James Fork Regional Water District

Overview

The James Fork Regional Water District is a public facilities board established by Sebastian County, Arkansas, under Ordinance No. 93-5, adopted on April 20, 1993, and amended by Ordinance No. 2005-22 on August 23, 2005. Its primary purpose is to provide treated water to residents in its service area, which includes parts of Sebastian and Scott counties in Arkansas.

History

The organization originated from the South Sebastian County Water Users Association, Inc., which was incorporated on July 5, 1967. Initially, the Association served residents south of Fort Smith, excluding Greenwood and Fort Chaffee, with 450 users in 1968. Over the years, the Association expanded its services and infrastructure, including the construction of a new water treatment plant and the James Fork Creek Reservoir in response to growing demand.

In 2004, the Association began serving Scott County, and by 2006, it changed its name to James Fork Regional Water District to reflect its expanded regional scope. This transformation occurred effective January 1, 2006. The District has continued to expand its services, notably connecting significant areas like the City of Greenwood and Milltown-Washburn Rural Water.

Operations

The James Fork Regional Water District operates a comprehensive water system that includes a water treatment plant equipped with sedimentation and filtration systems, as well as a distribution network of about 680 miles of water lines. The system's water sources include James Fork Lake and plans for a new reservoir to enhance supply capacity.

Mission and Activities

The District is committed to delivering safe, high-quality water while maintaining excellence in customer service and environmental stewardship. It actively promotes water conservation practices among its customers and offers various payment options to enhance customer convenience.

Financial and Legal Structure

The District operates under Arkansas state law and is authorized to issue bonds for funding infrastructure improvements. It is governed by specific legal provisions that dictate its financial operations, including the issuance of additional bonds and obligations.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

The District adheres to environmental regulations, ensuring that its operations meet or exceed state and federal standards. The water treatment facilities employ chlorination to ensure adequate disinfection of the water supply. The District also engages in long-term planning for water resource management, including the development of new water sources.

Management

The management team includes experienced professionals such as Jeff Pyles, who serves as the General Manager, and Donna Strozier, the Assistant Manager. The District has a workforce of about 16 employees dedicated to its operations and service delivery.

Community Impact

The James Fork Regional Water District plays a crucial role in providing essential water services to its community, supporting both residential and commercial users. Its growth and expansion efforts have improved access to clean water across its service area, contributing significantly to local development and public health.