Washington Water Authority’s legal designation could change to public water authority

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Washington Water Authority’s legal designation could be changed to a public water authority, barring the results of a vote by the Rural Development Authority of Washington County on Friday.

If Washington Water Authority is changed to a public water authority, its users could have more say as to who is on its board, Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins said. He said there could be more grants and loans and could provide a discount on your homeowner’s insurance depending on the area’s fire rating.

“This will bring us into the 21st century,” Deakins said. “This is what will bring Washington Water (Authority) into the opportunity to serve for many, many years ahead. There really is no other choice. Every entity, whether it be at the state level, the federal level or even here locally — in addition to all of our counselors and the attorneys who advise us — say this is the only move that Washington Water (Authority) should make.”

This started after Deakins sent a letter to the Rural Development Authority on July 15, calling for the legal designation to change to a public water authority.

In the letter, he said the former Washington Water Authority board of directors contributed to a “troubled recent history of extreme mismanagement.” Deakins said he’s replaced the board in its entirety since taking office.

Washington Water Authority sent a statement to KNWA/FOX24 in response to receiving the letter.

Washington Water Authority has been governed under the rural development authority statutes for decades.

In 1987, with the guidance from the Arkansas Rural Water Association and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the state adopted the public water authority statutes that were specifically tailored to address the governance and operation of rural water utilities.

With the explosive growth that Northwest Arkansas has experience, County Judge Patrick Deakins deemed it appropriate to reconstitute Washington Water Authority under the PWA statutes.  Among other things, as a PWA, water users rather than County officials will be responsible for electing members of the Board of Directors.  As a result, it is believed that the water company will be much more responsive to the needs of its customers, and this move will better promote the ability of Washington County to provide the clean water resources necessary to secure its future growth and development.

The vast majority of the State’s largest water utilities, including the Benton Washington Regional Public Water Authority, have successfully and efficiently operated as PWA’s.  Additionally, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the entity responsible for providing low interest rate loans and grants for water company expansions, strongly prefers PWA entity status.

Washington Water Authority

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