A summary report of the Water Department operation for 1974 shows that the Department made a "profit" of $300,000. Water usage was 4.56 billion gallons. Also describes Arcadia's three natural underground water basins.
A popular fishing lake in Arcadia (Peck Road Water Conservation Park) was closed Thursday when 1,000 gallons of a gooey asphalt and water mixture oozed into it after 15,000 gallons of the substance leaked from a nearby Irwindale Plant.
One of Arcadia's water wells, located on Camino Real Ave. between First and Second Avenues was pumping sandy water into the city's water distribution system. The well was shut down and will be carefully checked. The sandy water was not contaminated or harmful to drink.
Although two of Arcadia's 14 water wells have been contaminated by industrial solvents for years, a purification system installed by the city last December is reportedly working well, allowing the water from these wills to be used.
City Council is considering the purchase of a water well and water rights from Monrovia at a cost of $200,000. An additional $100 thousand will be needed to construct a pumping station.
Because of California's intense two year drought, water rates will need to go up to cover the costs of getting outside water. Also, pumping costs are greater due to soaring energy costs.
The Arcadia Apache Marching Band created a new record in competition in the All Western Band Review. They scored the highest points in the parade for the fourth consecutive year establishing themselves as the state champion band.
Longden Well No. 1 has been taken out of service as levels of TCE (trichloroethyene) in the water have risen in excess of the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. TCE is an industrial solvent used for cleaning purposes.
Arcadia has received a domestic water permit from the State. In 1973 the California State Health Department inspected Arcadia's system along with 240 other systems in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and only 15 systems received permits.
The City Council approved a mandatory water conservation program that requires a 10% decrease in water use by all residents, as well as the use of penalties if residents use more than their share of water.
City Council has voted to purchase Monrovia's Chapman Well and reservoir. In addition Arcadia will exchange 951 acre feet of water rights in the San Gabriel Basin for the same amount now owned by Monrovia in the Raymond Basin.
Cost to City of Arcadia is approximately $185,000 to make sure residents don't get cancer. Two Longden wells closed since March because of discovery of TCE and PCE.
Arcadia residents saved 22% more water over the past seven months than they did in the same period last year. Arcadia Water Manager Eldon Davidson attributed the mandatory 10% reduction program implemented by the City in February.
Beginning October 1, Arcadians will pay more for their water. The increase will be in two steps. The first will be an increase of 6% per 100 cubic feet. The second will be dependent on possible increases in the Edison rates for pumping.
Two of Arcadia's wells, Longden 1 and Longden 2, have been closed for months following the discovery of TCE. Now PCE has been discovered. The city is considering a TCE/PCE removal plant.
East Pasadena Water Company has positive development to report. Company has commitment from State Dept. of Water Resources for a $1.5 million low-interest loan, funded from state bonds.
The city council approved water conservation measures for city owned facilities such as regularly inspecting the city's sprinkler systems to reduce runoff and replacing the dial-type water timers with digital timers. Other measures were set aside for the time being, such as replacing grass-covered medians with cement, and washing down tennis courts less frequently.
John Grivich, head of the Arcadia Water Department for the past 26 years retired June 7. He is proud of the quality of Arcadia's water, its low rates, good equipment and the stable number of Department employees.
Robert Berlien, the new Water Department Manager, is a native if Indiana. He says that the assumption of his duties has been fairly easy because of the fine job done by retrying manager John Grivich. One of the problems facing ALL Water Departments is the availability of electrical power to run the pumps.