1998, 11-16 Water Usage LtrMr. Terry R. Chambers
Spokane Regional Health District
Environmental Health
1101 W. College Avenue
Spokane WA 99201
November 16, 1998
Dear Mr. Chambers:
On Monday, November 15, 1998, you and I discussed a memo you faxed to Tom Davis,
County Building and Planning Supervisor, wherein you identified that our facility, Kid
City Day Care, 5920 E. 9th Avenue, had used 12 units of water or 448 gallons per day
average, during the period from August 17, 1998, to September 17, 1998. Furthermore,
you identified that the existing drainfield could handle only 291 gallons of sewage per
day and that there is no room to upgrade the existing septic system.
On Thursday, August 13, 1998, a meeting was held at the Spokane County Building and
Planning department and one of the persons in attendance was a gentleman by the name
of Daryl Way, representing the Spokane Regional Health District. One of the items he
discussed, which was also reflected in a memo, was the amount of water being used at
our facility. At that time, his memo reflected numbers well in excess of the findings
identified in your memo. During the meeting my wife and I stated that we would get
information from the Water District to assess how much water had been used in more
recent months because we didn't particularly agree with the level of usage being relied
upon. At that time Mr. Day indicated that the structure was being served by an on -site
sewage disposal system designed to accommodate a 3 bedroom residence (360 gallons
effluent/day). I am not certain which number is correct, but assuming 291 is, we still
believe we will be able to meet that requirement by implementing the following:
I) Install three (3) electronic faucets. One in each bathroom for the purpose of reducing
water waste. A controlled test of the water flow (using existing flow patterns)
revealed an approximate waste of 1 gallon every thirty (30) seconds, if left on.
Assuming an average use of three (3) times/day by each child (25*) in the facility
times an average of fifteen (15) seconds you find that you are saving thirty seven and
one half (37.5) gal/day.
25 x 3 = 75 uses by children/day
75 x 15 seconds = 1125 seconds
1125 sec/60 sec/min = 18.75 minutes
18.75 min x 2 gal/min = 37.5 gal
2) Install two (2) new toilets (1.6 gal/flush). Currently there is one (1) in the house and
the remaining two (2) are five (5.0) gal/flush tanks. The addition of two (2) more
would save 3.4 gallons per flush. Assuming each child (25*) uses the toilet twice,
you find that their should be a net savings would be one hundred 'seventy (170)
gallons/day.
25 x 2 = 50 uses by children/day
50 x 3.4 gaUday = 170 gal/day
NOTE: The figures I have chosen to use are based on what I believe would be
minimum uses.
3) Finally, we would reduce washing. Currently we have a Kenmore 70 washing
machine. Investigation disclosed that this particular machine uses 44-46 gallons of
water per load. Assuming a reduction of one (1) load per day results in a saving of
44-46 gal/day.
1 x 44-46 = 44-46 gal/day
If this plan is followed it would result in a net savings of two hundred fifty three and
one half gallons of water per day (253.5 gal/day). If we assume 291, or 360, is the
correct number, there should be no problem satisfying either requirement. Furthermore,
we believe there would be no compromise with respect to health or sanitation associated
with this reduction plan.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that you approve us "conditionally" for a period of
90 days in order to fully implement our plan. If, at the end of the 90 day period we are
not able to comply with the usage requirement, we will gladly reduce our occupancy level
to meet the appropriate usage requirements. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly
appreciated. If you need additional information, or need clarification on the information
contained herein, please do not hesitate to contact us.
incerely,
1
Mitchell J. & Lucenette Hicks
5920 E. 9th Avenue
Spokane, WA 99212-0219
509 535 7817 (Business)
509 626 6813 (My work)
509 534 3816 (Home)
cc: Tom Davis
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