Guest Editorial

Dear Puget Island Water System customers,

Wahkiakum PUD is required to have a Washington State Department of Health approved Water System Plan for the Puget Island Water System. This is the foundation of a safe, successful, and sustainable public water system. The last remaining significant, capital project in the water system plan is to develop an alternate source of water. Currently the only source of water for Puget Island water customers is through the Town of Cathlamet. The preferred location for this new water source is from a different watershed than the current primary source. The Commissioners directed the staff to investigate the possibility of developing this new water source. We have a team of consultants including engineers, hydrogeologists, and geologists guiding us along with this project. We understand this is one of the largest and most important projects facing the PUD and its customers. We have implemented a step-by-step methodical approach in the development of this project. That is, should obstacles develop that make the project not meet these objectives, it can be revised or terminated. The PUD's water engineering consultant, through several meetings, outlined the process, options and potential costs.

The first step was to perform a hydrogeology study to see if water would be available on the island. With that study coming back saying water was likely available and most probable on the north end of the island, the PUD Commissioners supported purchasing a small portion of land that could be used for a well site. The PUD solicited and researched several options for a parcel of land. A small parcel of farmland was purchased on West Litle Island Road that met the recommendations of the hydrogeology study which would be cost effective and easily connected to the existing mainline water system. Additionally, the location has minimal impact to neighboring properties. The Commissioners directed staff to apply for funding for this project. A variety of funding has been provided at both a federal and state level.

We would like to thank support from Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez along with Reps. Joel McEntire, Jim Walsh, Peter Abbarno and Senator Jeff Wilson. At this point, funding has been secured so that there is no rate impact to Puget Island Water System customers to complete the project. The most important considerations of the water source are quality and quantity of the water. We are committed to providing you; our customers, safe, reliable drinking water. The next step is to drill a well. The PUD, through the competitive bidding process, selected a well driller to drill and test the well on the property purchased on West Little Island Road. The results of the water sample from the well will determine the next steps of the project.

PUD commissioners and staff are excited about this project as it will provide sustained reliability in serving water customers on Puget Island as well as provide an alternate water source to the Town of Cathlamet water customers. We are committed to our mission of providing the most reliable electric and water service to all our existing and future customers within Wahkiakum County.

Your Board of Commissioners,

President Robert Jungers

Vice President Dennis Reid

Secretary Gene Healy