Larey McLaren
Alderwood Water Commissioner, 1999 to 2001; 2005 to present
It’s truly an honor and a privilege to serve the ratepayers of Alderwood Water and Wastewater District. We are fortunate to enjoy excellent water and wastewater services professionally delivered at competitive rates. The District is sound financially and we continue to keep an eye to the future as we address current challenges.
I have been pleased to spearhead the District-wide strategic planning program which yields many benefits. Beginning with a vision of our future and after a comprehensive assessment of our current status, we evaluated every aspect of the organization and how each fit into the overall operation. We developed action plans for every department. We are implementing the plan and we are continually revising and elevating expectations.
We have recently finalized several 50-year agency agreements promoting long-term District stability. The bulk of our water expense is the purchase of water from the City of Everett. We now have a stable rate formula which has allowed us to enter into long term wholesale supply agreements with constituent cities. Mitigating peaks and valleys helps keep costs under control.
We have completely overhauled our IT department, reorganizing personnel and upgrading both hardware and software. The AWWD website has been revamped to allow easier, secure ratepayer access to account history and to enable on-line bill payment. We are also capable of providing timely notification via automated voice-mail during temporary service shutdowns or emergencies. Qualifying ratepayers can also take advantage of our discount program for low-income senior and disabled customers. We continue to identify new improvement opportunities.
AWWD encompasses approximately 60 square miles in SW Snohomish County. It is the largest special-purpose water and wastewater district in Washington State. We serve over 46,000 water connections and nearly 34,000 sewer connections. We utilize hundreds of miles of pipe and operate dozens of pumps and lift stations and we have several storage facilities including one that was the world’s largest steel water storage tank when built.
We have an extensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) due largely to the size and scope of the District.
Most of our wastewater is treated by King County, and Everett treats a small portion, but we operate our own treatment plant near Picnic Point serving the NW corner of the District. Our most complex current construction project is replacement of the aging wastewater treatment facility near Picnic Point. The existing plant was built in the early 1970’s. When complete and fully in service the new Picnic Point Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) will be a truly state-of-the-art treatment plant doubling our treatment capacity and ensuring our capability for many years to come. We are implementing a comprehensive meter replacement program to upgrade technology, increase precision and reduce meter-reading expense while improving efficiency. A benefit that accompanies this upgrade is a greatly enhanced ability to identify potential leaks so timely repairs can be effected. This will not only save ratepayers money, it helps the District achieve goals set out in our Conservation Plan.
The District is early in the process of replacing existing water mains on SR99. Both sides of the highway will be affected from the Everett boundary south to approximately 150th St SW. This is a large undertaking extending approximately 3.4 miles and we will phase and time the activity to mitigate disruption. Pump Station No.1 – one of two stations operated by the District to pump water from the City of Everett to our reservoirs – has recently undergone a major overhaul. Originally constructed in 1964, the station has received upgraded pumping and electrical equipment, expanded and enhanced power facilities, a new roof and a fresh coat of paint. Sewer Lift Station 11 located in the SW corner of McCollum Park will soon be replaced. Tentatively scheduled to begin in July 2011, this project includes demolition of the existing 40-year old station, construction of a new pump station near the current structure and a new pipeline at the southern edge of the Park.
A critical factor in our ability to stay on top of infrastructure maintenance challenges is our Computerized Maintenance Management System. CMMS facilitates effective application of resources to preserving and modernizing our “pumps and pipes”. The activities cited here are just a sampling of the projects the District has underway.
On a slightly more personal note, I have enjoyed the opportunity to represent AWWD at the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts and other regional venues. We have seven cities partly or wholly within our boundaries and we deal directly with Snohomish County and King County, as well as the State of Washington and various federal agencies. Collaboration and cooperation are crucial elements of our smooth operation. I am honored to be a part of a terrific organization and proud of my contribution to its success. I think it is especially important in today’s economy that we maintain our long term focus. Responsible stewardship demands a balance between keeping rates low and preserving infrastructure. We mustn’t sacrifice overall District health on the altar of short term cost cutting.
With your vote, I will continue to help ensure that Alderwood Water and Wastewater District remains a great place to be a customer and a great place to work. Thank you.
Member: American Water Works Association
Water Environment Federation
Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts
Thanks for your support.
Learn more about Larey’s ideas at Management philosophy.
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