Valley County Water District

Water utilities in California have provided yearly reports to customers since 1991, summarizing water quality data and addressing key concerns about residential water supplies. In 1996, the U.S. Congress renewed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), originally enacted in 1974 and amended in 1986. The 1996 renewal mandated development of nationwide water standards incorporating critical elements like source protection and public information access.

This year's quality assessment covers testing from 2017 and complies with consumer transparency requirements established by SDWA amendments. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Drinking Water (DDW) oversee regulations ensuring tap water safety. These agencies establish standards limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations and California law set comparable health-protective limits for bottled water products.

Valley County Water District routinely tests water using DDW-approved methodologies. Over 100 compounds are monitored in the district's supply, with only detected constituents reported in tables on pages 10-11, including regulated and unregulated compounds of interest. Throughout 2017, water delivered to residents continued to meet or exceed all State and Federal quality standards.

Additionally, the Primary San Gabriel Basin Watermaster actively manages the groundwater basin and reviews upcoming regulatory changes. The Watermaster takes proactive measures in monitoring unregulated contaminants to ensure consistent water quality compliance throughout the San Gabriel Basin.

1. Why can't my water meter remain in the pit?

   A below-ground water meter creates a cross-connection hazard. The municipality regularly finds meters that have been removed or damaged by freezing. When submerged, the meter opening can allow non-potable liquid to contaminate the water system. The primary concern is that pit-installed meters are typically positioned lower than floor drains.

2. Why must I pay for raising the valve and meter out of the pit?

   According to municipal ordinance, while the city owns the water meter, property owners are responsible for service lines entering homes and interior plumbing. When meter replacement becomes necessary, plumbing upgrades remain the homeowner's responsibility.

3. Is a plumbing permit required for this work?

   Yes, this level of customer-site piping repair requires a permit from the Inspections Division. To assist homeowners, the Inspections Department waives the $50 administrative fee, and the Water Division waives the $60 repair turn-on fees.

4. What is the typical cost for this work?

   Professional plumbing costs vary depending on piping materials and existing plumbing configuration. Local plumbing companies have provided estimates ranging from $300 to $600.

5. Can I perform the work myself?

   Michigan Plumbing Code permits owners of owner-occupied residences to conduct their own plumbing work with proper permits. Otherwise, licensed plumbers must perform all work.

6. What if I can't afford these repairs?

   Consider various assistance resources: Information and Referral Service (211) can connect you with appropriate agencies; City Minor Home Repair Program (269-966-3323); Habitat for Humanity (269-966-2502); Community Action (269-965-7766); Area Agency on Aging (269-966-2450).

7. What happens if I don't comply with meter relocation requirements?

   We follow standard procedures, providing reasonable time for compliance. The city must maintain safe municipal water throughout the system. Cross-connections create system risks that require addressing. Continued non-compliance may result in service disconnection until proper meter installation is completed.

8. Do I need to pay for the new water meter and/or R900 transmitter?

   No. The meter, R900 transmitter, and connecting wire are city property. Homeowners must protect these components from damage. The city replaces these items at no cost unless they've been damaged, in which case repair or replacement charges apply.

9. Why did the city replace my neighbor's water meter but not mine?

   Water meters are evaluated whenever accessed. Meters identified as non-NSF-compliant (National Sanitary Foundation standard for water meter manufacturing materials) or problematic are proactively replaced.

10. Why does my home need a new radio transmitting device?

    We've used drive-by radio meter reading systems since 2002. Current reading devices are reaching end-of-life and causing billing issues. These are being replaced with more reliable, customer-friendly systems that don't require drive-by readings.

11. How does this meter/radio transmitter upgrade benefit me?

    The new system reports more frequently and provides more accurate billing. The city will offer enhanced transparency and awareness of water usage and associated costs.

12. Are these new transmitting devices safe?

    Yes. The new system operates in the same frequency range as devices used since 2002, approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The R900 transmitter sends data via radio frequency in just .007 seconds per transmission, with total daily transmission time under one minute.