Agenda - 09-06-2007-12a - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM TO: Laura Blackmon, County Manager COPIES: Willie Best, Assistant County Manager Rosie Summers, Health Director Tom Konsler, Director of Environmental Health Greg Wilder, Director of Management Support FROM: Paul Thames, PE, County Engineer DATE: August 20, 2007 SUBJECT: BOCC request for information about the use and permitting of wells in the OWASA service area It is my understanding that the BOCC, at its June 12, 2007 meeting, asked about the use of ground water wells within the OWASA service area by OWASA customers, for purposes of irrigation or other uses of water other than that supplied through the OWASA water distribution system. I was apprised of the Board's request when Tom Konsler, OC Environmental Health Director, sent me the following information: "At the June 12, 2007 Board meeting, the commissioners requested information as to whether a citizen who is provided water and sewer service by Orange Water and Sewer Authority could construct a well. According to OWASA, a sewer customer may construct a water supply well and use it for supplying the residence or business. A water customer however is prohibited from creating a cross-connection between a well water supply and the OWASA water supply system. OWASA is currently examining policy, particularly with regard to rates, for water customers who may want to supplement their water use through rainwater harvesting or by a well. These "hybrid" water supplies would require that no connection exist between the OWASA supply and the alternate supply, which is plumbed separately for use in irrigation or for flushing toilets. OWASA customers that propose to drill a well, whether for a water supply, irrigation, or geothermal systems, would submit an application to the Orange County Health Department. Construction of these wells is subject to the same permitting, inspection, and siting requirements as any other well drilled in Orange County."