Can I attend a board of directors meeting?
Yes! The Board of Directors regular meetings are normally on the 3d Wednesday of each month via Skype. The link to join the Skype meeting is under Notices /node/10096
When does the board review rates?
The board usually reviews the current year's budget and prepares the budget for the following year at the October & November meetings. Rates are adjusted at the same time to ensure there is sufficient revenue in the following year to meet the expenses of the new budget and to maintain operational reserves. A notice is posted in The Gazette and on the AWSD website advising the public that a rate increase is being considered.
Why is there an AWSD mill levy on my tax statement?
The Academy Water and Sanitation District (AWSD) is managed by elected board members who must be registered voters within Pleasant View Estates. By law the Directors are not reimbursed for their service. The board strives to provide quality water and sanitation services while maintaining a zero-based balanced budget which is established during a public hearing.
A summary of the 2024 AWSD budget is provided below:
Total Revenue | $780,300 |
Total Expenses | $733,775 |
Capital Improvements | $355,000 |
Contingency | $83,500 |
Approximately forty percent of total expenses ($292,000) is made up of payments to service debt incurred in 2018 to comply with wastewater treatment standards and to pay our wastewater treatment provider (Donala Water & Sanitation District).
AWSD initiated operations in 1963. Our customer base has grown to 311 water customers and 296 wastewater customers. There is no commercial revenue and no revenue from new tap fees.
The current mill levy of 2.97 mills has not been raised since our water treatment plant was completed over 20 years ago. That construction was funded through a significant tax increase, which those who have lived here longer paid off for the benefit of all the newer owners. Our current rates and fees, in lieu of higher taxes, support the District operation and maintenance.
The Directors donate many hours of their own time to reduce costs. We continually seek grant opportunities to help offset the cost of maintaining and replacing infrastructure that, in some cases, is sixty years old.
AWSD is not a water and sanitation company; it is a special district and operates solely for the benefit of our community. AWSD does not profit from its operations. The District also undergoes a formal audit annually.
We welcome community engagement in helping us keep service high while keeping costs low.
Last updated 2/24/2024
Why do I have low water pressure?
Your water pressure is controlled by two things: the delivery pressure from the District to your home; and the pressure regulator valve setting inside your home. If your pressure is low, have a qualified person first try adjusting the pressure regulator valve (usually located wherever the water supply line enters your home) - NOTE: Some older valves may malfunction or break when they are adjusted. If that does not correct the problem, contact the District Manager.
How can I shut off the water to my house in an emergency?
There is a main shutoff lever or valve where the water line comes inside your home. To shut off the water turn the lever perpendicular to the pipe. If you have a valve with a circular handle, turn the handle to the right until it stops.
There also is a curb stop located on your property between the District's main supply line and the house. To shut off the supply at that point requires a special tool (most plumbers carry that tool). If you cannot find your curb stop, contact the District.
What can cause a really high water bill?
If you haven't just filled your swimming pool, you probably have a leak. A pinhole leak in a pipe, a constantly running toilet or a broken sprinkler line can cause a loss of several hundreds of gallons of water. You might be able to determine if you have a leak by monitoring your inside water meter after you have turned off all faucets, the washing machine and any humidifiers that draw water - look to see if there is any movement in the measuring dials - if there is, that is an indication of a leak. Leaks of this nature are the responsibility of the homeowner to repair.
What should I do if my toilet backs up?
You should call a plumber to locate and clear the cause of the backup (usually a clog in the waste line from the home to the main sewer line). If the backup has caused damage in your home you should also contact your homeowner's insurance company.
Why do I have a bill when my property is vacant?
The District infrastructure (sewer lines, etc.) must be maintained every year; that cost is budgeted and results in the current monthly fee to all customers/owners, whether the property is occupied or not. There is no charge for water usage if no water use is recorded.