Water System

• Source & Treatment: Water is supplied by 5–7 wells located within the property. The water is treated with chlorine and Claritas for safety before being stored.

• Storage & Distribution: Treated water flows into a 20,000-gallon storage tank and then a 6,000-gallon pressure tank. From there, it is distributed to every homeowner and condo unit.

• Management: Sydnor Hydro, our third-party operator, reads meters and handles billing quarterly.

• Special Notes:

  • In the event of a power outage, water service will not be available.

  • Condo associations (Villas, Mariners Point) pay water costs through their dues.

  • The Association publishes an annual Water Quality Report for transparency.

Sewer System

• Management: Wind River Environmental maintains the common sewer infrastructure.

• Homeowner Responsibilities:

  • Each single-family home has two septic tanks that must be pumped every five years.

  • Condominium buildings each have one septic tank, maintained by their respective associations.

• Flow & Treatment:

  • Solids settle in a septic tank before effluent moves into a liquids tank and then to the drain fields.

  • Condos use a specialized aeration/nitrate reduction system (sand bed) before draining.

• Member Guidelines: Residents are asked not to dispose of grease, fats, or household chemicals in sinks or drains to keep the system healthy.

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Water Rates & Billing

As of October 2024, water rates are structured as follows:

• Base Rate (2024): $114 per quarter (up to 12,000 gallons)
• Base Rate (2025): $120 per quarter (up to 12,000 gallons)

Conservation Surcharge for Excess Usage:

• 12,001–15,000 gallons: $12.50 per 1,000 gallons
  
• Above 15,001 gallons: $14.50 per 1,000 gallons

💡 Tip: Conserving water helps lower your bill and protects this shared resource.

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Leak Detection Guide

Leaks can silently waste thousands of gallons and cause unexpectedly high bills. To detect a leak before your quarterly bill arrives:

1. Locate the Meter Box: Usually found at the ditch line near the road. Carefully open the box with a screwdriver or pry bar.

2. Check for Water in the Box: If the box is flooded, contact the Water & Sewer Committee.

3. Read the Dial:

• No Leak: The star dial on the meter should remain completely still when all taps/appliances are off.
• Leak Present: If the dial spins even slightly, water is escaping somewhere.

1. Common Sources of Leaks:

• Toilets with faulty flappers (use food coloring in the tank to test).
• Dripping pipes in crawl spaces, basements, or behind appliances.
• Loose hose bibs or outside spigots.

You can also log your meter readings weekly to track usage trends

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Emergency Contacts

For urgent water or sewer issues, contact the Water & Sewer Committee immediately:

• Chair: Katy Breuer – 703-608-7594

• Members:

  • Bryan Finkel – 804-815-1922

  • Jim Knupp – 804-832-1861

  • John Galloway – 703-727-8483

  • Jeff Loustaunau – 207-469-8454

  • Gil Paradies – 804-776-1018 (home), 804-725-8121 (cell)

  • Tammy Hamilton – 804-516-9786

    1481190_Water Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers handy for water outages, line breaks, or emergencies.

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Septic System Health & Care

Our septic system is a living, biological system — what goes down your drains affects how well it works.
The EPA’s best practices are recommended to ensure long-term performance:

What Not to Flush:

• Grease, oils, or fats
• Non-flushable wipes
• Feminine products, condoms, diapers, paper towels
• Cat litter, cigarette butts, coffee grounds
• Pharmaceuticals or household chemicals

Best Practices:

• Use boiling water or a drain snake instead of chemical openers.
• Limit garbage disposal use (reduces fats and solids entering the tank).
• Install a washing machine filter to capture lint and fine solids.
• Never drain pools or hot tubs into the system.
• Do not use septic “additives” — they can harm natural bacteria and shorten field lifespan

Following these practices protects not only your home but the entire community’s drain fields and groundwater.