03/17/2005: "100 Million Gallons Of Water From Rosario To Eastsound"

The Eastsound Water Users Association and Rosario Utilities announced today that they have reached an agreement in principal to cooperatively develop additional water system capacity to serve the future needs of Eastsound and the Rosario area.

Rosario Utilities has agreed to provide 100 million gallons of water per year to the Eastsound Water Users Association utilizing Rosario's existing, established water rights that are not currently associated with its domestic water system. An independent engineering and hydrology study has determined that there are sufficient water resources in the Cascade Lake basin to meet the planned future needs of the Rosario service area as well as provide the additional supply to meet the needs of Eastsound. The study takes into account the need to maintain historic lake levels for park and recreational purposes. The water rights for this supply have been used for hydropower generation for Rosario and date back to the 19th century. Rosario's drinking water rights are not affected by the agreement with Eastsound.

Rosario Utilities' General Manager Chris Vierthaler says that "Rosario recognizes how vital water is to our entire community and welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively towards a better future." Both utilities are members of the East Orcas Water Supply Committee which was organized and sponsored by San Juan County and the Public Health Department to deal with water supply and demand issues for the future, as well as watershed protection. The group provides a mechanism to develop better communication between local water purveyors on water resource and management issues.

The Eastsound Association Board of Directors contacted Rosario Utilities' ownership more than a year ago to begin discussions on available options. Discussions are now continuing between the utilities regarding joint efforts to install the infrastructure and facilities needed to treat and transfer the water. Their plans will likely involve constructing a joint use treatment plant and additional water storage for both companies. Eastsound proposes to construct a pipeline from the Rosario area to deliver treated water to its system.

Eastsound Water General Manager Ted Wixom says that "This will go a long way towards solving the water problems of both utility companies," but cautions that "there is a lot of work ahead to implement this plan."

Both utility companies agree that a cooperative effort is clearly the most efficient and cost effective way to provide a reliable and high quality water supply to their customers. Jim Nelson, President of the Eastsound Water Users Association, stated that "We're delighted that Rosario is willing to share its precious water resource with the island community and we are looking forward to working together with them to develop a practical and sound water management plan for the future."