Recent Sandstorm Winds Kick Up Dust in Coachella Valley

August 2, 2016

An “impressive Haboob” (sand storm) that blew through the Coachella Valley under the cover of darkness this past Friday night led to a hazy Saturday and a coating of sandy dust throughout the entire valley.

Meteorologists said a thunderstorm complex over southwest Arizona pushed the dust storm across the lower desert at roughly 40 mph, triggering cell phone alerts, dropping visibility to less than a mile from Thermal to Palm Springs at that time.

Drought Penalties Lifted

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) announced the lifting of drought penalties in response to the state’s decision to transition from statewide conservation targets to a long term conservation plan. Water budgets and tiered rates remain in place. The expectation is for customers to maintain a 20% water savings.

SCE’s Rate Structure Change

As a reminder SCE’s energy rates have been changed. When you receive your next bill, SCE has implemented the new three–tier rate structure (reduced from four-tiers). You may learn more about the changes and how they affect you by going to the Southern California Edison website.

Service Suggestions

In addition to dust storm cleanup, we are pleased to offer several timely service suggestions for your consideration.

Bedspread and Duvet Cover Cleaning. Now is an ideal time to have your bedspreads, duvet covers, mattress covers and blankets dry cleaned or laundered. Premier Residential Services will arrange for cleaning and insure that items are placed in plastic bags so that they will be ready for use when needed.

Aerator, Shower Head and Faucet Cleaning. The high mineral content of the valley’s water supply is the reason why sinks, faucets, showerheads and mister system nozzles become clogged, which often impedes the water flow and the discoloring of the hardware. Our maintenance department can clean the screens, as well as remove the built up mineral deposits from these items resulting in the fixtures that look and act as new.

Vehicle and Golf Cart Batteries. Extreme weather conditions in the valley often result in a limited life span for vehicle and golf cart batteries and can cause rapid build up of corrosion on the battery terminals and cables. A vehicle battery may fail in as little as 18 months and if a golf cart battery is four years or older the likelihood is that it will begin to fail too and/or not be able to hold a charge. Premier Residential Services can replace the 6 or 8 volt batteries in your golf cart, as well as clean the terminals of built up corrosion and replace connector cables if needed. Any golf cart that operates with a 12-volt system requires replacement from the distributor. Contact the office if you feel that your golf cart requires battery replacement and Premier Residential Services will have it ready for your return in the fall.