,340 Unaccounted for water    136,160
Percentage of loss        32%

March 10-April 15, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Installed water service at 30054 on March 19.

• Our radio unit (DMMR) for our meter reading computer failed. We arranged a loaner from HD Fowler and have a new DMMR on order.

• Replaced distribution meter register at the storage tanks vault, due to battery.

• Replaced 6 residential meter registers due to battery failure.

• Began using new polymer coagulant in treatment plant on the advice of Wilson Engineering.

• Repaired damaged water line near meter at 70027.

• Contracted with Wilson Engineering for treatment plant upgrades.

• Scheduled large dock launch May 11 or 12. Chris Immer to install new pin attachment between the large docks.

In the beginning of April we have seen an increase of raw water turbidity on a similar pattern of last year. Our finished water turbidity to exceed 0.3 NTU (turbidity units) more than 5% of the time, which will likely result in a treatment technique violation from the Dept. of Health.

Since contracting with Wilson Engineering, we have been working quickly through chemistry solutions, including dosage rates and jar testing procedures. We are also arranging for a sample of our reservoir water to be tested for algae which may allow us to treat accordingly.

March 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 417,975 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   410,025
Flushing 3,300 Residential meters    250,670 Unaccounted for water    156,055
Percentage of loss        38%

February 18-March 9, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Completed draft schematic and as-built plans for Treatment Plant for engineering.

• Carl Garrison informed us that he is transitioning away from Coffman Engineering and setting up his own company. This may delay our progress with treatment plant upgrades. We have reached out to Wilson Engineering for an estimate and possible alternative.

• Kevin attended Evergreen Rural Water of Washington (ERWOW) conference in Yakima February 25-27.

• Pickup truck repairs & maintenance including throttle body replacement and brake shoes/parking brake.

• Coordinate with Chris Immer to install large dock connection pins and ramp to small docks.

February 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 367,030 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,440
Net to distribution   359,590
Flushing 3,000 Residential meters    208,910 Unaccounted for water    147,680
Percentage of loss        41%

January 1-February 17, 2020 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Notice of turbidity violations (August to November) and resolution published on January 8. December 2019 turbidity measurements did not incur a violation.

• Jepson Engineering completed a survey of the water treatment facilities, settling pond, and surrounding area on January 8-10.

• Dept. of Ecology Dam Safety annual inspection submitted, and the 5-year inspection by DOE engineers scheduled for April 2020. Emergency Action Plan and Operations & Maintenance Manual is in development.

• Dept. of Health Water Facility Inventory submitted with 221 total service connections, LISE has 250 permitted connections and three pending connection requests.

• Formal Compliance Agreement has been established between DOH and LISE on February 14 to address turbidity violations with deadline of July 1, 2020 to submit a schedule to address water treatment improvements and timeline.

• DOH Sanitary Survey scheduled for late July 2020.

January 2020 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 425,320 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,950
Net to distribution   417,370
Flushing 3,100 Residential meters    252,060 Unaccounted for water    162,210
Percentage of loss        39%

November 12-December 31, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Swim lake spillway project has been designed and we are coordinating with RAM Construction to begin installation of a new water level control structure to replace the wooden stop log setup. Project may start in January contingent on weather and lake level.

• Turbidity issues:

  • December turbidity levels remained below 0.3 NTU, meaning we will not receive a violation for that month. However, we will receive a violation for November that will require another public notice.

  • We visited an East Sound water treatment plant on Orcas Island on November 15 as part of our DOH plan to control turbidity. Based on this visit and subsequent jar testing we decided to test ferric chloride as our primary coagulant instead of alum.

  • We calibrated our SCADA system and set alarm points that will alert operators if turbidity reaches certain levels.

  • Coffman Engineering has completed a report “Water System Treatment, Pumphouse, and Discharge Improvements”.

• Settling Pond Permit: Coffman Engineering is also assisting us with our Dept. of Ecology permit for our settling pond. Bids are out to conduct a survey of the water treatment facilities area to use as a site plan as required by the permit.

• Fixed leak near meter at 70027 on December 9.

• Replaced 30 meter registers for battery failure.

November 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 421,500 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,690
Net to distribution   413,810
Residential meters    235,640 Unaccounted for water    178,170
Percentage of loss        43.1%.

December 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 395,560 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,946
Net to distribution   387,704
Residential meters    230,070 Unaccounted for water    157,634
Percentage of loss        40.7%

October 15-November 11, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Replaced Clubhouse Wi-Fi router.

• Winterized marina, clubhouse, and cabana.

• Swept community roads.

• Replaced 13 meter registers for battery failure.

• Isaac passed his Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Distribution Manager Level 2 exams November 6.

• Published Dept. of Health notice of violation for turbidity on October 18 with a mailing to all water customers and article on LISE website.

• Resolution of turbidity issues are ongoing. We have contracted with Coffman Engineering to evaluate the treatment plant and are currently exploring recommendations from DOH and/or consultants:

  • Coagulant feed pumps were wired to the reservoir pump

  • Jar test ferric chloride as a possible replacement coagulant to alum.

  • Jar test alum and polymer dosages

  • Test filter flow at slower rate

  • Extend filter runs and backwash less frequently

Water loss has increased substantially in October. Our leak detection has not yet determined the location.

October 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 432,850 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,946
Net to distribution   424,904
Residential meters    243,920 Unaccounted for water    225,934
Percentage of loss        42.6%

Sept. 6-October 14, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period:

• Replaced 12 meters because of dead radio batteries. 37 additional meters have failed batteries.

• Replaced the reservoir pump September 19.

• New small docks were delivered September 24.

• Isaac attended certification exam training on September 25-27 and is scheduled to take WTPO and WDM Level 2 exams in November.

• Purchased new backhoe, received September 27.

• Special on-site training with Department of Health for jar-testing procedure to optimize turbidity on September 30 and upgraded our jar-testing equipment.

• Removed docks for the off-season, completed October 3.

• Replaced filter media October 11.

September 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 434,900 Chlorine monitoring feed (0.178 gpm) 7,700 Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   424,200
Residential meters    270,200 Unaccounted for water    154,000
Percentage of loss        36.3%

Aug. 19-Sept. 5, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Purchased replacement filter media in preparation of future needs.

• Installed new chlorine analyzer (Hach CL10).

• Replaced life ring at the swim lake.

• Isaac is scheduled for Level 2 exam training on September 25-27 and take exams for WTPO and WDM level 2 sometime in October.

• Tentatively scheduled: small dock removal for September 19 or 20, and large dock removal for October 3 or 4.

The new small docks are nearing completion, thank you to Duncan McLane and Chris Immer for all their work so far.

August 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 559,900
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   556,900
Residential meters    410,030 Unaccounted for water    146,870
Percentage of loss        26.4%

June 17-July 15, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Fire Marshall inspection items were completed, and the Clubhouse has been approved by the Whatcom County building inspector for 99 occupancy.

  • Mark Sexton replaced the main door and double doors with outswing doors and panic bar exit hardware.

  • PMG Controls (electrician) installed emergency exit lights.

• The mixer in storage tank #1 failed within the warrantee period. A replacement mixer unit was installed on July 12 along with upgrades to the breaker panel in the storage tanks vault.

• New water service for account 40003 installed July 2. Construction is underway for a new residence there.

• Investigated purchase options for replacement backhoe loader.

June 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 529,980
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   526,900
Residential meters    384,950 Unaccounted for water    142,030
Percentage of loss        27.0%

May 14-June 16, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Deployed the small docks on May 16 and installed a handrail on the ramp between docks on June 5.

• Replaced 34 meter registers due to dead batteries, and one meter body due to freeze damage.

• The meter body at account 40066 was found missing and a police report was filed.

• Tighten packing nut at pressure reducing valve at Hales Passage vault to fix a minor leak.

• Produce the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report / Annual Water Quality Report which will show that the LISE water system meets all primary and secondary EPA and Department of Health standards.

• Clear brush from Mount Vista Terrace roadsides.

• Mowed the swim lake north shore and created more shoreline access with Rich Hudson and his excavation equipment.

Mark Sexton installed the main Clubhouse door with an exit push bar and outswing to comply with the Fire Marshall’s inspection for increased occupancy. The double doors will be also be soon replaced with compliant push bars.

May 2019 Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 436,700
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   433,700
Residential meters    296,610 Unaccounted for water    137,090
Percentage of loss        31.6%

April 22-May 13, 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Prepared and launched the main docks on May 8 with the help of Chris Immer and Brian Parberry’s forklift.

• Spread new playground wood chips at the swim lank playground, delivered by Rich Hudson.

• Hosted Wildfire Prep Day at the Cabana on May 4. Thank you to the many volunteers that helped remove about 36 cubic yards of limbs and debris from below the Storage Yard with the help of Mark Sexton’s dump trailer.

Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 398,200
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   395,200
Residential meters    266,400 Unaccounted for water    128,800
Percentage of loss        32.6%

March 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this period we:

• Completed the Clubhouse range hood installation. The range is now available for use.

• Replaced 13 meter registers because of battery failure. We are waiting on warrantee returns to replace about 38 meters with dead batteries.

• Located and repaired a major leak near 1237 Island Drive. Not including the estimated leak loss at this location, our percentage of water loss was 43%. Including this leak loss the percentage is 7.7% (see table below).

• Removed four at-risk trees from the Cabana Area with Baker Mountain Ranch Construction.

• Repaired reservoir pump-back line because of freeze damage.

• Replaced the reservoir booster pump motor. Pumping from the reservoir was stopped for a day while this repair was made.

• Met with Surowiecki Brothers Construction to discuss estimate for small dock replacement.

• Raised the Swim Lake level for the season.

• Began preparation and maintenance on the large docks for deployment.

The large docks are scheduled to be launched on Wednesday, May 8, depending on weather.

We had strong participation for the Island Roadside Cleanup on April 6. Thank you to all our neighbors who helped cleanup efforts in Scenic Estates.

Water Usage (in gallons)

From storage tanks 411,250
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   408,250
Residential meters    232,850
Island Dr. leak est. (25 days @ 4gpm) 144,000

Unaccounted for water    31,400
Percentage of loss        7.7%

February 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed the Clubhouse range hood installation and moved the range back to the kitchen for membership use.

• Submitted our annual Dept. of Ecology waste water permit.

• Met with Bellingham Marine for estimate of small dock replacement.

February was a month of snow and freezing temperatures, and a few residential water connections had issues with frozen water lines. We performed almost daily leak inspections during this month to monitor for water loss and inform members if their meters indicated a leak.

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    364,320
Flushing    3,000
Net to distribution   361,320
Residential meters    207,460
Unaccounted for water    153,870
Percentage of loss        42.6%

January 2019 Operations Report

Kevin Southworth, Operations Manager

During this month we:

• Completed repairs to a major leak on Hales Passage Drive (40044)

• Began installation of range hood, now waiting on electrician to complete wiring

• Replaced a freeze-damaged meter and identified another 33 meters that need to be replaced for battery issues

Water Usage (in gallons)

Pumped    420,270
Flushing    2,000
Net to distribution    418,270
Residential meters    235,560
Unaccounted for water    182,710
Percentage of loss        43.7%