He said this is why it is important to have reasonable rates that can earn sufficient revenues for CUC so it can maintain its facilities, which include wells, pipes, pumps and motors.
Malae said CUC’s maintenance program also includes the disinfection and treatment of water, as well as system planning and engineering.
“Whatever water and wastewater rates are approved by the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission, CUC will implement,” he said.
CPUC earlier authorized an increase in CUC’s water and wastewater rate to address its $5.99 million deficit.
The major challenge is wastewater, Malae said, as he emphasized the importance of an adequately funded, operated and maintained wastewater system.
“Our groundwater must be protected for public health’s sake; likewise, the surrounding ocean where effluent is discharged. It is the mark of a civilized society that it values a proper wastewater treatment system that helps prevents the kinds of infectious diseases that used to be the scourge of societies in the 19th century. This is 2009,” he told Variety.
Malae described the Water Task Force as a blessing for CUC.
He said it would be hard for CUC to complete the needed water utility projects without the task force.
