Server: Microsoft-IIS/3.0 Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 21:57:41 GMT Content-Type: text/html Accept-Ranges: bytes Last-Modified: Thu, 20 Nov 1997 13:47:17 GMT Set-Cookie: EGSOFT_ID=128.2.209.145-4130232064.29166591; expires=Fri, 31-Dec-2010 00:00:00 GMT; path=/ Content-Length: 14042 The Artesian Pipeline
 

 

 

 

 

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

The Summer of 1997 was a busy one for Artesian Water company. Allow me to take a moment to share some of what occurred over the past several months, and look ahead through the end of this year.

The threat of an extended drought, similar to that of 1995, was probably one of the most significant event this summer. Preparations had already begun at the State level for a governmental response to the drought. Artesian, however, as a result of the steady development of self-supply and careful planning, had water to serve its customers and, if needed, other water users in New Castle County. Our groundwater supply, then and now, is in excellent shape. fortunately, there was sufficient rainfall to remove any concerns over Delaware's drinking water supply.

This summer Artesian also took the initiative in implementing another cost-controlling measure. A recently-signed addendum to Artesian's agreement to purchase water from the Chester Water Authority (CWA) allows Artesian to reduce its minimum purchase of water from CWA from four (4) million gallons a day to as low as two (2) million gallons a day. This change provides Artesian the opportunity to reduce its annual minimum purchase of water from CWA and reduce related expenses. It gives Artesian the flexibility to appropriately match its supply needs during months of higher or lower consumption with the amount it must purchase from CWA. The new terms also ensure that CWA delivers water through December 31, 2021, with the option of extending that date for another 25 years.

In the months ahead, the Public Service Commission will consider Artesian's request to increase customer rates--the Company's first full rate case since 1994. The increase of approximately 26% will mainly go toward costs associated with making improvements to Artesian's water system. We believe that if we invest in our total water system today, we can ensure continued reliability to customers into the future. Because of our advanced planning, we are able to preserve Artesian's long-standing tradition of superior quality service to all our customer.

We, at Artesian Water, are committed to excellence. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family, and we appreciate you as a valued customer.

Sincerely,

 
  THE TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT IS A "MAIN EVENT" AT ARTESIAN

David Harrington is the first to admit that his department has major responsibilities at Artesian Water Company. If a water main breaks at 2 a.m. on one of those winter mornings when the wind chill makes the air temperature feel like 30-below, it is the Transmission and Distribution Department (T & D) that responds to get the water moving again quickly and efficiently.

Supervisor of Artesian's Transmission and Distribution Department for the past three years and department employee for the last 24 years, Dave has had his fair share of overnight water main breaks, mainly due to frigid temperatures. He says "it is a hard, dirty job", but one that gives him a great deal of satisfaction because it is up to his 17-employee department to "keep the water flowing through customers' pipes."

The T & D Department also handles more than just water main repairs and all related restoration work. Employees maintain fire hydrants, inspect new main installations and conduct valve maintenance.

Dave says now that winter is approaching, his staff will be on-call around the clock. He says, in terms of response time, the cold weather months are often the most difficult time of year. He advises customers to remain patient during those water main emergencies when the temperature is below freezing and the working conditions are not the most ideal. He assures customer that response time will be within a couple of hours, and that his department works to resolve problems quickly.

Although being a member of the T & D Department may be a pretty tough job, especially during the winter months, the team is truly a terrific group and they look forward to continuing to serve you well.

   

 

PREPARE FOR WINTER...NOW!!!

The thought of starting your car on a morning when the temperature barely gets above freezing is probably not something you're ready to think about. However, as unpleasant as it may seem, winter is not too far off. In fact, there is no better time than now to begin thinking about preparing your home for winter.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as winter fast approaches:

  • Just as you check your windows and doors for drafts, it is important to check your faucets and toilets for leaks. Tiny drips which can go so easily unnoticed may result in thousands of gallons of water being wasted each month.
  • But, sometimes, an intentional drip is important. By leaving a faucet dripping on the coldest nights, you will keep water flowing so pipes are less likely to freeze. This can be especially helpful for pipes in outside walls with less that adequate insulation or in north walls without a blanket of shrubs.
  • Check frequently for frozen pipe during cold snaps. Outside water spigots should be turned off and any exposed water pipes should be wrapped. You can thaw them safely with a hand-held dryer used properly, but never resort to blow torches or other drastic measures which can create a fire hazard.


Artesian's Quality Service is Only a Phone Call Away:

CUSTOMER SERVICE

In New Castle County ....................................................... 453-6930

Outside New Castle County..................................1-800-332-5114

MAIN OFFICE ..................................................................453-6900

(To report main breaks, leaking fire hydrants, etc.)

WATER QUALITY/LABORATORY ...........................453-6925

CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT.............................453-7305

AFTER-BUSINESS HOURS........................................453-6922

(Emergency number to call on weekends, holidays, etc.)

 

  For comments, suggestions or questions, please call Stephanie Mantegna, Editor, (302) 453-6900, or write to
Artesian Water Company
P.O. Box 15004
Wilmington, Delaware 19850.

 

 

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