NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE, Placer County – Local and countywide water agency leaders assembled here on Thursday (Oct. 6) to review water supply and fire protection issues of the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area
In a meeting at the new Northstar Community Services District Fire Station on Highlands View Road, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors heard briefings by several local water and community leaders.
Duane Whitelaw, chief of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, said many of the small water systems around North Tahoe need to be upgraded to meet fire flow standards. He thanked PCWA for helping to underwrite development of a water system master plan for the area, which is now in progress.
Mike Staudenmayer, general manager of the Northstar Community Services District, provided an overview of the Northstar water system, which supplies more than 2500 residential units, as well as the area’s commercial development and ski resort snowmaking system. He said long range plans call for another 2500 units in the years to come.
Cindy Gustafson, general manager of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, said the district’s recent home water metering program has resulted in a 23 percent reduction in water use, without adding significant costs to consumers. Gustafson also spoke on continuing efforts to integrate the many small private water companies that still serve areas in and around the district.
Curtis Aaron, general manager of the North Tahoe Public Utility District, spoke on his district’s needs in upgrading and improving aging water system infrastructure.
Tony Lashbrook, Truckee town manager, said growth in Truckee has slowed considerably over the past few years but that at least four planned unit developments are still moving forward. They include the old railyard, a riverfront hotel, and projects at Coldstream Canyon and near the airport.
Steven Poncelet, conservation manager for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District, spoke on the district’s water conservation efforts which include a demonstration garden, installations of smart water controllers and water efficient toilets, and leak repair rebate program.
In a related item, PCWA directors approved a contract with the Northstar Community Services District for the operation and maintenance of the PCWA Zone 4 water system which supplies Lahontan and surrounding areas.
The PCWA board travels to eastern Placer County once or twice each year to meet with local water leaders. The board’s regular biweekly meetings are held in Auburn.
Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.
