City Council OKs Hillcrest water connection

The Yuba City City Council approved a plan Tuesday night to connect 4,000 Hillcrest homeowners to the city's main water plant that taps into the Feather River.

Utilities Director Bill Lewis told the council that households in Hillcrest regions have an opportunity to upgrade to city surface water from groundwater wells.

Council members agreed, voting 4-0 for the plan to connect Hillcrest residents to surface water. Councilman John Miller recused himself because he lives in the area.

"I heard and felt (in) eight months a lot of frustration and a lot of anxiety over things that have happened in the past," said Mayor Rory Ramirez.

Ramirez and Councilman Kash Gill comprised an ad-hoc committee on the contentious water issue.

"The ultimate decision is going to lie in your hands," Gill told Hillcrest residents, referring to a possible protest that could derail the plan if just over half the residents oppose the surface water hookups.

A protest hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Residents of Hillcrest Regions 1, 2 and 3 would pay $19.80 per month per home to connect to the city's water plant, or a total of $3,570 if they want to pay all the costs at once.

The charges would pay for $18.8 million in pipelines, pumps, storage tanks and a water meter.

The plan was debated for more than two hours as at least 100 people crowded into the council chambers in City Hall.

Some homeowners were ready to pay to hook up to the surface water and ditch the groundwater wells that deliver harder water that requires treatment to get rid of the arsenic.

"We have gone over this ad nauseam," said John Dukes, who supported switching from ground water to surface water.

Mike Vinsonhaler, of Mariner Way, said residents would get better water for $20 a month.

"I just feel it's really a no-brainer," said Vinsonhaler.

But many argued that they should not have to pay to fix the Hillcrest water system since it belongs to the city. "My question is why do I as a resident have to fix your broken system?" asked Scott Sorensen, of Nann Drive.

Some believe all city water users should help foot the bill.

"I like the idea of spreading the bill over the entire system," said Barry Schroeder.

Others thought the cost was too much.

"I agree it's terrible water and I would like surface water," said Janet Baur. "But the price is too high."

For close to a year, the city has held meetings on the Region 2/3 groundwater plant that serves nearly 3,000 homes. Arsenic and nitrate levels have been high at times requiring additional treatment and some well shutdowns.

The water is not in violation of any drinking water standard, including the more stringent 10 parts per billion arsenic standard.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com.