BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Haselton, President Matt Disston, Vice President Mike Safranski, Director Ed Mandich, Director Glenn Acosta, Director GENERAL MANAGER Don Chadd

ON TAP

Artificial Turf

It is probably more commonly referred to as “fake grass.” In the earlier years of development, it wasn’t very convincing as an alternative to real grass. It had a plastic appearance, the texture was not appealing, and the color would fade.

Recently, the artificial turf industry has advanced the development of its product to impressive new levels. Artificial turf can be difficult to distinguish from real grass. If you have ever visited the administrative office of TCWD, the grass that is in front of the building is an example of what the artificial turf industry can now offer. It is not uncommon for staff to see visitors to our office (kids in particular) take their shoes off and give this grass a real test by walking on it. Parents and kids both give it a nod of approval.

Why is this subject important? Real grass requires water, sometimes lots of water during hot spells. As demand for southern California’s water increases, alternatives to traditional uses of water grow in their appeal. Replacement of real grass is a viable option in many instances. While the up front cost is not inexpensive, a cost benefit analysis over a number of years may make it possible for some customers.

Enclosed in this mailing is a synthetic turf rebate offering through the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) which is TCWD’s wholesale water agency. Information regarding this and other water use efficiency ideas are available at the MWDOC website (www.mwdoc.com/wue).

One final note about artificial grass: If you are a residential customer and live within a development governed by a homeowners association, you may wish to check with the homeowners association to determine if there are any restrictions by the homeowners association concerning the installation of artificial turf.

Water Rates

If you have listened to the radio or watched television over the past several months, you are probably aware that there has been much discussion about water rates. Previous articles of ON TAP from this District have talked about the many different demands, restrictions, and supply issues related to water in the southern California area, and more specifically, in south Orange County.

Recently, Metropolitan Water District (MET, the water supplier to most of southern California) advised its member agencies (of which TCWD is one) that a wholesale rate change is pending.

Simply put, the wholesale rate MET charges per acre foot for water to its member agencies will increase somewhere between 14% to 20% in the next year. This is not anything TCWD can control, nor is it an increase than can be absorbed in TCWD’s budget. The District sells, on average, over 3,000 acre feet of MET water each year to its respective customers. Water sales to customers represent 40% of the District’s annual budget.

Currently, TCWD is engaging in a water rate study to determine the effect of this pending increase on TCWD’s water rates.

Water Awareness Month and TCWD Open House

Mark you calendars for May 3rd. This is the day TCWD will have its annual Open House at its Administration Office. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00. Last year’s Open House was lots of fun and well attended. There were plenty of exhibits and complimentary food and drinks.

Facility Rental

As the events of May and June approach, we would like to remind you that the District Administrative Building is available for rent for parties, celebrations, and special recognitions.

If you have every visited TCWD’s Boardroom, you have probably recognized that it is a beautiful building that lends itself nicely to parties and celebrations.

Information concerning rental of this facility can be found on the District’s website.

Or, call Teresa at the District office at (949) 858-0277, ext. 106.

The Regular Board Meeting is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office located at 32003 Dove Canyon Drive, Trabuco Canyon. The public is encouraged to attend.

Board Highlights

• February 20, 2008 – Adopted a Resolution fixing the employer’s contribution for medical expenses.
• Adopted a Resolution calling for more concerted voluntary water conservation by Orange County residents and businesses.
• Discussed the upcoming May 3, 2008 Open House and Water Awareness Day activities.
• Received information relating to financial assumptions and water/sewer and reclaimed and recycled water rates.
• Approved the filing of a Notice of Completion for the Dove Creek and Tick Creek Pump Stations construction.
• Approved an Agreement for Services for the Rose Canyon Reservoir Rehabilitation.
• Ratify the abandonment in place of a portion of the 8-inch transmission line on Santiago Canyon Road.
• Received status update relating to the Rose Canyon and Lang Wells Upgrades to Treatment Facilities Project.
• Discussed the Local Agency Formation Commission Scope of Work for the governance study of the Municipal Water District of Orange County.