The BLWC system was originally designed and installed to handle seasonal use during the summer season. The system would be shut down at the end of each season with no risk of freezing. Over time demand for year round access grew, and the need for water in the winter months became an issue that needed to be dealt with. There remain a few lines in the Hillside HOA that are at risk of freezing so BLWC imposes a “no snow removal” restriction on those roads.
The age and original design of the system dictate the necessity of upgrades and improvements. A study by Sunrise Engineering, which included hydraulic modeling of the system, identified deficiencies that should be corrected to meet current codes & regulations, and to make certain that we can keep up with growth in our service area. Deficiencies noted include such things as the need to increase storage and pumping capacity, line size, meters for the trailer park, etc..
Altogether the total of the needed upgrades was estimated at $13.8 million to be spent over several years. BLWC board of directors determined that the upgrades would be accomplished in criticality order on a “pay-as-you-go” basis rather than commit the company to a dangerous level of debt through the use of large loans. The directors implemented a Capital Improvement Program, with a separate assessment, to cover the needed upgrades.
It should be noted that while the engineering estimates associated with this plan are thought to be conservative, there is always the possibility that future adjustments to the assessment may become necessary to account for the impact of changes in government regulations, inflation, acquisition of additional water rights, or the need to deal with unforeseen problems that crop up in the system prior to completion of the full upgrade.