A privately owned Class D water utility serving Bear Valley, California in Alpine County. LAWC is dedicated to being the best Class D water company in California by providing drinking water of the highest quality and knowledgeable and friendly customer service. Read More →
Recent News and Updates
Winter Reminders
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Ready for Winter and Freezing Temperatures
As the temperatures drop, we recommend turning the water off in your home and draining pipes to prevent freeze damage. Power outages and empty propane fuel tanks are too risky for leaving the heat on when you are not present. Please review your house opening and closing procedures. Remember it’s a TWO - step process: When you arrive, turn water ON and CLOSE the drains. When you leave, turn water OFF and OPEN the drains. It’s also a good idea to leave the faucets slightly open to let air into the system and completely drain the pipes when you leave. Check that directions for guests are clear to follow. A common mistake is OPENing the drain while the water is ON. This can flush 100 CCF, or about 75,000 gallons of water in 24 hours and it will cost you $900 and a soggy bottom house!
As always, feel free to call 209-753-2409 or email info@lakealpinewater.com. Thank you.
Kimi Johnson, Steven Schnitter and Roger Altadonna
Application for Rate Increase
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In June 2021, LAWC applied to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for a 4.3% increase to its general service rates. The CPUC will review all of LAWC's revenues, expenses and capital improvement expenditures. The CPUC will also review LAWC's water quality, customer service and overall utility management. A decision is not expected before September 2021. Information about how this would increase your rates and details on how to comment or protest are on this customer notice.
Water Conservation in Bear Valley
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The good news is the lake will warm up for swimming earlier this year. The bad news is that may happen because the spillway will stop flowing soon. The lake reached capacity and started spilling on April 7, but it won’t last for long after this low snow season. To keep the lake full for recreation, we need to conserve water. Here’s how you can help.
If you notice water surfacing or flowing where it shouldn’t be, please contact us through NextDoor or 209-753-2409 so we can investigate and fix quickly.
Comply with Bear Valley CC&R’s that “on your lot only native vegetation, shrubs and growth shall be permitted.” Established native vegetation doesn’t like being irrigated, so outside watering is limited to only newly planted natives that are getting established.
Follow these state-wide use prohibitions that are still in effect.
No applying water to outdoor landscapes that causes runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures
No using a hose to wash motor vehicles unless the hose is fitted with a shutoff nozzle or device that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use
No applying water to driveways and sidewalks – Time to get a good push broom or electric blower!
No use of a water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system
No applying water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
No use of potable water to irrigate outside of new construction without drip or microspray systems
No use of potable water to irrigate ornamental turf on street medians
No filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds except to sustain existing aquatic life
Start your conservation practice now, because by 2023 California laws will set a residential indoor use target of 55 gallons a day, per person. Also, with every meter reading, we get alerts about leaks at the service location. If we send you a leak alert email, please investigate and fix the leak as soon as possible.
Spring Updates
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Although we are hoping to avoid digging through the snow for repairs, we are still hard at work at the water company this winter.
After a recent cyber related incident at a treatment plant in Florida, our staff attended an informational webinar and contacted our vendors to upgrade our computer system and to improve the security of our remote access capabilities. Second-hand experience is a great and more lenient teacher than a first-hand incident!
Speaking of first-hand lessons, the plethora of power outages and extended PSPS events have brought to light some electrical and communication issues at the treatment plant and tanks. We are researching backup supplies and alternate strategies so that we are able to thoroughly monitor the system during longer power outages.
During 2020 all water quality samples were in compliance. The report is now available on the Water Quality page and will be mailed with the April invoices.
The granular activated carbon filter is working well to remove organics from the water thereby reducing the formation of disinfection byproducts. We have contracted with Waterworks Engineers to make this a more permanent part of our treatment process. Currently in the design phase, we are aiming for installation, along with structural improvements, to be completed in the summer of 2022.
Thank you for being great customers of LAWC and have an excellent spring!
Winter Season Updates
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We hope your family and circle of friends were able to enjoy Bear Valley and Bear Lake this summer. Despite COVID-19 hurdles, we had an active summer in the field repairing leaks, replacing service laterals, rebuilding meter boxes and replacing parts on hydrants. We are looking forward to a white winter of delivering clean water and getting ready for next summer's projects. For more details on Bear Lake and how you can help to keep our tanks full this winter, please click here.