Big progress is happening for Clarks Branch Water Association — our Water Storage Tank Expansion Project is officially underway! Elk Mountain Construction has started prepping the site, and things are beginning to take shape.
The crew has been widening the access road and laying down rock to make sure equipment can move safely. They’re also building a sturdy base for temporary water storage, setting the stage for what’s to come.
We’re also working with Pacific Power to relocate power poles and lines that currently run above the tanks — an important step to keep the project safe and moving forward.
This upgrade will help ensure our community water system will have:
Greatly increased water storage capacity
The ability to shut down the plant for long repair/maintenance projects
The ability to better endure leaks
Replacements for two aging tanks while ensuring safe water storage for the years to come
Stay tuned — we’ll keep you posted as the work continues and our project takes shape!
We are writing to update you on important news regarding the Clarks Branch Water Association. All members will be receiving a newsletter in the mail.
New & Departing Board Members
We’re pleased to announce that three new members have been voted onto the board: MacKenzie Lee, Mitch Geyer, and Les Lyons. We thank them for volunteering their time and expertise to help lead our association.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chuck Mihevc, who has stepped down from the board after many years of dedicated service. His commitment to our association has been invaluable.
Lead Exceedance Public Notice for CBWA
In July 2025, we collected 5 samples from homes connected to our water system and analyzed them for lead. Four of the 5 samples were below the action level but one residence came back at elevated levels for lead. We have been in contact with the sampled homeowners and notified our membership immediately through our website and our Facebook group.
Clarks Branch Water Association is focused on protecting the health of every household in our community. We are taking action with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority by following up with additional public education to all our customers and working to determine which corrosion control treatment strategy would be most effective in addressing this situation.
We have included a Lead in Drinking Water pamphlet in this letter so you are aware of the situation.
Rate Increases & Excessive Water Charges
After careful consideration, the board has approved a rate increase that will take effect on your October water bill. We do not take this decision lightly, but it is a necessary step to address the challenges posed by our aging water treatment system. We’ve been facing regular issues like leaks and failing parts, which result in unexpected and costly repairs. This has made it difficult to keep up with routine maintenance.
The new base water rate will be $110 per month.
Additionally, we are updating the fees for excessive water usage to encourage conservation and reduce the strain on our treatment system. These new rates will also be seen on your October water bill:
$20.00 per 1,000 gallons for usage between 5,001 and 10,000 gallons per month.
$24.00 per 1,000 gallons for usage between 10,001 and 20,000 gallons per month.
$28.00 per 1,000 gallons for usage over 20,000 gallons per month.
Water Storage Tank Expansion Project
We are moving forward with the Water Storage Tank Expansion project that was first announced in 2022. Due to increased construction costs, the project was temporarily delayed. However, we have since been awarded increased funding from the Oregon Business Development Department to continue the work. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for the end of September.
This project is funded by a substantial grant and a low-interest loan. To cover the loan, a $20 monthly assessment will be added to each member’s water bill beginning in 2026.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to improve our water infrastructure for the entire community. If you have any questions or concerns, please attend our next board meeting.
OEC was able to dig up the area and found the leak. We were pleased it was easily accessible and not located under the road. The repair has been made and the hole is getting filled. Water service has been restored.
Special thanks to John and his crew for a quick response for our members. Have a Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Thanks to one of our members, a steady water leak was identified at the intersection of Buckboard and Wagontire. OEC will be addressing the leak this morning, Friday, August 29th. Its estimate water will be shut off from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
If anyone notices a water pooling, patches of green when it’s dry or other signs of water leaks and broke lines, please contactthe association or join the CBWA Facebook group.
For emergencies (such as a broken water line on the association side of a meter), please call our plant operators at (541) 643-6137. If you have a water leak on your side of the meter, it is your responsibility to have it repaired.
