Viewpointe's Water Problem's Still Lingering ... there is now a proposed Plan "B".
Water Leak Solution - Plan "B"
Happening - March 4, 2026
A member submits water leak solution Plan "B" to board members 3-4-26
No Solution in Sight for our Water Problems ...
February 23, 2026 Open Meeting
There was an open meeting that took up discussions about VP's water and landscape issues.
Landscaping/Trees
I matter of trees was discussed. The trees are dying. The board's plan was for each homeowner to adopt a tree and water it. The board will begin to cut down the dying trees in the community.
Landscaping/Planting & Grass Removal
The board discussed the issue of planting new plants and the removal of grass. The board gave praise to the persons who volunteered their time to plant.
Our Lingering Water Problems Discussed
The board gave a rather lengthy discussion about our water problems and explained what processes have been done to cure the problems. This included USS water and a plan to audit them.
USS Audit
The board after suggestions from members has finally agreed to look into USS billing and compare the figures with Tucson Water for discrepancies via an audit. And, to have our corporate attorney draft a demand letter sent to USS with a specified time frame to respond with an audit request.
Water Billing to Members
A discussion was made about the possibility of creating a teared billing plan for each member based on number of family members in the household etc. vs actual water usage for each household. That idea has been tabled for lack of information on which to take a vote on.
A Plan "B" Suggestion from a Member
There was a suggestion from a member that started with a single question. If we meaning VP owns our water system. Does this mean we can do anything we want to it; in terms of making repairs? The answer was basically, yes! Ok. So can we make repairs to area(s) that are most problematic in term of water leaks? The answer was basically, yes! Alright. What would be needed to make that happen and what would be the pros vs cons? The cost to replace the section of pipe on North Camino Hermosillo would be ~$500,000. The HOA does not have the funds to pay for this, so a loan would be needed.
A Plan "B" - Pros
The advantage of this plan would be to save the loss of water and the ~$11,000 monthly cost of the water. Gain time to make a plan C. Advancement of replacing the water pipes, that would need replacing anyway. Waiting on WIFA could take more time or not happen. And, plans to get governmental bills changed to pay for HOA's failing water systems could take years.
A Plan "B" - Cons
Finding the money to fund the project. The monthly/yearly or special assessment cost to each member might not be affordable. The expense to get the necessary documents/gov permits/master plan/engineering plans. Spending money will be necessary to get more information to make a smart decision and potentially could be a waste of money, if it does not turn out.
There is a Choice to make
Either way, a choice has to be made. There is risk involved, but not making a choice is an unknown risk that could have dyer consequences. There is nothing worse/costly than to be forced to make a choice in desperation. Time is of the essence.
A note to members who are not attending meetings or voting. This problem effects you too. If you do nothing, you can expect nothing!
The board to raise the allowable loan amount from 2m to 5m .
Should we allow the board to raise our allowable loan amount to 5 million?
The board wants us to vote on an amendment of the articles of incorporation to raise the amount of money they can encumber Viewpointe from 2 to 5 million. At the last board meeting they board wanted to raise it to 10 million. Dan Deppen objected and suggested the amount should be more inline with the actual amount needed and not much more. They claim the water system retrofit will cost just over 3 million. So why not raise it for that amount or slightly over vs 5 million. History has proven when a government official wants to raise a limit, they will spend it all. We should be conservative!
The ballot for the proposed increase is precarious and most likely is unlawful; extending the voting dates multiple times, lobbying members at the ballot box to change their votes and going directly to the homes of members who have not voted, and allegedly claiming some members votes were not counted, before the voting has closed. This the same kind of game playing that has plagued the elections for many years now ... to get a preferred outcome for the board members in control ... to stay in control. This is exactly why some of the members have tuned out completely and refuse to vote or get involved.
More then ten years ago, Viewpointe won a settlement for defective water pipes from the developer that allocated each homeowner $600 to make future repairs, but that money has been spent. In effect any homeowner who now needs repairs will not get their $600 credit and now if you have a leak, the board is denying repairs and telling the homeowners to pay for it themselves. Note: Some homeowners who allegedly support the board will and have secretly benefited from the repairs done at Viewpointe's expense (your money).
So, the evidence through actions in the past to raise the debt limit is an important question ... can we trust the board with another three million?
Water Retrofit
Why is our water system leaking in our streets?
The water system at Viewpointe is failing do to aging PVC water supply pipes approximately five feet under our streets. Also, the builder installed the pipes on top of rocks rather than placing gravel (as a buffer) around them, causing the aging PVC to crack; inspection of the pipes has confirmed small to medium cracks. To compound the issue is fact that heavy trucks are pounding down the soil onto the pipes against the rocks, adding additional stress to the pipes. While it is true that the pipes have aged, perhaps the city of Tucson might be to blame for how the pipes were installed. Additionally, each time the water is turned off for repairs, air is introduced into the pipes and when the water is turned back on the pressure is higher for the air rather than the water and this creates an accelerated leaking event. This is why there have been increasing more leaks. It is reasonable to assume that the leaks will increase over time.
**At the 2024 Annual Election the board wants to spend ~$200,000 for an engineering report, which means a special assessment of ~$1,626.00 for every homeowner/member.
How much water is being lost?
There are three main water meters that feed Viepointe II & III. Viewpointe pays Tucson Water Department every month for water used. Each home has a water meter to measure water usage and each homeowner pays for that usage. The difference between the meters determines the amount of water that is being wasted. According to the Association, that figure has been approximately 73%. For the month of October 2023, it has been reported by the Board, it has costs the Association approximately $4,000 for that month ... wasted HOA monies. Repairs year-to-date have been reported to be approximately $32,000, not including the two new leaks, one in Viepwointe II and one in Viewpointe III. In addition, these leaks and others have been let to leak for days, if not a week at a time. The excuse each time has been lack of parts and/or availability of the repair companies to make the repairs. Perhaps better planning for spare parts and backup companies would be prudent.
How do we fix it and how much will it cost?
The Board has reported that is will cost three million or more to replace the water supply pipes in Viewpointe II & Viewpointe III. Two of the Board members publicized our water problems in the Local News; probably not a good thing to do. Their position now has been to lobby the Local State and National Government for a Grant to pay for the entire project. This could take more than a year or maybe many years and there is no guarantee that the monies would come. In the meantime, every month leading into the next foreseeable year or years could cost $85,000+ for each year we wait. If the money does not come, we would be that much more in debt with nothing in return. That is why we should have an "Active Plan B" in place. At the November 2023 meeting, the Board unanimously voted to raise the dues five percent to build up the reserves. Raising the dues each year is a drop in the bucket and will not solve the problem.
What would an "Active Plan B" look like?
Rather than take the risk of waiting for a wishful grant, why not put a back up plan into action. Perhaps we could map out the problem areas and do a street-at-a-time. This would spread out the expense and help to mitigate the water losses. If a grant does happen ... a low percentage event ... we could try to get that money back. When asked about this at the November 2023 meeting the Board said, it would not work. Dan Deppen believes we should take action and not wait for a government agency to bail us out; if it's to be, it's up to me, approach.
Dan Deppen's comments ...
The Board has been some what secretive about the whole water supply issue. At a meeting last year 2022 that was held at the Viewpointe III pool, Dan asked to be on the water committee and was told that he would be involved. He received an email from the President, that "the Board was not going to form a committee and thank you very much for offering"?! Then the issue was in the Local News in the third quarter of 2023. More information was learned in the News Segment about the water situation than the Board had disclosed to the members ... at least this is what Dan Deppen recalls. Dan has requested to see more of the documents on the issue at the November 2023 meeting. The Board's move to increase dues by five percent is a drop in the bucket and still does not address the problem. Mr. Deppen has been asking for documentation regarding the claims, that the board is and/or has applied for a grant, but the board has stone walled him; any member has the right to books and records and information, but the board thinks they are immune form such inquires. Case in point: Augusta Britt vs. Viewpointe for books and records. She had to sue for books and records and when she ran out of money to pay her attorney, the board had her sign an NDA (nondisclosure agreement) so she could not talk about it, to anyone. The board spent thousands of dollars (wasted HOA money) to keep books and records secret. Larry Bodine (then board president) and attorney Michael Shupe did this. And later, Bodine bragged about settling the case.