In This Issue:

KMPUD’s application for a waiver from the California Department of Drinking Water has been approved. This releases us from the state’s “secondary” requirement on manganese levels in our water and lets us avoid a $1.5M costs to install special filters to lower manganese in two of our groundwater wells. As we’ve reported in July's newsletter  and in the recent survey, the State Water Resources Control Board had found KMPUD’s Well 4 and Well 5 to be slightly over a new “secondary” level of manganese, a requirement related to  aesthetic concerns in our water: color, odor, taste.  It is important to note that manganese is a naturally occurring material everywhere in the earth’s crust and, while exposure at high levels can pose a health risk, the levels present in our drinking water are almost ten times lower than the health-based advisory levels established by the state.

Over 381 of our customers responded to KMPUD’s recent survey on this manganese waiver with 60% indicating that Kirkwood water was satisfactory. This strong response from the community made all the difference in winning approval from the state. Thank you to all who returned the survey and attended the public meeting!

This waiver, by relieving our capital spending plan, makes it possible to lower the announced increase in water rates. This month the Board voted to lower the 14% rate increase that was to go into effect on October 1 to 12%.  Our financial plan still requires considerable spending on maintenance of our water delivery system (e.g., pipe repair) and a replenishing of reserves for the water utility, but we’re pleased to have this $1.5M spending on manganese treatment waived. 

For more information … 

FAQ on Water Utility

Rate study on water, July 2025

Newsletter from August 2025 and customer survey with initial news of manganese requirement

In a place as remote and dynamic as Kirkwood, it takes the efforts of several agencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable mountain experience for all who live and recreate here. 

 A comprehensive list of responsibilities by agency is included here for your reference.

This is a reminder that the KMPUD will host a satellite office for the Alpine County General Election. The Office of the County Clerk stated ballots will be mailed on October 6th to all that have registered beforehand. If you need to register to vote or obtain facts provided by the Alpine County Office, click here.

The Kirkwood Election Satellite Office will be open Wednesday, October 22 from 10am to 3pm in the Board Room located in the Customer Service Building. The Alpine County Clerk will be onsite during this time.

Receiving the monthly KMPUD Newsletter is essential to staying informed about various aspects such as events, seasonal reminders, updates from the Board of Directors, and important communications.

To register for the newsletter, you have two straightforward options: either check the newsletter box in your KMPUD user account settings or create a KMPUD user account, then select the newsletter checkbox and press Update.

For KMPUD user account creation:

1) Visit the KMPUD website.

2) Click on Log-In at the top right and select Register.

3) Fill out the registration form and submit.

4) Confirm your registration via the email you receive, following the provided instructions.

Scanning this QR code will bring you directly to the Registration page.  A confirmation email will be sent to the email you registered with. Follow the directions provided.

Snow Stakes

During intense snowstorms, marking your vehicle with orange snow stakes is crucial since they can get entirely covered overnight. For District Snow Removal Customers, stakes are available for $5.00 each at the District office, while stocks endure. Contact the District office at (209)258-4444 to secure your purchase.

Irrigation

Each year, the irrigation system is activated around June and remains on for four months before being switched off. If your property has irrigation services, remember that the system will be turned off for the season in October.

The KMPUD board held its monthly meeting on October 1. These are typically the first Friday of each month and are open to the public, in person or zoom. Along with the regular agenda items including financial and operational updates, the main topics of discussion were:

Approval to lower the water rate increase due to the District receiving Manganese waiver approval from the California Water Resource Board (see above).

Update on talks with Alpine County for on-fire and Emergency Services in Kirkwood. A customer survey will soon be distributed with a customer-specific prospective assessment; i.e., the cost to be charged to your property, based on the methodology described in prior board meetings. Based on the survey results, the Board will be able to make an informed decision about interest in funding the proposal from Alpine County via 218 process. 

Board elections: Three seats come open at the end of this year (Dornbrook, Epstein, Schroeder), but each incumbent has agreed to serve another term, and no one registered to run against them. KMPUD board positions will not be on the November ballot.

We encourage the community to watch the recent meeting at kmpud.com and read the Board packet. Look for communications from KMPUD on next steps to address the critical issues around KVFD.

Kirkwood is your District and your input and participation are valuable. Click here to view the Community Calendar of upcoming Board and Committee meetings. We encourage your participation at our meetings. Click here to learn about meeting agendas. And click here to access past Board of Directors meetings. 

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Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District           209-258-4444 / info@kmpud.com / www.kmpud.com