By Mary O’KEEFE

In August 2019 Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) experienced a major water main break on an existing eight-inch pipeline on Pennsylvania Avenue between El Caminito and Stevens streets. The pipeline was initially installed in 1946. The water main first broke at 2 a.m. and was isolated by 8 a.m. During that time 925,000 gallons of water was lost and 15 homes were without water. There was damage to the plumbing at the house near the break, excessive damage to the pavement on Pennsylvania Avenue from El Caminito Street to Fairesta Avenue and increased paving costs as Pennsylvania Avenue which had been recently repaved by the City of Glendale.

According to CVWD personnel, they believe this is a sign of things to come as more of the aging pipelines begin to break down.

This is the reasoning behind the proposed capital charge on the 2023-24 property tax roll. A public hearing will be conducted to consider the proposed capital charge on the property tax roll to fund pipeline replacements. If approved, the capital charge will take effect on the 2023-24 property tax roll and, with annual board approval, continue for several years.

This is the first time CVWD has gone in the direction of a property tax roll charge, said Christy Colby CVWD spokeswoman.

According to CVWD, 45% of the area’s water pipelines are between 50 and 70 years old, with an average being 46 years old. The oldest pipeline was installed in 1929.

The costs for property owners depend on the size of the location’s meter. For a home meter (not a fire service meter) the average size is 3/4 inch. For this size the annual increase for each of five years will average $404.30.

The costs have also increased due to supply chain issues – seeing prices go up, Colby added.

There have been two town hall meetings concerning the proposal, both of them on April 4. Those meetings can be seen on the CVWD website along with a property roll protest form.

The public hearing will be held on June 13 at 6 p.m. at the CVWD office, 2700 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.

Information on the proposal can be found at cvwd.com on the tab News & Information by clicking on Public Hearings. In addition, the consultants’ report is available on the tab Financial Info by clicking on Budget & Financial Information.