What did you accomplish today?

[Orema]

I was able to get the HOA to reduce the amount of water used to irrigate my lawn thereby reducing my water bill. My water bill for the 2022 summer months was $450. I almost had a baby when I saw that bill last year.

The HOA board blew me off when I brought it to their attention. Told me about inflation and city requirements for nice lawns. That didn't go over well with me.

I went to the Department of Public Works and spoke with the Superintendent. He also thought it a was an outrageous amount for my size lot and he didn’t like it.

He told me what to do, what to say, what to expect from my HOA board and what to expect from his department. If necessary, he was willing to show me how to turn off the sprinkler system for my lot if I couldn’t get the HOA to turn it off when it rains. He told me to let them know that he was monitoring this situation (even though there was little that he could do since I signed a contract with the HOA when I purchased the condo). Still, he was hoping his name and department would carry some weight. It did.

I went back to the HOA board and got their full attention. I asked for a 50% reduction of water and got a 35% reduction. I asked for the watering schedule and got that, too. Again I asked for a map of the zones and sprinkler heads and this time I received it. They showed me how to turn off the sprinklers when it rains. They also replaced or repaired sprinklers that weren’t working properly. This summer’s bill was $281. The DPW Superintendent and I still think that’s high, but it’s a good start.

I’ll send a letter to the HOA board letting them know I appreciate the changes, the changes made a difference, and that I’d like to know of any future changes in the water schedule, zones, sprinkler heads, etc.

I'll drop off some donuts for the Superintendent and his team.

I've been moanin' and groanin' about the water situation since I moved here. So glad this battle is behind me, at least for now.