Current Administration
- Commissioner position 1: – Steve Miller
- Commissioner position 2: – Jim Frey
- Commissioner position 3: – James Rogers
- Water Distribution Managers – Jay Iverson and Mike Stewart
- Recording Clerk – Leslie Stewart
Brief History of the Ashford Water District
In the mid-1970s, Ashford residents faced serious problems with their water system. Mud, dirt, and other contaminants came from the faucets, making bathing unpleasant and drinking water difficult to use. Concerned citizens, led by Stan Schlegel and others, began working to find a solution.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) declared the water system a health hazard and imposed a building moratorium. Residents realized they needed to create a new public water district in order to obtain funding and build a reliable system.
In 1978, residents circulated a petition and held a public hearing. An election was held in September, and the proposal to form the Ashford Water District passed. The district’s first board included John Cavin, Jarrold Parry, and Pete Suver, with Jo Walker Lowe serving as clerk.
From 1978 through 1980, the district worked through legal issues, developed a comprehensive plan, and secured financial assistance from several government programs. The water system also received significant public and media attention, which helped bring additional government support.
Construction of the new water system began in the fall of 1981 and was completed in the summer of 1982, at a cost of approximately $980,000. Since then, the district has continued to serve the community while continuing to keep the ultimate goal of providing clean, safe, unchlorinated drinking water.
The Ashford Water District was created through the determination of local residents who came together to replace an unsafe and unreliable water system with a dependable public water supply.