The District mails hard-copy newsletters, typically twice annually, to our customers at the billing address on file. Additionally, we send e-newsletters, approximately quarterly, to all subscribers.
2025
Eye on Water
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Implementation and Water Meter Replacement Project is being executed to support the District’s water conservation and customer service programs as well as to replace aged residential, irrigation, and commercial water meters in the system. The District made significant progress on this multi-year project this past summer. Replacement of all meters started in 2023 and is anticipated to be completed by end of 2025.
The new meters feature cellular technology improves meter reading efficiency and provide customers with real time information about their water usage and potential leaks through an online portal called EyeOnWater. Once the District’s Operators have changed out the meter at your property, a door hanger will be placed to notify you that a new meter has been installed and EyeOnWater software is available. Instructions for setting up your EyeOnWater account are also available on our website at www.ovpsd.org/utilities/water/water-meter-readings.
Funding for this project has been provided in part by Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and the California Department of Water Resources through the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. The District secured a grant to partially fund this project in 2021.
OLYMPIC VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire and Safety Notes
Avalanche Safety Resources
Parts of our community are in avalanche prone areas. Stay informed through the Sierra Avalanche Center, an excellent resource for avalanche information, including current forecasts and conditions, observations and advisory by elevation. www.sierraavalanchecenter.org Call (530) 587-3558 x258 for a recorded avalanche advisory.
Winter Safety Reminders
To avoid the hazard of Carbon Monoxide, keep your propane tanks, regulators, and heater vents clear of snow during the winter months. As always going into the winter months, please consider adopting a hydrant by keeping snow cleared from 36” in all directions.
Notification Systems to Keep You Informed
The Olympic Valley Fire Department encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge Nixle, a rapid emergency notification system used by OVFD and Placer County. To subscribe (or unsubscribe), simply text our ZIP code 96146 to 888777 and receive instant confirmation. Messages are limited to important updates. Learn more at www.nixle.com. We also recommend signing up for PlacerAlert at placer.ca.gov, which provides critical information on severe weather, road closures, missing persons, and evacuations. Additionally, TahoeAlert is a valuable resource for updates across the greater Lake Tahoe region. Visit tahoealerts.com to sign up or scan the QR code to learn more. For routine updates and news, follow OVFD on Facebook & Instagram.
Fire on the Landscape
While it is not a current method of fuels reduction in Olympic Valley, controlled pile burning is an important component to the safety of our forests and communities. The fall typically provides ideal conditions for prescribed fires. This work is essential for reducing hazardous fuels that can contribute to highintensity wildfires. With careful management, this practice can complement mechanized shaded fuel breaks, provide safer zones for firefighters under fire conditions, and improve defensible space around properties. Depending on the circumstances, the impact of burning can be more economical, effective, and practical, and less impactful than other means of fuel removal. While smoke from these burns is a necessary inconvenience, it is generally less intense and for a far shorter duration than what would be experienced from a wildfire. For more information, please visit www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/ understanding-fire/
Inspections
Defensible Space Inspections (DSI): Since the 1990s, OVFD has conducted DSI on all lots in the Valley. While this is a heavy lift, we recognize the importance and benefit of frequent communication and interaction with our community, and the feedback we receive suggests the community does as well.
Commercial Inspections:
OVFD also performs inspections on all commercial buildings in our district, every year. These include occupancy loads, egress, appliances and utilities, fire detection and suppression systems, and FD access.
Events:
Olympic Valley is seeing more and more large events ranging from the World Cup to weddings, Village summer event series to running races, and from concerts to fireworks. We work very closely with the promoters of these events, reviewing numerous renditions of plans, working with vendors, enforcing code and performing site visits. All of our inspection efforts fall under Fire Prevention and have the common goal of fire and life safety.
Timothy Hoover joined OVFD in June 2024, bringing experience from Carson City Fire, REMSA, and Pyramid Lake Fire and Rescue. A digital media graduate, he creates digital art and enjoys coaching in the gym, water sports, and outdoor activities around Lake Tahoe. Timothy has been married to Leah for 9 years and adds value to the department through his training in rescue teams, hazmat, work ethic, and humor.
Join us in welcoming Ryan Scott to OVFD! Ryan became a part of our team in August 2024, coming to us from South County Fire Authority. A fulltime Tahoe resident, Ryan enjoys snowboarding and snowmobiling in his free time. We are thrilled to have him!
OVFD is pleased to welcome Brandon Olk as our new Fire Prevention Officer as of July 2024. Born and raised in Tahoe, Brandon enjoys skiing Palisades Tahoe as well as mountain biking and rock climbing. He is a great addition to our team!
Completion of the OV-1 Fuel Thinning Project
The Olympic Valley Fire Department is proud to announce the completion of the OV-1 Fuels Thinning Project. This 120-acre shaded fuel break is the first large-scale fuels management effort in the Valley completed by the District.
Located along the ridgeline just north of the community, OV-1 complements the U.S. Forest Service’s adjacent Five Creeks project. It was executed using mechanical thinning and mastication to reduce stand density while also decreasing surface and ladder fuels. These measures enhance forest health, increase resilience, and significantly reduce the risk of wildfire spreading into Olympic Valley.
Post-treatment, the forest features larger, fire-resistant trees and reduced horizontal and vertical fuel continuity, improving overall stand vigor. White Fir, less tolerant of fire and drought, has been selectively reduced in favor of resilient native pines. This shift enhances the forest’s ability to withstand future challenges such as wildfire, insects, disease, and drought. Improved access roads further support emergency response during wildfire events.
The OV-1 fuel break plays a critical role in wildfire defense by creating a shaded fuel break that would limit ember cast and flame spread should a wildfire potentially enter from that direction.
Forestry services were provided by Feather River Forestry and Timber Operations by Cross Check Services (the Valley’s own Dave Mercer!) Funding for this project was provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program. This project demonstrates the District’s commitment to proactive wildfire mitigation and community safety.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan—Project Updates
In 2022, the Board approved the Olympic Valley Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), prioritizing fuel reduction and wildfire prevention strategies within the Olympic Valley Fire Department’s service area. Five major fuels reduction projects were identified, the status of each of these projects is detailed below:
OV-2: A 50-acre shaded fuel break on the north slope of the valley. This area has been field surveyed and is ready for implementation pending funding.
OV-3: The Evacuation Route Roadside Hazard Fuels Reduction Project (OV-3/S-Turns) aims to reduce a 3-acre stand of lodgepole pine on the south side of Olympic Valley Road in the Washeshu Creek meadow. The project was funded by the District, Trout Unlimited, and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) Forest Futures Program and is slated for implementation in the fall of 2025.
OV-4: A 150-foot wide shaded fuel break surrounding the perimeter of the developed portion of Olympic Valley. Phase 1 of this project is funded by the District, Truckee Tahoe Airport District, TTCF, and CAL FIRE and is under contract for implementation in the Summer of 2025. Phase 2 has been permitted, and the District aims to bid the project in early-mid 2025.
OV-5: This project will cover approximately 120 acres on the ridgeline south of the community using mechanical thinning methods. The District applied for funding in 2024 but was not awarded.
Welcome New District Team Members
We are excited to welcome Ashley Massey to the District team as our new Program Analyst I, a role she began on November 4, 2024. Ashley has a strong background in behavioral health and shifted from a clinical role to focus on administration and program development. She has experience in administrative support, project management, and business process improvement. Ashley and her husband Dan moved from Houston,Texas to the Tahoe area in 2018 and settled in Truckee in 2020, where they’re raising two sons. In her free time, Ashley enjoys hiking, lake days, spending time with family and friends, being a hockey and baseball mom, andvolunteering with the local school district.
Miguel Ramirez joined the Operations team in December 2024 and we are thrilled to have him on board. With over 12 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, he brings great value to the team. Miguel, along with his wife Rita and their Labrador, Hana Pepe, reside in Tahoe Vista. Outside of work, Miguel enjoys fly-fishing, skiing, and riding his motorcycle.
Welcome the Newest Addition to our Work Family OVPSD family continues to grow! Finance & Administration Manager Danielle Mueller, and husband Markus, welcomed their first child Liesl into their family on June 22, 2024. This is a fantastic new chapter for Danielle and Markus (however, their dog Holly may feel differently), and we couldn’t be happier for them. Congratulations, Danielle and Markus!
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Olympic Valley Public Service District is proud to supply safe, reliable and healthy water that meets or exceeds State and Federal public health standards for drinking water. Annually, the District publishes a water quality report titled “Consumer Confidence Report” (CCR) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The purpose of the CCR is to raise customers’ awareness of the quality of their drinking water, where it comes from, what it takes to deliver water to their homes, and the importance of protecting drinking water sources. In recent years the District has mailed its customers a printed copy of the CCR to comply with the SDWA. The California Department of Public Health has expanded its interpretation of the SDWA to allow for electronic delivery of the CCR. To view our 2023 Consumer Confidence Report and learn more about your drinking water, please visit the following URL: https://www.ovpsd.org/consumerconfidence-report-2023 If you would like a paper copy of the 2023 CCR mailed to your mailing address or would like to speak with someone about the report, please call (530) 583-4692.
2024
Charley Miller New General Manager of OVPSD
The Board and staff are pleased to introduce Charley Miller as the District’s new General Manager. Miller started on May 20, 2024, as the District’s 11th General Manager in its 60-year history. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, bringing 25 years of combined experience in public utility management and private sector engineering, having worked in the Tahoe area for the last 20 years.
Miller joins us from the Tahoe City Public Utility District, where he started in 2019 and served as District Engineer. Prior to that, he worked for the Incline Village General Improvement District as Engineering Manager. His background includes extensive experience in special district operations and public infrastructure project delivery, with a strong emphasis on municipal water and sewer systems. He also has a solid understanding of public utility asset management and capital replacement planning. Additionally, Miller serves as the Vice Chair of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Miller commented: “As I step into this role, my primary goal is to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality services to our residents while fostering transparency, sustainability, and innovation. I am committed to working collaboratively with the Board, our dedicated staff, and the community to achieve our shared vision for the future.”
Miller lives in Incline Village with his wife and their two children. His deep connection to the area and his commitment to public service make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that his leadership will continue to drive the success and growth of the Olympic Valley Public Service District. Please join us in welcoming Charley Miller to our community. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our district.
OVPSD-OVMWC Emergency Intertie Project
The Olympic Valley Public Service District, in cooperation with the Olympic Valley Mutual Water Company (Mutual), is working this summer to construct a water system intertie to interconnect the two water systems.
The intertie will improve both systems by leveraging supply and storage of the other, not only for emergencies but also for planned maintenance and repair projects. Water supply reliability will be improved with increased system redundancy by keeping both agencies’ customers in service while one repairs and replaces assets. Construction of an intertie also enhances water supply reliability during power outages, a contamination event in one or more wells affecting water quality, and a myriad of other unforeseeable emergencies that require, or result in, interruptions in service.
The project will include construction of a booster pump station and pressure reducing valve station to move water between the two systems. The booster pump station will move water from the District’s lower pressure zone into the Mutual system. To move water from the Mutual system to the District system, a pressure reducing valve will be installed.
The District was recently awarded a grant from PCWA’s FAP program for $404,000. The grant funds will be used to fund the project’s planning, design, and construction. After the grant funds are exhausted, any remaining costs will be funded by both the District and Mutual through a cost share agreement. The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by October 15, 2024.
OLYMPIC VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire and Safety Notes
New Team Member
OVFD is excited to welcome Timothy Hoover to our staff. Timothy, and wife Leah, currently reside in Carson City. Timothy earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Nevada, Reno and enjoys photography, as well as outdoor activities including hiking, fishing and surfing. Timothy comes to us by way of Pyramid Lake Fire/ Rescue where he worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic. We look forward to Timothy joining our ranks, becoming a valuable member of our department and providing exceptional service to our community. Welcome Timothy!
Community Connect
The Community Connect program is a free, secure, and user-friendly platform for Olympic Valley residents to share critical information about their household. This information aids first responders and emergency response personnel during an emergency.
Residents can create an account and enter valuable information about the household, such as the location of gas or water shutoff valves, the number of pets in the home, and the presence of any medical equipment.
Providing important information about your household will allow us to better serve you in a time of need.
Please sign up at: www.communityconnect.io/info/ca-olympicvalley
Preparing for Wildland Season
Fuel conditions on the western slope of the Sierra are already drying out. Please be particularly careful this summer—get that vegetation cut early and make sure to maintain those neatly cut grasses as summer progresses. Remember that we’re happy to come out and give you an on-site consultation so that you cut everything that needs to be cut—and not much more.
Defensible space, coupled with home hardening, is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire, and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact, or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in to defend your home.
Green Waste Disposal Programs are here to help!
Green Waste Collection Days:
Green Waste Days are free events held throughout the summer, sponsored by the Olympic Valley Public Service District & Fire Department, Friends of Olympic Valley, and Palisades Tahoe. Every 2nd Sunday of the month from June through October, you can drop off green waste only in the empty lot across from the O.V. Fire Department.
Green Waste Dumpster Rebate Program:
The District has a rebate program to reimburse 100% of the cost of a 6-yard Green Waste Only Dumpster rental. Call TTSD to order at (530) 583-7800.
Learn more about what each program offers here:
www.ovpsd.org/ovfd/green-waste-programs
Tahoe Alerts
Placer County recently launched TahoeAlerts, an emergency notification system locator.
With so many jurisdictions around Lake Tahoe, it can be difficult to know which government entity is responsible for sending emergency alerts in a given area—or where to sign up for those alerts. TahoeAlerts simplifies the emergency notification registration process throughout the Tahoe region.
Simply visit www.tahoealerts.com and enter your address or location to identify the emergency notification system that serves your area.
By streamlining the signup process and highlighting the various alert systems available, TahoeAlerts will be instrumental in keeping both residents and visitors informed about potential emergencies across the Lake Tahoe region.
Sign up for emergency alerts today at www.tahoealerts.com.
Five Creeks Project
The Five Creeks Forest Restoration Project involves 6,000 acres between Truckee and Olympic Valley.
Phase I, known as the Cabin Creek Project, will begin in June 2024 and includes 1,900 acres of forest restoration work stretching from Cold Stream to Deep Creek. Mastication and heavy equipment will be visible along Highway 89 in this area and may require temporary recreation closures.
This phase is expected to take three years, with planned treatments including forest thinning, meadow restoration, aspen enhancement, mastication, and prescribed burning. The overall Five Creeks Project is ultimately planned to extend south to the Silver Creek drainage.
“These projects will improve forest resilience and mitigate the risk of water quality impacts from wildfire,” said Dan Alvey, National Forest Foundation Tahoe-area Program Manager.
“After decades of fire suppression, the execution of responsible fuels reduction is crucial to the greater Truckee region,” added Jonathan Cook-Fisher, Tahoe National Forest Truckee District Ranger.
Learn more at www.truckeeforests.org.
Fuels Reduction Projects
As we transition into the warmer months, the Olympic Valley Fire Department remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening our community’s resilience against wildfires. Currently, three District-sponsored fuel thinning projects are underway, with funding requests submitted for a fourth.
OV-1 North Ridge Shaded Fuel Break
This critical 120-acre fuel break, operated by Cross Check Services, is scheduled for completion early this summer. Funded by CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Program (part of the California Climate Investments Program) and supported by in-kind contributions from the District, this project is strategically located adjacent to the proposed USFS Five Creeks Project.
OV-3 Evacuation Route Vegetation Removal
Work continues on vegetation removal along Olympic Valley Road. If ground conditions permit, lodgepole thinning near the S-Turn is scheduled for fall 2024. This project is funded by Friends of Olympic Valley, Trout Unlimited, and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s (TTCF) Forest Futures Program.
OV-4 Community Buffer
Feather River Forestry is in the final stages of permitting this project, which involves creating a 150-foot-wide shaded fuel break around Valley neighborhoods. Focused on removing dead, dying, and diseased trees, ground vegetation, and ladder fuels, the first phase of timber operations is expected to begin in late summer or early fall 2024. Additional phases will proceed as funding becomes available. Funding is provided by the Truckee North Tahoe Forest Management Program, in partnership with CAL FIRE, TTCF, and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District.
OV-5 South Ridge Shaded Fuel Break (Proposed)
The District has applied for funding through CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Program to establish a 120-acre shaded fuel break on the ridgeline south of Olympic Valley. This project supports the goals of the proposed USFS-led Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley Fire Protection Project, reinforcing the region’s landscape-scale wildfire mitigation strategy.
Beyond these District projects, the USFS continues work on the Five Creeks and Alpine Meadows/Olympic Valley initiatives. Placer County is also concluding a three-year fuel reduction effort on County-owned parcels, including those within Olympic Valley.
This update underscores the strength of regional collaboration—from homeowners and local nonprofits to state and federal agencies—all working together to enhance wildfire prevention and community protection throughout the greater North Tahoe area.
New Online Payment Provider!
Olympic Valley Service District has a new online payment provider. Xpress Bill Pay is the premier local government and service district payment provider. The switch was made to provide you with many new and enhanced features like full bill presentation, paperless billing, billing history, auto pay, stored payment info, email notifications, and many more.
You will be directed to the new website when you select the “Pay My Bill Online” option on the district’s website at www.ovpsd.org. You will need to visit the site to establish an online account. If you had auto pay set with the District’s previous provider, you will need to visit Xpress Bill Pay to set up a new Auto Pay.
We know you will love the new features. If you have any questions, you can reach Xpress Bill Pay via email at [email protected] or via telephone at 385-218-0343. We look forward to serving you!
Welcome to our Newest Little Team Members!
The OVFD family continues to grow! Firefighter/Paramedic Keith Erickson and wife Emily welcomed Maverik into their family on March 27th. With Axel (4) and Jet (18 months), Maverik rounds out a trio of boys to keep Keith and Emily on the go! Congratulations, Keith and Emily!
The OVPSD family continues to grow! Operations Specialist I John Tuscher and wife Melanie welcomed their second child, Elizabeth, on January 18th, with Harrison (3) taking his role as big brother very seriously. Congratulations, John and Melanie!
Operations Specialist I Ben Procida and wife Katy welcomed their first child, a daughter named Rosie, on May 21st. This is a wonderful new chapter for Ben and Katy, and we couldn’t be happier for them! Congratulations, Ben and Katy!
IS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CURRENT?
It is very important for the District to have your current mailing address, phone number, and email address on file in order for us to contact you if we become aware of an emergency at your residence. This information is confidential and will not leave our office. If you would like to provide us with your updated information, please email us at [email protected] or call 530-583-4692.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Olympic Valley Public Service District is proud to supply safe, reliable, and healthy water that meets or exceeds State and Federal public health standards for drinking water. Annually, the District publishes a water quality report titled “Consumer Confidence Report” (CCR) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The purpose of the CCR is to raise customers’ awareness of the quality of their drinking water, where it comes from, what it takes to deliver water to their homes, and the importance of protecting drinking water sources.
In recent years, the District has mailed its customers a printed copy of the CCR to comply with the SDWA. The California Department of Public Health has expanded its interpretation of the SDWA to allow for electronic delivery of the CCR. To view our 2023 Consumer Confidence Report and learn more about your drinking water, please visit the following URL: https://www.ovpsd.org/consumerconfidence-report-2023.
If you would like a paper copy of the 2023 CCR mailed to your mailing address or would like to speak with someone about the report, please call (530) 583-4692.
