Bringing Water to Big Oak Valley
MOMIC History/Background :
Melody Oaks Mutual Irrigation Company, Inc. (MOMIC) is legally incorporated as a California non-profit, tax exempt entity. It is a mutual water company operating as a limited public utility. Entitlements for irrigation water are available for purchase within the designated service area. Members annually have the choice of purchasing seasonal irrigation water for their parcels. Currently there are 123 parcels entitled to receive MOMIC services. Big Oak Valley is a small, rural area in the westernmost part of Nevada County. It is comprised of about 300 parcels, which average five acres in size. About 2/3 of these are occupied. It encompasses a five square mile area, with 42 roads representing about 20 miles of road surface. Potable water for all properties depends entirely on well water. There is no back-up source for drinking water, nor does Nevada County have plans to install any. Prior to World War II, the area was entirely open space, utilized primarily for cattle grazing. Long term residents of the area remember hunting and camping in Big Oak Valley. At that time, water was plentiful from several Nevada Irrigation District (NID) ditches. These ditches later were legally abandoned by NID. During World War II, the area was incorporated into Camp Beale Army Air Force base, and used for training exercises. Thereafter it was sold by the government to investors. Thirty years ago there were less than 20 parcels that were occupied. In 1988, during a catastrophic fire (designated the “49er Fire”), the California Department of Forestry (CDF) chose to send the fire into Big Oak Valley in order to let it burn itself out safely. Much to their horror, they found that more than 75 parcels were occupied, resulting in lost homes, livestock and property and some personal injuries. Today, the area is considered by CDF and the Penn Valley Fire Protection District to be in extremely high fire danger. Native water sources are very poor, and vegetation becomes very dry during the summer and autumn. Residents, in consultation with NID, formed a mutual water company (MOMIC) for the purpose of providing non-potable water to the service area from mid-April to mid-October. Their purpose is to improve fire protection for the area, to promote rural development, and improve the overall quality of life for the residents of Big Oak Valley. Local Fire Departments have access to the MOMIC 145,000 gallon holding tank, to wharf hydrants located on the MOMIC pipeline, and to private fire ponds. Residents who are Members of MOMIC use irrigation water for green belt fire protection, private pasture and gardens. The system was engineered to deliver water consistently through the irregular terrain of the area. Property owners are responsible for their individual distribution system. The system is designed to deliver a maximum of 250 miner’s inches. Installation of the system was paid for by Member entitlement purchases and construction loans. This included the purchase of necessary equipment, utility connection charges, and land easement rights. |
Current Status
The system draws water from NID’s China Union Canal, about ¾ mile north of Highway 20. Our diesel driven system pumps water under Highway 20 and through about 17 miles of underground pipeline, (varying in size from 12” to 4” in diameter) to the 145,000 gallon storage tank. This tank provides the hydraulic head (pressure) to the system. Pressure varies depending on the elevation of each parcel in relation to the tank. We also use two booster pumps to service several properties above the tank. MOMIC is administered by a Board of Directors elected annually by its Members. We continue to provide water, but it is by the slimmest of financial margins that we get by each year. It is because of the volunteers (the Board and some Members) that this is done. Very little work is done by outside contractors; such as the required servicing of the diesel engines. The majority of members pay the assessments, fees and costs and are current. There are a few who have not for a variety of reasons, not the least of which may be a result of the economy. They just may not be able to make the payments. Some of these folks may now owe upwards of $1000 or more. They do not purchase water, but still owe the construction assessment and other fees. This is problematic because the fact remains that our bills are due and payment is needed. So, how do we proceed? Property liens, small claims court? We have offered folks the opportunity to make partial payments over time. Kind of an uphill battle for them, because fees keep accumulating, but it is proactive. The Board is wrestling with this problem, knowing full well that each parcel owner has a different story. When Members buy into the system, their entitlements stay with the parcel. New owners benefit from this, in that irrigation water is available for their property. Some have opted not to purchase seasonal water, however the construction assessment and other fees are still due and continue to mount. Some of these folks have not paid these fees. Hopefully, this information will provide some enlightenment, that we need payment and will take appropriate action to collect. The Board has made an effort to make the local real estate and escrow companies aware of the status of the entitlements and any unpaid bills on properties that are for sale so as to better protect all members of MOMIC. |