A Brief History

The organization was formed on 06/21/79. There were 5 original members and one associate member. During the Association's first year the Board developed Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. On February 20, 1980 the Association's Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of Washington and the Association was registered as a non-profit organization. On March 22, 1984 the Association received a federal tax ID number.

The Association owns 0.8 acres that encompasses a pump site on the Okanogan River. The Association also owns 2 river pumps that convey surface water from the Okanogan River to the main pump station located across the County Road. At the pump station a 250-horsepower motor and pump pressurizes the system and pumps water up the hill to the users. The Association owns all mechanical and electrical equipment used to deliver water including the mainline. The Association is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical equipment associated with the delivery system.

Financing our Operations

Members of the Association are billed monthly for irrigation water at the rate of $220 per acre per year whether they use it or not. Domestic water users are currently charged a $50.00 per month base rate that covers the first 5,000 gallons consumed. A tiered rate system kicks in for consumption above 5,000 gals per month. A Debt Retirement Assessment currently set at $20 per month per built lot, and $15 per month per vacant lot, became effective January 2013 as a condition for restructuring our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan.

Interest at the rate of 12% per year compounded monthly may be charged on overdue and delinquent accounts that are not paid within 30 days of billing. Members whose irrigation accounts are not current at the beginning of the irrigation season will not have irrigation water available until all delinquent payments are paid in full. Members whose accounts are seriously delinquent and who have not made arrangements with the Board to pay their accounts in full risk having liens placed against their property.

Governing our Association

The Association is managed by a five-member Board of Trustees that meets on a frequent basis to review operations, discuss financial matters and plan for the future. The Board is elected by members of the Association to serve three-year terms. Membership on the Board is open to all Association members. Members of the Association are required to monitor the river pumps and the main pump station during the irrigation season. Each member pledges to serve a week at a time on a rotating basis throughout the irrigation season. Board members are exempt from this duty.

The Association holds its annual meeting of the membership and elects trustees to fill expired terms during the first week of March, usually at the Omak Gun Club. The success of the Association is dependent upon the participation of its members. The Board encourages all members to take an active role in all aspects of the Association.

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