PUD to install automated meters on Puget Island

The Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners listened to reports at their meeting on Tuesday morning.

General Manager David Tramblie was pleased to shared that a purchase of extra copper wire earlier this year may have saved the PUD as much as $5,000. The price had recently increased.

In other financial matters, Tramblie said that he expected the rate increase from Bonneville Power Administration to be around 3 percent for the PUD.

More automated meter reading water and electric meters have arrived at the PUD, and Tramblie said that they would be “aggressively installing” them on Puget Island.

Last week, approximately 13 Eden Valley customers were issued a boil water notice after a third party dug up the water main. On Monday after tests were done, the customers were given the all clear.

Tramblie notified the Department of Health.

“I wasn’t here last week, but I thought the water guys took the appropriate action for this situation, Tramblie said.

He also shared that a leak had been discovered at a fire hydrant at Rosburg Hall. Repairs have not yet been made, but the fire department was notified about the issue.

Meanwhile, the crew has been rebuilding an enclosure for a booster pump on Shannon Road.

Auditor Erin Wilson reported that the PUD now has coverage for cyber security.

Town Councilman Dick Swart gave an update on the water and sewer rates, which led to a discussion.

Commissioner Bob Jungers suggested that this might be an opportunity for the town, the county and the PUD to work together on the problems that the sewer system is currently facing.

The next PUD Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for December 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the PUD meeting room.