October 2025 Newsletter

From Erika Bronson, Board President

Dear Corbett Water Users,

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you – first, for voting me in as one of your new Board Commissioners, and second, to my fellow Board members for trusting me with the role of President. I’m truly honored and excited for the opportunity to serve our community and support the incredible staff of the Corbett Water District.

I also want to recognize and thank those who came before me – past Board Commissioners, and especially Kelly Piper, who served as Board President. Their time, effort, and dedication have helped us get to where we are today.

Over the past couple of years, our water district staff have gone above and beyond. They’ve stepped up in big ways to ensure our community continues to receive reliable water service, and they’ve shown a real dedication to learning, growing, and moving forward with the district. We’re lucky to have such a hardworking team.

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers who have pitched in their time and energy to help when and where staff simply couldn’t. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed, and your contributions truly help keep things running smoothly when resources are stretched – thank you.

There’s been a lot of change – not just on the Board, but also within our staff – and I’m excited to welcome new Water District Manager, Andrew Dirks. I really believe that together, as a Board, staff, and community, we’re committed to strengthening and improving our water system. By remaining open-minded to necessary change, we can build a sustainable future for our district and its infrastructure.

By investing in upgrades, building in redundancy, and supporting continued education and training, I believe we’re on a path to lasting, positive change – and I’m here for it.

Thank you again for your trust and support. I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together.

 

Introducing Andrew Dirks, District Manager

Andrew was hired by the Board of Commissioners and started working on August 18, 2025. Formerly employed at the City of White Salmon, Andrew brings 8 years of water experience along with Distribution 1 and Treatment 1 certifications. Andrew has now applied for his Distribution 2 certification.

Welcome Andrew to Corbett Water District!

 

Outgoing Board President, Kelly Piper

A huge “Thank-you” to Kelly Piper for her generous time volunteering for Corbett Water District. Kelly served on the Budget Committee from January 2017 to July 2019. She then became a Board Commissioner in May 2021 to July 2025. Serving as President from July 2023 to July 2025. Not only did Kelly volunteer on the Board, but she also took on another task, the remodel of the building.

Thank you again for all you have done for the community and Corbett Water District!

 

Alivia Pence & Kelsey Zavoral

Congratulations to staff members Alivia & Kelsey, both are now Cross Connection Specialists.

 

Grant News Update: Corbett Water Awarded $50,000 Grant to Improve System Reliability

Earlier this year, Corbett Water contracted with engineering firm Kennedy Jenks for an analysis and recommendations to improve the District’s water distribution system. This work is supported by a $50,000 System Optimization Review Grant from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation.

For nearly 100 years, Corbett Water has provided clean and safe water from the Gordon Creek watershed. However, the water system needs to be updated to ensure that we can protect our

community from fire and to stop water loss due to breaks in our aging system. The system has 65 miles of pipe to bring water from Gordon Creek to the communities of Corbett and Springdale.

A gravity-fed system uses Pressure Reducing Valves to control the high pressure that delivers water without electricity.

The work is expected to be completed by fall 2026, at which point we will have:

• A geographic information system database (GIS), that will save staff time and money as well as improve communication, efficiency, management and decision-making.
• An engineering assessment of pipes, fire flow, and other assets, and recommendations for system improvements.
• The Corbett Water Board of Commissioners prioritized plans to reduce leaks, protect our capacity to fight fire, and improve the system’s reliability.

“We want to hear from you!” Said Andrew Dirks, District Manager. “We’ll be in touch as this work progresses, and we look forward to hearing your priorities for how we can best ensure the safety and livability of this community.”

Please send your ideas to manager@corbettwater.com

 

What the Base Rate Covers

The question was asked, “What does the base rate cover.” From the 2025-2026 budget cycle it says, “to maintain and repair the critical infrastructure and meet the state and federal guidelines for providing clean safe drinking water.”

A little history dug up on the base rate. The base rate was established as early as October 1, 1970, at a minimum charge of $3.50. The rate increased over the years to a minimum of $10.30. However, at that time it was not called a “base rate” just a minimum charge.

By 2001, it had started being called a ‘base rate’. In June 2001 for debt services and construction of a new reservoir rates increased 25%, not more than $10 per month. The monthly base rate was now $25.76.

In July of 2003, the base rate decreased by $3.91 and then in October 2003 billing was moved to bi-monthly,

dropping what would have been a two-month base rate of $43.70 to a bi-monthly base rate of $24.00. A savings to the customer of $19.70.

In May of 2012, $1.00 was added to the base rate for repayment of the loan. That loan will be paid off in November 2025.

Rate increases in 2021, 2022, and 2025 all reference the need to maintain and repair the critical infrastructure and meet state and federal guidelines.

 

Winter Weather Preparations – things to do

• Insulate Pipes: Protect your plumbing system from freezing pipes by insulating exposed pipes and sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping; include exterior piping such as hose spigots.
• Disconnect Hoses: Drain and store garden hoses. A frozen garden hose connected to an interior pipe can cause damage. It can take one overnight freeze to burst the spigot or connecting pipe.
• Winterize Irrigation Systems and Backflow Devices: Make sure you’ve turned everything off and fully drained the system.
• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect all visible pipes, faucets, and joints for leaks and address them immediately.
• Maintain Water Heater: Ensure your water heater is in good condition and properly insulated to prevent freezing.
• Run a Trickle of Water: During extreme cold spells, keep water moving through the pipes by allowing a trickle of water to flow from the faucet to prevent freezing in pipes.
• Know Your Main Water Valve: Label and familiarize yourself with the location of your main water valve to quickly shut off water supply in case of a leak. Turning your water off quickly can limit damage should a pipe freeze or burst.
• Extended Time Away: If you are away for any length of time, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Leave the heat on your home no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.