CCWD pressure regulating valve 'let go' causing some damage in Copper homes and businesses

Updated 10-29-11, 1345
Over the weekend many homes in the Copper Cove subdivision had a water pressure 'spike' that caused damages to water heaters and some flooding to businesses. Copper Gazette questioned Copper's CCWD District Representative Dennis Dooley about the occurance and he subsequently contacted the GM . Dooley forwarded the following response from the GM:
"One of our PRVs (pressure regulating valve) let go last Friday (10-21-11) causing sudden pressures to several homes/ businesses in the area. It resulted in water heaters "blowing up" and some property damages. It happened around 5 pm. Our crews responded quickly and handled the matter. I monitored the activity and it was taken care of immediately. We did get a few claims; however, all customers are required to install PRVs to prevent these sort of situations."  Joone Lopez


Dooley further commented, " I cannot get between the customers and staff so long as all the procedures are followed.   There will be necessary claims submitted and analyzed.   If a water heater did not have the necessary PRT installed, there may not be any adjustment for these customers.   If a PRT was installed and the water heater still blew up, this will be analyzed for possible adjustment.   If a claim is denied and the customer wishes to appeal to the board, I would like to know before it comes to the board."

To contact Mr Dooley please email dooley.ccwd@yahoo.com

Update:
According to Calaveras County Water District's water pressure information sheet:
"The water pressure serving the majority of the lots in the District's water system is regulated through pressure reducing stations located in the main lines that serve you. These pressure reducing valves are made of the best materials, however, if they should fail they do so in the open position to provide adequate fire flow. During a failure the pressure serving your lot could exceed 120 pounds per square inch. While such failures are very rare and unpredictable, should a failure of this nature occur there could be damage to your lines, hot water heater, etc. The District is not liable for any damage arising from high or low water pressure (per resolution No. 2001-22)."