Willow Valley Water Company
 
NEW YEAR UPDATE: In 2008, Willow Valley Water Company (WVWC) successfully completed all Phase I system improvement projects including the new iron and manganese removal system at the Unit 17 Water Distribution Center (WDC) and the rehabilitation of the removal system at the Cimmaron WDC. Testing of the removal systems has confirmed greater than 95% removal of these inorganic minerals.  

This treated water will continue to be distributed through existing pipelines that have significant scale accumulation.  It can be expected that this scale will continue to cause discoloration and some debris as the scale loosens in the presence of the treated water. WVWC continues to flush pipelines to address this unfortunate condition. Although it is hard to predict how long the adverse effects will last, the distribution system will continue to clear up and you will see greater improvement.  

While the scale and color are not health issues, we remain committed to improving the aesthetic qualities of the water.  Please read the Water Quality section of this notice and refer to the WVWC Consumer Confidence Report or our website www.gwresources.com for more information about the cause and safety of “tea” colored water.

In addition, all completed Phase 1 work is listed below in the System Improvements section. We will continue to provide updates through mailers, our website, and additional public meetings as future projects develop.

We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we continue to improve our Willow Valley Water Company in 2009.

Respectfully,
Willow Valley Water Company

Ron Fleming
General Manager
Global Water – West Valley Region


Water Quality
    
All Global Water utilities produce and distribute water that meets all federal and state water quality criteria.  Our waters are monitored for all regulated contaminants in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  In Mohave County, the SDWA is administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). In order to assure protection of your drinking water and to distribute safe potable water in accordance with the SDWA, we add sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) for disinfection.  Sodium Hypochlorite is a disinfectant and an oxidant.  The addition of sodium hypochlorite causes a chemical reaction with dissolved iron and manganese, making them return to a solid state. When iron and manganese become solid, they cause the water to turn brown. Unfortunately, the more disinfectant we add to provide safe drinking water, the darker the water becomes.

Brown or “Tea” colored water is a problem in the Mohave Valley area but it is not a safety issue, it is an appearance issue. Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals and are unregulated by the EPA or the State.  Nonethelss, due to the ancillary issues associated with iron and manganese, Willow Valley Water Company is working to minimize the coloration effect.   

Global Water is committed to serving the highest quality water and we are working closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on the progress of our efforts.


System Improvements
    
Completed Projects:

• WVWC has installed new chlorine injection systems that help ensure water is properly disinfected.
 
• WVWC has installed auto-dialer alarm systems that notify our staff in the event there are operational issues at our facilities. This helps prevent service outages.
 
• WVWC has identified all existing water lines and has performed a Hydraulic Model to establish distribution system performance. This model assists in planning system improvements to maximize benefits to the system as a whole.
 
• WVWC has installed automatic flushing devices and operates an active flushing program to reduce the buildup of iron and manganese in the water pipelines.
 
• WVWC has completed the Unit 17 Water Distribution Center (WDC) Improvement Project.  The project included a new iron and manganese removal system along with a new water source, and complete electrical/mechanical upgrades.  These new facilities have improved water clarity and reliability of service.
 
• WVWC has completed the King Street WDC Improvement Project. The project included general site improvements and upgrades to the existing iron and manganese removal system and electrical/mechanical systems. The site will be used as support for the Unit 17 WDC in the King Street area and has also improved water clarity and reliability of service.
 
• WVWC has completed the Cimmaron WDC Improvement Project. The project included complete site improvements and upgrades to the existing iron and manganese removal systems and electrical/mechanical systems.   These rehabilitated facilities will improve water clarity and service reliability for the Cimmaron Development.
 
• Waterline Distribution System Projects will remain ongoing as needed. WVWC has installed new control valves in strategic areas as to improve our ability to re-direct water, isolate line breaks, and reduce the number of customers affected by failures. WVWC will continue to install new water mains, water line loops, and install new valves where needed to improve water pressure and service reliability.