2001 ANNUAL MEETING

At the membership meeting in February, Richard Louie reviewed the McNulty Water Association accomplishments during 2000 (development of Robinette Road well, connection of well to Robinette Road Reservoir, and the Hankey Road to Kimmell Lane water line loop). System improvements for 2001 were reviewed (water lines in the Gensman and Dart Creek Road areas, well site and piping improvements at Blaha Reservoir and looping the system at Rigdon and Childs Roads and at East Division and Firway Lane.

The future direction of waterline expansion for the Association was discussed and the Board agreed to not construct pipelines to the north during 2001, but would evaluate and select areas for potential reservoir sites that would benefit the entire system.

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NEW ROBINETTE ROAD WELL

The Robinette Road well was placed into operation in April and is supplementing the water storage in the Robinette Reservoir. At this time pumping rates, water level observations, and general operation are being analyzed. The position of the Board is that the location of the well, the water quality and yield will be a present and future benefit to the Association.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!

McNULTY WATER ASSOCIATION’S

NEW PROCEDURES

ON WATER PAYMENTS

STARTING IMMEDIATELY, water payments not received by the due date in the Association office will have SECOND NOTICES MAILED THE FOLLOWING DAY! These "Second Notices" also include interest costs of 1 1/2% on the unpaid balance plus a re-billing charge of $5.00.

As an example using the current billing of April 2001, the due date is May 25^th. "Second Notices" will be sent the next day (Saturday, May 26^th) with the added charges of interest and re-billing costs. If the "Second Notice" is not paid or if payment arrangements have not been made with the office by June 15^th, 2001, THE WATER WILL BE TURNED OFF AND LOCKED.

Payments can be made in person at the water office on the due date. Any payment made on the due date by mail or at the bank will be received too late and will be mailed a "Second Notice."

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MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION BOARD

Richard has been a member of the Board since the mid-1980’s and has served as President since that time. His background and experience with the telephone company (retired in 1999) has provided important guidance in utility construction and future planning. His present business relates to soils excavation such as building excavation, pipe replacement, and installation of on-site sewage disposal systems.

May has been a member of the Board since 1980. Her control of billing, paying bills, taking minutes and action of the Board has been essential to the operation of the Association. She is the Board member that responds to many questions of the Association members. She was re-elected to another three-year term in February.

Claudia was appointed a Board member in 1996 and was re-elected in 1997 and 2000. Her education in agriculture complements her interest in water management, and her work experience in accounting and computer programming provides guidance in data handling, budgeting, and tracking key activities of the Association.

Don replaced a Board member who resigned in early 2000 and was elected to a three-year term in February of that year. Don has been on the water system since 1992 and many times attended monthly meeting. He is a construction inspector for the City of Portland for public works projects. He brings experience in installing pipelines under many difficult situations.

Art was appointed to a term of a Board member who resigned in the Spring of 2000 and has one year remaining. He has been on the system since 1977. Since 1972, Art has been an estimator for a sawmill machine manufacturer in Portland and his interest in accounting and good budgeting helps in setting fair water rates for the users.

ADVISORS TO THE ASSOCIATION BOARD

Walt, who was a Board member during the 1990’s, resigned that position at the end of 1999. His past employment for a fire department in California and as a maintenance person with Crown Zellerbach (James River) in Portland brings the Association his problem solving expertise and repair skills. Walt still makes repairs and helps analyze problems associated with the water system. He played a major role during the addition of the power generator, well drilling, and addition of the pipe housing for the well on Robinette Road.

Tom was a Board member from 1995 to 2000. As both a professional electrical engineer and communication programmer, he provides advice on signals and management for well pump operation and reservoir water levels. He researched and provided flow charts on many phases of the Association system.

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CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR THIS SUMMER

Because of the lack of rainfall this winter, water users on the McNulty Water System should control their water use even though groundwater levels still appear normal on all of our wells. Heavy usage this year may affect our levels next year. Enclosed is a brochure giving conservation tips. The Association will be monitoring the wells very carefully and often. Users will be notified if there are any concerns.

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POPULATION

The 2000 census discloses that Columbia County has increased in population by 6,000 persons during the past ten years, which is a 16% increase from 37,557 to 43,560. During that same time period, McNulty increased its connections from 600 to 800 (600 individuals).

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CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM

The backflow prevention devices on individual connections in the McNulty Water Association water system were tested this Spring and the reports stating they were operational were submitted to the office. These devices provide assurance that on-site potential health hazards (chemical wastes on site, individual wells, swimming pools, lawn sprinkling systems, and commercial sites) do not enter the Association’s water system and potentially affect the user’s drinking water. The Association is planning a more aggressive program to protect water quality.

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ASBESTOS

During the initial construction of the Association’s water distribution system, asbestos cement (AC) pipe was acceptable and a standard for water systems. McNulty has 12 miles of AC pipe in the system. Asbestos has become a health concern and, as a result, AC pipe is not available for construction in water systems. PVC (plastic) and DI (ductile iron) piping are acceptable under today’s standards. McNulty has used PVC pipe for system construction since early in the 1970s. This year testing for asbestos was completed in the lower section of the system (North Morse Road) where water from the Blaha Reservoir has nearly a two-mile run of AC pipe. No asbestos was detected.

This Spring, Andy Tinkess, Asssociation Operator, conducted leakage and pressure tests on 1800 ft. of AC pipe on Blaha Road. The pipe’s inner liner was in excellent condition, and it met the requirements of newly installed pipe (pipe installed in 1969).

Any questions on system operation or water quality, please call the office at 503-397-1301.

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ARSENIC

President Bush and former President Clinton have been in the news commenting on EPA establishing a new Arsenic Standard. Clinton set the standard at 10 µg/L. Bush believes it is too low and has requested EPA to review the Standard. If passed, the new level will be no higher than 20 µg/L. McNulty’s wells at Blaha, Millard, and Stone Roads show undetected levels of arsenic, while the new well on Robinette Road tested at 2 µg/L, which is below the lowest proposed Standard of 10, therefore, treatment will not be required on any of McNulty’s wells.

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URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY (UGB)

Columbia County and the City of St. Helens have hired consultants to develop proposed changes to Columbia County/City of St. Helens Urban Growth Management Agreement for coordinating growth management activities within St. Helens’ urban growth area. The Agreement is intended to facilitate the orderly and efficient transition from urbanization to urban land use within the UGB. Water services in the UGB shall be provided in accordance with provisions in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of St Helens and the McNulty Water Association. President Richard Louie has represented the Association in these matters and his position has been that water service will be available to existing members in the UGB. Proposed amendments are being discussed by the City and County. The Association is reviewing the MOU.

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