LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement totaling more than $1 million for the extension of a waterline this week.
In May, the board approved the consolidation of the county-operated Paradise Valley Water System, known as County Service Area (CSA) #16, with the Clearlake Oaks County Water District because of ongoing operational costs.
As part of the consolidation agreement, Lake County Special Districts must install a little less than two miles of pipeline between the service areas. However, several changes have been made to the project since it’s adoption in May.
Originally estimated to cost approximately $840,000, the project will now total $1,047,900 — an increase of a little less than $208,000.
The changes include an increased amount of restrained joint piping, additional valves, additional hydrants, and traffic control for the additional work in the Caltrans right of way. This represents a negotiated cost increase of $97,950.50.
The remaining $109,950 increase results from Caltrans trench paving requirements.
The water system has been experiencing capacity issues resulting in an urgency ordinance since 2004, as well as a connection moratorium, according to Lake County Special Districts Administrator Mark Dellinger. Additional wells have been drilled in attempt to remedy the problem, but have been unsuccessful.
“Operations and maintenance costs of a surface water treatment plant would be very high for all customers.” Dellinger said.
Other contract obligations of Lake County Special Districts include installing fire hydrants, replacing 500 feet of distribution piping, providing new water meters for CSA #16 customers, billing system upgrades, additional storage and a tank mixer/aerator.
Changes to the Clearlake Oaks County Water District’s operation boundaries through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is currently underway, after which “all property, assets and responsibilities … will transfer,” Dellinger said.
“So far, the Oaks are doing everything that they need to do to make this project a reality,” Dellinger added.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year, despite the delays and changes. Berkeley-based contractor O. C. Jones & Sons, Inc., have been hired perform the work.
No members of the public offered comment.
The project is funded by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Westside Integrated Regional Water Management Drought Grant Program.
A total of nearly $1.4 million in funding was approved by the DWR in 2014. A local cash match of $375,000 is required from the county as part of the agreement.
“This funding is … included with grants for two additional Lake County water systems and two Yolo County systems,” Dellinger explained. “Yolo County Flood Control District will act as the administrator of the total award and Lake County funds will pass through Yolo County.”
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
