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Updated well needed in Potomac Farms
Forty-three homes in the Potomac Farms community need a new well system, at an estimated cost of $4 million.The community is using a system built in the late 1950s. The system's new owner would like the Loudoun County Sanitation Authority to take over operations.
LCSA cannot hook up to the aging system. Funds are needed to update the system and bring it on board.
Meanwhile, the community well is running, and LCSA is prepared to step in if it fails to function, but only as a temporary measure.
Twenty-six other homes in the community are on private wells and are not affected.
According to county documents, Seaboard Water Co. Inc., which had been operating the well, was sold. The new owner, Frank Maruka, has no desire to operate the community well. Tom Berezowski, the previous owner, has not formally transferred the well's operation because Maruka is not experienced in water service.
Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) brought the issue to the attention of the Board of Supervisors. The finance committee suggested funding the project with tax incremental financing. A TIF is a tax district that would include the community and adjoining parcels – such as the Potomac Farms business park and University Center. Taxes beyond the base year would be set aside in a special fund to pay for the project.
The possibility of setting up a special tax district was discussed, but during a November 2006 community meeting Waters encountered opposition from residents – those who had private wells, and those who would not be able to afford the extra taxes, Waters said.
Lisa Young, LCSA's community relations specialist, said once funding is worked out, it will take about two years to get the new system up and running.
LCSA will be able to link the new system to lines at the George Washington University campus. The authority is waiting for direction from the board.
The issue of funding will go before the finance committee again in July.
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