Robert Berlien, who has been head of the Glendora Municipal Water Department for 9 years, has been named Water Manager for Arcadia, replacing John Grivich, who retired in June.
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.
The first reading of a water conservation ordinance was undertaken at the City Council meeting June 8. Five phases of the measure are given. Water rates will increase $.06 per 100 cubic feet as of August 1.
The City Council will increase water rates on a year to year basis for the next five years. Funds will thus be accumulated for predictable major replacement projects. These projects are outlined in the article.
Despite California's third consecutive dry year, Arcadia pumped 5.56 billion gallons of water from its wells in 1988 setting the city's third highest year on record.
George Fasching, owner of Fasching's Car Wash who joined the City Council two years ago, was chosen as the city's mayor on Tuesday, replacing four-time mayor, Charles Gilb.
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 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.
Arcadia City Council must decide how to pay the Metropolitan Water District taxes for 1979-80. Currently the city pays 50% and the property owners pay 50%.
City of Arcadia is being asked to join in a condemnation suit with Temple City and Los Angeles County against the East Pasadena Water Co. Petition prepared. Would affect 250 homes in Arcadia.
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.
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.
Residents will no longer pay penalties for using too much water starting in January, after the City Council decided Tuesday that the existing system was unfair.