Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some of the frequent or interesting questions that have come up. If you don't find your issue addressed here, feel free to write us at info@eldoradowaterdistrict.com. Reasonable questions with answers will be included in this FAQ.

Q1. Does the District have a position relative to the County’s moratorium on building new subdivisions?

A. On November 12, 2003, the District approved a resolution in support of the County’s moratorium. The text of the resolution is included in the “Water Management” section.

Q2. Is the District actively trying to purchase the El Dorado Utilities (EDU) water system?

A. One of the main reasons for forming the District (1997) was to pursue the acquisition of the water system. Despite the District’s efforts the EDU owner, AMREP, has refused to negotiate a reasonable price. Efforts by the District to take over the water company through a condemnation process is detailed in the “Utility Take-Over” section, a process which is on-going.

Q3. Is there enough water to meet the needs of the residents of the Eldorado area?

A. For the present, yes. The State Engineer recognizes some 780 acre-feet per year available to the EDU system and usage is currently running something less than 700 acre-feet per year. (Average usage per residential hookup is approximately 0.25 af/y.) The Shomaker report completed about two years ago calls for additional wells to be drilled and arrangements made for the importing of water in order to have a sustainable supply.

Q4. What areas are encompassed by the Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District?

A. Some 21 subdivisions along US 285 are included in the District, the largest of which is Eldorado. However, not all of Eldorado is included. The original boundaries of the District specifically excluded the welled area in the northwest sector of Eldorado because that area, with certain exceptions, is not serviced by the water company. The state statutes specify that areas included within a W/S District must be in a position to benefit from their inclusion in the District. Only residents of the District can vote in District elections and only property included within District boundaries can be taxed by the District.

Q5. How can I be sure that our water is of good quality?

A. There is an excellent article entitled IS YOUR WATER SAFE TO DRINK? that should answer many of your questions.

Q6. What do you mean by "condemnation"?

A. This term does not describe the condition of the water system but means, essentially, a hostile takeover. The District has for years tried to negotiate a direct purchase from AMREP but they refused our overtures. Hence the need for condemnation.

Q7. Why will my 2004 taxes to the District be significantly higher?

A. In order for the District to follow through on condemnation and have sufficient reserves to effect a proper transition (from privately-owned to community-owned) we need to obtain an additional $500-600,000. Please see the official release under "District Activities" >> "Budgets and Audits".

Q8. What are some of the basics of our water system?

A. A few items of interest are:

Number of wells (some not being used) __________________ 15
Number of storage tanks ______________________________ 6
Number of residential customers (approx)______________ 2,800
Average monthly usage per residence in 2005 _________ _5,000
Number of gallons of water sold in 2005 __________185,000,000

Rate schedule for residential customers:

____$8.09 per 1000 gallons (for 0-6000 gal.) + $9.54 fixed charge
____$9.00 per 1000 gallons (for 6001-10,000 gal.) + $9.54 fixed charge
____$10.09 per 1000 gallons (for 10,001 + gallons) + $9.54 fixed charge

note: if you think of other statistics that it might be useful to include please email the District at info@eldoradowaterdistrict.com

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