Welcome to our ALPUC web site!
The Alpine Lake Public Utilities Company, which many call ALPUC, is a government-regulated, licensed, not-for-profit public utility. Formed in 1973, it has existed as a separtate and completely independent corporate entity since 1990. Its businesses are water distribution and watewater collection. ALPUC's distribution and collection systems are the largest in Preston County, subject to the same rules and regulations as those of any city, small or large (Terra Alta, Fairmont, New York City, etc.).
Most ALPUC customers agree that we serve them wonderful water. We have our own wells in aquifers fed by mountain springs. No industrial complexes are nearby to spoil the quality of our water. People move to Alpine Lake for its peace and serenity, both directly related to the low-density development at Alpine Lake. With one 4-unit exception, there are no multifamily buildings and no heavy industry on our water and sewer systems. Commercial customers are few, the biggest being the Alpine Lake Property Owners Association, which operates a lodge, golf course, and small motel.
Management
ALPUC is guided by a 5-person volunteer Board of Directors. A non-stock corporation, ALPUC is not owned by anyone, but simply exists in the public domain. The primary responsibility of the Board of Directors is the financial stability of the company. Directors are elected to revolving 3-Year terms by the Members of the company. A Member is anyone who owns a house on a numbered lot within Alpine Lake. Alpine Lake is a late 1960's development of more than 2300 lots. There are fewer than 500 houses currently, spread around a golf course and a lovely mountain lake. ALPUC does serve several customers outside Alpine Lake, however, and is subject to government regulation regarding water and sewer main extensions.
Employees
ALPUC employs one office person, an office manager. She acts as receptionist, handles all billing, pays invoices, does ALPUC's banking and maintains company financial records for what are essentially two businesses which require separate financial accounting for book, auditing and regulatory purposes. She has become so skilled at computer operation that she and one of our field staff developed this web site at no cost to our customers.
"Improve" is the motto of our 7 field staff, 6 of whom currently are licensed professionals. Where most water and sewer utilities are separately staffed and licensed, and many use outside contractors for all outside work such as taps and main repair, ALPUC' s field crew "does it all", inside and out. We have personnel who possess both water and sewer licenses, plus the skill to repair mains, make taps, identify inflow and infiltration problems, and operate the equipment necessary for those tasks, among many others. The major benefit of this mode of operation is fast response to any problem, reducing downtime for service interruptions in a system like ours with old, poorly bedded mains.
Our field staff may be called out at any time. They responfd quickly in emergencies, though we do not permit them to make major repairs, requiring excavation, after dark due to the danger of personal injury and the likelihood of exacerbating the problem. Otherwise they often perform work in adverse conditions and weather. Please give them the credit they deserve! State-mandated, continuing education hours are required of all our licensed personnel in order to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge and keep them abreast of changes in the industry and in regulatory requirements. ALPUC strives to operate professionally, in order to provide the best possible service to our customers at the most reasonable cost.
Day to day company business currently is run by the volunteer President of the Company.
