| OHWA Membership Profile Form | Transfer Certificate |
The Orchard Heights Water Association is a small, private, non-profit water cooperative that serves approximately 180 residences. Membership in the Association occurs through purchase of an available water share and upon approval of the Board of Directors.
The initial cost for the share is $5,000. A meter must be placed on the new lot within 1 year. The estimated cost to place the meter and set the service is an additional $2,500. Orchard Heights Water Association sets the meter and hooks it up to the waterline on the main road. The owner is responsible for all pipe lines from the meter box to the dwelling and must also place a back-flow device on their side of the meter to prevent any possible contamination back into the water system. The fees for the meter placement must be paid in advance. Any monies not used will be refunded. Anyone interested in purchasing a water share can contact OHWA’s office manager, Mary Tucker, at 503-569-9731. Owners are also expected to contact the association when ready to set the meter.
The following is a breakdown of the OHWA water bill. It is sent by the 5th of each month and due by the 20th of the same month.
The Membership Fee is an ongoing monthly fee that is currently set at $35.00. This fee covers all operating costs; administrative office expenses and the monthly testing, repairs and maintenance carried out by three part-time employees.
The Capital Improvement Fee is currently set at $29.00 per month and covers our capital investments; wells, pipes and equipment. The total of these two fees come to a flat monthly rate of $64.00. These fees are reviewed annually at the Open Membership Meeting in November. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The variable charge is for actual water usage. This is billed for the previous month. We operate on a tiered water rate system. A late fee of $5.00 per month applies if payments are late.
Water rates effective January 1, 2021: 1,000 to 15,000 = $3.90 per thousand gallons; 15,001 to 30,000 = $4.70 per thousand gallons; 30,001 to 50,000 = $6.91 per thousand gallons; 50,001 and above $9.13 per thousand gallons.