Rural Water Supply

Thurston County Rural Water

For over 25 years, the Thurston County Rural Water system has been providing water service to rural households in parts of Thurston and Dakota counties. Groundwater, in a portion of western Thurston and Dakota Counties, is of poor quality to many rural residents. In 1984 the system became operational with the financial assistance of Rural Development (USDA). Subsequently, in 1993 the system expanded to western Dakota County due to high nitrate levels in the groundwater supply. An additional 50 homes were added to the system at that time. Today the system serves about 145 residences throughout its 105-mile distribution system. Since its inception, the system has been purchasing its groundwater supply from the Village of Pender. District personnel responsible for maintaining the system are located at the Natural Resource Conservation Service office in Walthill. Usage statistics are as follows;

Fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)		Amount (Gals.)
2006		23,807,000
2007		24,514,000
2008		27,537,000
2009		19,712,000
2010		17,233,000

Current Water Rates (effective May 1, 2006)

Base Monthly Charge....................$25.00*^
First 20,000 gals...............................$3.90 / per 1,000 gals.*
All Over 20,000 gals.........................$1.85 / per 1,000 gals.*
* Plus 5 1/2% NE sales tax
^ Minimums vary for services larger than 5/8 X 3/4" meter

Current Hookup Fees
The hookup fee (benefit unit) for each service desired shall be as stated below, or the District?s actual cost of connection, whichever is greater.
Service Type Meter Size Hookup Fee
1-Unit 5/8 X 3/4"                        $1,175.00
2-Unit 3/4"                              $1,275.00
4-Unit 1"                                      $1,375.00
6-Unit 1 1/2"                            $1,775.00
Pasture Hookup * 5/8 X 3/4"       $1,175.00
* Minimum Yearly use of 45,000 gals.

NOTE: 2-unit types, or greater, will be prescribed by the District when A) more than one residence, or commercial establishment, or combination thereof is located within the defined legal description of one property, B) or when the consumer requests a larger service type to accommodate a greater supply of water, C) or when the District determines that a larger meter is required to meet the expected demand of the consumer.