OHA Drinking Water Services
OHA Drinking Water Services
Contact Report Details
PWS ID: OR41 00805
PWS Name: MAPLE ELSIE WATER SERVICE
 
Who Was Contacted: Jenn Lynch
Contact Phone: 503-440-6219
Contact Date: 01/30/2024
Contacted By: CIVIL WEST ENGINEERS, INC (DWP)
Contact Method/Location: Field
 
Assistance Type: CIRCUIT RIDER ASSISTANCE
 
Details: Background/Problem Identification:
Pete Farrelly OHA reached circuit rider (CR) requesting attendance at onsite meeting. The longtime operator of the system had abruptly left, & new operator is working have back in compliance.

Assistance Provided:
CR visited on 01/31/2024. Struggling to keep up water demands as well’s capacity diminished from about 40gpm (at the time of drilling) to about 5gpm. The well pump is pumping at a rate of 14 gpm but is only able to supply water at this rate for several minutes until pump starts pulling air.

1. Water system (WS) form governing body--association/cooperative ASAP possible to manage. With the formation of the governing body, budget should be drafted.
2. WS is charging an inadequate amount to run even a small groundwater system. We recommend that once the MEWS association/cooperative is formed that they adopt a tiered rate structure with a base rate of at least $50 pe/month for water.
3.Well should be inspected & cleaned by well service company. As part of the service, the sustainable flowrate of the well should be identified a suitable well pump purchased & installed.
a. IF the existing well is unable to output at least 30 gpm after cleaning, WS should begin the process of drilling a new well. This will require Plan Review with OHA PRIOR to drilling/construction of the well.
4. MEWS should begin working with Business Oregon/USDA/RCAC/etc. to obtain funding for needed large projects, such as metering upgrades & distribution main replacement.
5. Installation of water service meters, backflow prevention, & shut off valves for each connection. This will assist in both tracking down customer side leaks & will also allow MEWS to implement a tiered rate structure.
6. Problem trees should be taken down.
7. Treatment building roofing, insulation, drywall, & painting is priority. Building needs to be rodent-proofed ASAP.
8. The GWUDI well in the treatment building a minimum be disconnected.