Candidate for
Director; Fair Oaks Water District; Division 3

Frequently Asked Questions

My campaign for re-election as Director of Fair Oaks Water District will be completely open and informative. I have been asked many questions about the water district, and about my views and intended actions as Director. The most frequently asked questions (FAQ) and my answers are listed below. I will be pleased to answer any other questions which you may have--Barry Brown

Q. Where does our drinking water come from?

A. Most of our water comes from Folsom Reservoir, one of the state's highest quality and most reliable water sources. This water is filtered by our wholesaler San Juan Water District and is delivered through the pipelines of the Fair Oaks Water District (FOWD). FOWD also maintains seven groundwater wells for reliability and to meet peak summer water demands. Our water is tested from its source to your tap, and exceeds all state and federal drinking water requirements. For nearly two decades I have worked hard to provide our community with a state-of-the-art water supply.

Q. Do water district directors have perks and slush funds?

A. No. All water district directors are entitled to a $100 stipend for each day of official duties and to reimbursement of necessary out-of-pocket expenses while on official business. I have been a crusader for minimizing payments to directors and I frequently work long hours on water district matters with no stipend or other compensation. I took a lead in developing a strict FOWD policy on directors' expenses. Water industry leaders say I am known as an indefatigable worker and a stickler on fiscal matters.

Q. Why do we need water meters? Won't they increase our cost?

A. Water meters are being installed in Fair Oaks and all other water systems in our region because they are required by state law and by the water supply contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, who owns our source of supply. The large majority of Californian's has had water meters for years and consider metering of water sensible for conservation and equity reasons. Most political and water resource leaders consider metering a sensible part of "The California Water Ethic" even though the Sacramento region has a much better water supply than most of the state. Metering does involve additional utility costs for installation, reading, billing, and maintenance. Therefore, metering will cause the average water bill to rise several percentage points. Balancing that cost increase will be reduced water use (i.e., better conservation) and improved equity (you'll pay only for what you use). Some Fair Oaks property owners will actually pay less.

Q. Is our drinking water quality at risk because of old pipes, or from pollution sources?

A. No. Fair Oaks water is monitored continually, and consistently exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. Old pipes, especially those made of steel, can corrode and result in leakage and reduced flow capacity. When these problems become significant, the old pipes are scheduled for replacement. New installed pipes are made of non-corrosive materials.

Pollution is prevented from entering our water distribution system by internal pressure and protective devices such as backflow preventers. Water contamination by terrorists is always of concern, and FOWD and its cooperating agencies do prudent emergency response planning. Groundwater pollution is a major problem near and downstream of former Aerojet chemical dumping sites. Traces of such pollution have been detected on our side of the American River. These traces are below established drinking water standards, and are being controlled by a mandated multi-million dollar groundwater cleanup program by Aerojet Corporation. FOWD wells which test even a trace of regulated chemicals would be used only in case of an emergency need.

Q. Do you feel that the Board members should receive compensation for their work, and reimbursement of their expenses while on water district business?

A. Yes. The most responsible and effective Board members work long hours on district business. They receive a stipend of $100 for each day of formal official business. They receive nothing for meeting preparations, study time, or other informal or unapproved activities. So the hardest working Directors receive very little for each hour they work. It is important for Directors to attend activities of related organizations such as regional water authorities; water professional, educational, and scientific organizations; and civic and regulatory bodies. When Directors are appointed by the Board to so represent FOWD, their necessary out-of-pocket expenses should be reimbursed.

Q. Do we need a new water district building? Wouldn't it cause an increase in water rates?

A. In due course, we must have a new FOWD administration building. The existing building was old when FOWD acquired it and was a lumber yard which had exceeded its useful and economic life. The building does not meet current codes and standards, and does not efficiently accommodate both administrative and utility operations functions. So, it's really not a question of whether a new building is needed, but, rather, when and how. The many planning and design details involved in a new facility are being considered in an orderly way and will be brought to public workshops and hearings well in advance of specific action.

Construction of a new FOWD facility will be a significant expense. However, it is unlikely that it will increase water rates since a reserve fund has been established over the past several years to cover expenses and because of expected savings from improved operating efficiency. I will be a vigorous watch dog of this project (and its costs) as it unfolds.

Q. Why should you be re-elected?

A. I bring skills and experience to this position that our community needs. I am the only one on the Board with professional water experience. I work hard for our water utility--to understand every issue and bring independent thought to every action. I have helped steer our water district through a long period of development and improvements; through some tough times and some difficult politics. My energy has remained focused on the basic functions of our water utility, and my efforts have paid off for our community.

Q. What are the most pressing issues for a new FOWD Board?

A. First on my list is bringing the District back into fiscal balance. The "new reformers" on the board continue to pursue reduced or no budget increase with little regard for the District's long term needs and with little regard for the importance of maintaining certain dedicated reserves. Over the past two years, this approach has begun to threaten the fiscal health of the district and will become a serious concern if continued. My second priority is to revise the District's out-of-date master plan. A revised plan is absolutely essential to long term budget planning. Next is getting a new facility for the District, the importance of which is discussed above. Other pressing issues are the Aeorojet contamination plumes that threaten our wells (discussed above), strengthening the District's ability to participate in the region's plan to optimize the use of groundwater when surface supplies are low and continuing to be an active participant in the region's water organizations that add value to the District's mission of providing high quality, dependable, low cost water to its customers.

Q. Briefly, just why do you wish to continue service on the FOWD Board?

A. I feel a strong obligation to seek another term on the Board of Directors because of my concern that a Board without my presence would be a Board without any professional water experience. With a new General Manager and key staff members, the district is in a transition period where knowledge and understanding of the District's history and policies is valuable. I take pride in serving my community by contributing my skills and experience to this important job.

Honesty ~ Integrity ~ Experience