Elk County Water District

The Elk County Water District (ECWD) was founded in 1957, taking over operation of the town water system that had been in existence since before 1900 as an adjunct to the early sawmill operations.  As a sign of the bureaucratic simplicity of the times, the district was formed by a one-page resolution adopted by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.

The ECWD is a public governmental agency funded through rates charged to customers and some grant revenue.

For its water, the District taps Bonee Gulch, a surface water source, and two shallow wells adjacent to Greenwood Creek under the Highway 1 bridge.  The community of Elk uses 11 to 12 million gallons of water per year.  The ECWD has a modern water treatment plant, using ozone as a primary disinfectant and pressure-filters to remove turbidity.  The water distribution system provides fire protection flows and water service to the “downtown” area of Elk.   Photos of water sources and the treatment plant can be seen at http://www.mcn.org/i/elkwater.

The ECWD is governed by an elected five-member, volunteer Board of Directors. 
 The District’s Manager is Charlie Acker, and Rosi Acker serves as Secretary.  Other employees include Rio Russell, Eric Malm and Steve Acker.  The Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Firehouse at the Greenwood Community Center located at 6129 S Highway 1.  Agendas are posted at least 72 hours in advance of each meeting at the Community Center, Elk Store, Elk Garage, and Post Office.  The public is welcome at all meetings.

2011 Board of Directors
Gerry Huckaby, President
Kirk Handley, Vice-President
Norman de Vall
Tony Cook

Contact Information
Elk County Water District
PO Box 54
Elk, CA 95432
Manager, Charlie Acker (707) 877-1800,

Click here for proposed ordinance.