April 2024 Newsletter

Oak Ridge South Gale Water Corporation Customers,

 

With the latest rate change and infrastructure improvement projects, we have had several questions arise regarding cost and quality of the water. The Board of Directors would like to address those concerns and answer some of the frequently asked questions. 

To start off, if you have questions or concerns regarding your water, please reach out and let us know so that we are aware of what is going on within our system. There are several ways to go about this. You can call our office at 903-465-6403 or call our Operator, Jack Forbes, at 580-380-5422. You can email us at orsg@outlook.com or visit our website at oakridgesouthgalewater.com. We also have an open board meeting that anyone is welcome to attend. We currently have a board of 9 members that volunteer their time for this community and are always willing to hear your questions and concerns. The meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm and are located at our office – 382 E. FM 120. All of the above contact information can be found on your bill.

As you are aware, our rates increased this past January. We buy our water from the City of Denison and are considered a wholesale customer. They approached us with an updated contract and informed us that our rates would be increasing around 3% every year for the next 5 years starting in December of 2023. As a board, we agreed to sign the contract seeing as there is no other option for us to receive and distribute water. We then contacted Texas Rural Water Association to assist us in setting new rates to account for this increase. Per their recommendation, we set the following rates for a standard residential meter:

In addition to the $45 base rate, a tiered gallonage charge shall be added at the following rates:

 

$10.80 per 1,000 gallons for 0 to 2,000 gallons

$11.80 per 1,000 gallons for 2,001 to 6,000 gallons

$12.80 per 1,000 gallons for 6,001 to 10,000 gallons

$13.80 per 1,000 gallons for 10,001 to 20,000 gallons

$14.80 per 1,000 gallons for 20,001 to 40,000 gallons

$15.80 per 1,000 gallons for 40,000+ gallons 

Another concern brought to our attention is the quality of the water. We want our customers to know that in addition to the testing that the City of Denison does to the water, Jack also performs specific daily and weekly tests and the TCEQ tests our water once every quarter. The most current water quality report can be found on our website and is posted in the office. 

In March 2022, we started the process of having a Potable Water Model Development completed by Plummer Associates. As of March 2024, this project is in it’s final stages. We are relying on the information they provide us to guide the board in making decisions as to which areas of our system need updating. In the last few years, ORSG has improved several areas of our infrastructure. There is still a lot more that needs to be completed, but we’re making progress. With that progress comes the need for water to be shut off so work can be done on our main lines as well as times where dirt can get into our lines which requires flushing, resulting in lower pressure and dirty looking water.

Some of the improvements to our system that have been completed recently include:

• 2 new 75HP pumps

• Electronic Meters

• Purchased and installed a generator required by Texas

• New line on south side of 120 from Sunrise to Gun Club Road with road bore to tie into line on north side to increase water pressure towards Carpenter’s Bluff

• Addition of valves to reduce number of homes with water shut off during a line break/repair

Improvements expected to be made:

• Solution for reading meters to provide consistent and timely readings for customers

• Addition of more valves to reduce number of homes with water shut off during a line break/repair

• Replace Ground Storage Tank

• Install, replace and up size several lines on FM 1753, FM 120, Texas Street, Old Airport Road, Oak Ridge Road, Middle Road, Richerson Road, Kool Lane, Seven Hills Road

• New 150,000 gallon Elevated Storage Tank at Richerson Road

We have also had a few questions about why our customers don’t receive a profit share. Oak Ridge South Gale is a Water Supply Corporation and any money that we bring in is used to maintain and upgrade our system. Every dollar we bring in is allocated to a Capital Improvement Plan.

Finally, The City of Denison will be performing a Free Chlorine conversion starting April 22nd and will conclude on May 17, 2024. Oak Ridge South Gale purchases water from the City of Denison so customers may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.

We have updated our website so we can send out alerts via text or e-mail to let customers know when there is work being done, a line break, or any other situation that is beyond our control. Please scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to sign up for alerts. You will be directed to our website. Look for the red button that says “Sign Up for Alerts” and enter your e-mail address or phone number.

If you would prefer the office staff to sign you up for alerts, please fill out and return the bottom portion of this letter with your next payment or put in night drop box.

 

Thank you,

Oak Ridge South Gale Water Corporation Board of Directors