Not being an RV owner, I need help in understanding this notice published in the current Weekender.
Is this new, and is this a covenant? Is this for any lot or home that has an RV hookup? How will the association be doing an inspection?
What about the RV dump site at the RV lot, where there is a water hose. What if that hose falls on the ground? Is there a "Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly at the meter at this site?
This Weekender notice also says to contact Lawrence Hampton at 360-665-0005
Larry has not worked for Surfside for at least a year.
Perhaps Deb Blagg or Patrick Johansen, both Trustee RV owners, can answer the questions I and other RV folks may have. This all may mean nothing, but it raises questions in my mind. I would think that there would be a first class mailing to the RV owners about this and the inspections. Sorry, but with the error in the news letter with the wrong date for the annual meeting, and now this about the contact person, I have less confidence in the accuracy of information provided by the Business Office. I hope someone can clear this up for me. I apologize for my ignorance. This may or may not be important to RV owners.
The page below also states in a box..."DO NOT USE HOSES TO FLUSH OUT GREYWATER OR BLACKWATER (SEPTIC) TANKS" Again I apologize for my lack of understanding. Why does Surfside have a water hose by the RV dump site? Is that to fill your water supply tank? If so, seems like it should be away from the dump site. I guess if I don't have an RV, it shouldn't concern me, but I do drink the common water supplied to most of us. I admit that I don't know what I am talking about, so guess that is why I am asking questions.
34 comments:
If the HOA intends to inspect RVs for compliance, I suggest each and every RV owner post no trespassing signs on the property where the RV sits. One would assume HOA would contact RV owner to arrange “inspection” date and time. We all have learned that HOA committees members, board members and employees regard our property as their own. As there are no ccrs for inspection, tell them all to get off your property!
We have people working in our office who are mostly incapable of doing a good job. I sincerely believe that filler was needed for the newsletter so they dropped this RV notice in without much thought about its accuracy. Seriously folks, these dimwits in the office need to go. We need a capable and intelligent General Manager.
From what flyers say, inspection would do no good,as you gotta catch them in act. Scare tactic to hassle rvers? Who does inspections? Who pays for them? Btw, dump station at compactor does have a back flow system, on the right as you drive in.
Thanks 12:17 for one answer about the back flow system at the compactor. Does that make it safe?
Just asking.
George. I am sure there is an easy answer to this but could you tell me why the annual meeting is being held on the 14th instead of the 7th? Seems to me a lot more owners would be here and able to attend due to the holiday. Thanks.
BiLaws state it must be held on the second Saturday of July
We all received a backflow questionnaire. For sprinkler systems, hot tubs etc.
If filled out and sent in, then the requirement has been satisfied.
The backflow questionnaire included RVs, so I'm not sure what the problem is..
Yes, pumping station is safe. Agree with 3:43, I sent out the initial questionnaires.
More scare tactics from our office personnel. Boggles the mind why they insist on harassing RV'ers.
10:20 you are right on! GM is desperately needed. What a joke this WEAKENDER is. Is a child the editor in chief with constant errors? Leave the RV folks alone!!!!!
Water (non-potable) is normally available at dump stations to assist in cleaning the tank. As any RV'er will tell you, you cannot clean the black tank without flushing. A backflow preventer on the hose at the dump station would make this a non-issue.
I get a kick out of how SHOA presents this info. Having read WAC 246-290-490 there is not one single reference to RV's.
Hey SHOA, why the scare tactics?
It has been stated that all properties using water, are required to have a water meter. We have been told that anyone not willing to purchase a water meter, will have their water turned off. We do not pay for water, but the meter indicates leaks and has a back-flow valve incorporated into it. This is all old news at this point, so there should be no problem.
I was told by the Water Dept. that notices were going out to all owners regarding the State required annual testing of backflow valves on sprinkler systems, hot tubs and additional water systems. Ours was tested by S.S. Water a year ago last November. The notices for this year were supposedly going out a month or 2 ago. That has apparently not happened. I have NOT received such a notice.
But this has nothing to do with the main source on properties. RV lots should all have meters with backflow protection, as should ALL households. This HOA plan seems to be completely bogus. The HOA has failed for many years to follow through with the State mandatory testing, to be done annually, and we were chastised for it in the past. So why isn't this being addressed ?
Too busy fussing over RV sheds, Patrick, and tree heights, none of which are urgent, or for that matter, worth pursuing as enforcement issues. Take care of our obligations to the State, and send out notices in a timely and efficient manner. I agree, they don't seem to know what they're doing in the office - but it's very SAFE there.
As I understand it, and correct me if I am wrong,All meters have a back flow valve, but it takes an additional one or different type if you have a hot tub or in ground sprinkler system, etc...As I understand it, the State requires a back flow type that is different than what was installed with the meter. I would ask the question..Why didn't we install the State required one at the start on all meter installs? Was the cost to high? How much higher? We had thousands of dollars left over from the meter program, that was not returned to those of us who paid. The excess money went into the general fund, which benefits every member. Was that fair, or even legal? I notice they never talk about this.
The more I read the comments here, the more confused I become. Maybe just old age. Reading the two boxes in the notice it says...
"DO NOT USE HOSES TO FLUSH OUT GRAYWATER OR BLACKWATER (SEPTIC)TANKS"
The other box says..."DO NOT USE HOSES TO CLEAN HOLDING TANKS OR TOILETS"
The comments and a hose at the RV storage site, seem to contradict the two boxes which say "DO NOT USE HOSES".
Should you use a bucket and pour water in the toilet and sink? I would think you would want to flush the tank or tanks after you dumped them. Should there be a bucket provided at the RV dump site and a water valve that you can't hook up a hose?
Sorry, I am confused about all of this. I understand there are State Mandated (they love to use "mandated") laws about all this. This whole thing kind of stinks, pardon the pun, It does appear to be just more harassment against the RV'ers, or just trying to make them look like a problem. I may be wrong, but that's how I see it.
Backflow assys that are mandated are costly n require regular testing. To be required on all lots would be very unfair n not mandated. SHOA was really behind on implementing the program. Lived in Wenatchee before coming here 7 years ago. They were required there several years before we moved here. The flyer in the weekender was very misleading n not useful as it pertains to rv sites that existed before the backflow mandate was implemented.
I haven't heard anything about the meter backflow valves not meeting State standards. The inspections are relevant only to the additional systems on a property, such as lawn sprinklers and hot tubs. One of my neighbors had a backflow valve installed at the meter, and I asked the plumber about it. He said that there is already a backflow valve at the meter. I asked why install another and he said he didn't know. Apparently a lot of people in the community did this too.
I was told by the Water Dept. that there is no need to install such a valve at the meter, as there already is one. The annual testing is ONLY for extra water systems such as lawn sprinklers. That is what I was told by Surfside Water Dept. about a year and a half ago.
Let's face it - the HOA hasn't given the membership adequate guidance on this, and it appears that many properties installed unnecessary valves at a cost of about $700.
Thanks 12:35
Not sure what they would be safety inspecting.
They say non-compliance may result in backflow assembly at the meter. I would think there would be no maybe about it. I agree with you in that it was very misleading n not useful. I would add, confusing. At least for me. Glad I don't have an RV, at least in Surfside. Think I would want a lot somewhere with my own well. Could that be what this is all about? Trying to get the RV's out of Surfside?
Steve,
Bill Neal said the meters we installed were ok, but didn't meet the requirements if you had hot tub, etc..Apparently the State required type is some kind of upgraded model. At least, that is what I was told. who knows anymore?
Yep, I hear ya George. Thanks for checking.
Just now reading this and will admit I don't remember all the details, just some.
As most recall although mandated the meter thing wasn't met with enthusiasm from some people here. They went with the meter to fit the needs of most which wasn't the top line. As others pointed out, and has been sent out to the members from the SHOA, addition back flow was needed for things such as sprinkler systems, hot tubs, etc. For the average property you were covered with just the meter.
Again, this was the best I recalled. Since it didn't affect further me my interested ended at the end of the install and the writing of the check.
To answer the question about cost of backflow assemblies, yes, it would have been nice if they'd installed them with the meters. A 1" double check is only about $100 and I'm sure with that many of them they could have gotten a deal better than that. small price to pay for everyone to be compliant.
Backflow valves ARE installed at the meter, that is the point. The HOA Water Dept. bought a huge quantity of meters at a discount. The HOA made the decision that these were appropriate for the purpose.
So the next question is, who prompted the Weekender to make this vague announcement, where few people would notice ? As was mentioned here, a local plumber said that many S.S. properties have installed unnecessary backflow valves at the meter, which already has a backflow valve.
The HOA's notice regarding testing of these valves (almost 2 years ago) was entirely obscure and confusing, and this is a continuation of this bumbling, apparently unconcerned that it makes no sense. The Board has not discussed this or prompted this action officially, so no one needs to allow ANY inspection of anything until this is sorted out. The HOA doesn't know what they are doing, but are happy to enforce an intrusive action, based on baloney.
The water manager should be capable and making recommendations that are reliable to the board and the employees. Clearly, Surfside has been paying for water management that is less than competent. The board and the employees are bumbling around in our water management because we are paying a so called expert who makes more than a fair share of mistakes.
Mr. Cox,
There may be a check valve at the meter but it doesn't pass the muster for irrigation. Irrigation systems need a DOUBLE check assembly. I'm not sure what the backflow assembly at the meter is but it isn't a double check. My friend is a state licensed BAT, backflow assembly tester, and he says that there isn't one at the meter state approved. One can look at the meter and see there is no way that it can be tested. Not two check valves. No petcocks for hooking testing equipment to. I wish they were but they aren't.
Not trying to be argumentative but just trying to clear any questions up. Thanks
Could it be that SHOA is pushing the inspection (and costs) on to lot owners?
I am not Mr. Cox, You seem to be able to get answers to questions, and I do appreciate that. I question why the "double" check valves were not installed at all meters at the start of the meter project. I would think that the only ones they would have to check every year would be those that have a hot tub, irrigation systems, etc..The proper check valves would be in place if the owner decided to add a hot tub or irrigation system. I don't know if the regulations for "double" check valves happened after we started the meter installation. Seems to me that a questionnaire should have been sent before any meter was installed. Now, they had to go back to the newly installed meters, dig down and put in a new "double" check valve that can be tested if needed. I hoe 2:24, you can find the answers for me and others. Thanks again.
3:04...The owners are charged for the inspection. I think it is 50.00 but not sure. Maybe more.
A member who lives in the Skating Lake area reports that they replaced their water filter and in a day, it was mud brown and contained grass and pine needles. If this would cause a back flow valve to malfunction, who would pay for the repair or replacement?
George,
Double checks weren't installed at the meter at the beginning because they are not necessary, like you said, unless there is an irrigation system, etc. that would warrant them. Yes, if they would have been installed then it would have made it easier for someone that wanted to add irrigation, etc. The initial cost would have been higher for the homeowner. Regulations for backflow preventers have been in force long before our meter install. A questionnaire would have been nice and maybe homeowners that would have wanted the double checks installed could have paid the extra cost then. Probably could have acquired them at a cut cost like the meters probably were, so I've heard.
It costs $30 for the water dept. to test them each year which is the going rate, but since they are already our employees it should be free. It doesn't take much to test them, it is a very simple process, can be done in less than 15 minutes, and being that it's for our protection I feel it shouldn't cost. At my employment we have hundreds of them and contract the testing out and only pay $25.00 apiece. I think we're getting hood winked by our own water dept. for a simple task that they are already paid to do.
Sometimes they have to be repaired if they don't pass inspection, but again it is a simple thing to do. I highly doubt many have bigger then 1" double checks so the whole process is pretty easy. Again, we should be getting this service pro bono.
By the way, earlier I was answering questions for Mr. Cox. But happy to give anyone insight into this issue.
Thanks
Thanks for the commentary 4:44. As I have explained, my information is directly from the Surfside Water Dept., and their information is consistent with what you have stated.
We have a lawn irrigation system and the backflow valve is in the ground mounted box at the back of our house. It was installed several years ago when the sprinklers were put in, and when tested by April (S.S. Water Dept.) a year ago last Nov., was working fine. The cost of testing was $30.
Don't you think there should be no cost though?
This is a way to take your mind off the real problem. SS water dept.
1:19.... It's easy to agree to such a suggestion, and it seems sound. On the other hand, Surfside Water does respond to owner calls and concerns, and will come out to troubleshoot. The charge for testing the backflow valves on yard irrigation systems, hot-tubs, and similar amenities is only $30, and they schedule the test so you can be present.
I'm fine with the small charge, but you have a good point.
Tha 30 charge was instituted to pay for start up for the program. That was recovered long ago n should be stopped. But have never heard of a temporary fee or tax,lol
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