providing water in emergencies

Are you saying that the HOA provides water?

And they don't have a backup generator?

The members should DEMAND one; there is no reason why not.

As far as the law goes, call one of those vendors and ask what law they are referring to.

Our HOA provides water to 250 homes and another 20 homes. We have 2 artisian wells inside a pump house.

When no one else in the entire township does not have water, we do. Our gas run generator automatically kicks in.

Remember the big 9 day power outage some time ago . . . ?

Get some bids and submit it to the board. Get your fellow homeowners behind you and make your board accountable to the people!

I wouldn't say providing water to an HOA is a law as a HOA is just an association not an actual entity. However, they may mean the type of setup property wise such as your system being the sole responsibility of providing the entire community. If your water system is the sole source then it's a good idea to have a backup system.

After the tornado's struck my area this past year, our power grid was out for some time. It was quite the mess and still recovering. It taught many of us lessons. Buying a backup generator when not in high demand may help lower your community's costs. They aren't that expensive depending on the size you get. You have to also factor in hiring an electrician to hard wire the generator to the main power supply. Make sure someone has the proper training on how to operate one and how to store the unit when not in use/or running. They are VERY dangerous if not stored or operated correctly. There is a required period of time they need to be shut off too cool off.

I would say the cost of installation should run around $200 - $300. The unit itself about $750 to $1200. A special assessment may be needed of the owners to pay for the unit if not enough money in the budget. It shouldn't be much if evenly divided amongst all the owners. You may also want to look into other alternatives in emergency water storage besides a generator.

There could also be a risk of contamination if the water isn't circulated or filtered when the power is off. I'd recommend residents try to boil their water before drinking if it happens again. We were lucky as our community still had water even though the water companies didn't have power.

Melissa,

If the Association is incorporated, the Association is considered a legal entity.

Per Connecticut Revised Nonstock Corporation Act :

""Entity" includes a corporation and foreign corporation; business corporation and foreign business corporation; profit and nonprofit unincorporated association; business trust, estate, partnership, limited liability company, trust and two or more persons having a joint or common economic interest; and state, United States, or foreign government."