Serrano Recycled Water Customers

Serrano residents,

You may have received a note from John Bowman, General Manager of Serrano El Dorado Owners’ Association, about the transfer of recycled water compliance responsibilities from Serrano to EID.

As holder of the Master Reclamation Permit from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, EID is ultimately responsible for compliance with all permitting requirements related to operation of the District’s recycled water system. In 1999, EID and Serrano entered into an agreement that gave Serrano the go-ahead to fulfill compliance requirements for front and back yard recycled water irrigation in Serrano. As Mr. Bowman’s letter states, the agreement has come to a close. Discussions with Serrano representatives indicated they would be willing to continue responsibilities for the recycled program within Serrano, but only at a cost—to be paid by the District—that we believe is too high.

Because we do not believe Serrano’s proposed fees are cost effective for our customers, EID will assume responsibilities to review plans and conduct inspections for new recycled water irrigation installations and modifications, conduct annual system tests and inspections, and meet all other compliance requirements.

The District currently performs these services for our other recycled water customers, but does not charge a fee. However, the compliance costs for the program will be evaluated concurrently with a cost-of-service study that customers suggested we undertake during the recent rate increase public hearings. We will contact all recycled water customers soon regarding a fee structure to meet the regulatory requirements. We anticipate the fee will be comparable to that currently paid by Serrano residents as part of the Owner’s Association fees.

Any Serrano customers who currently have recycled water irrigation plans under review or need to schedule an inspection, please leave a message on the District’s recycled water inspection phone line at 530-295-6873.

Thank you for your patience throughout the transition.

Dan Corcoran
Environmental Manager