PORT ANGELES — A wholesale water supply contract with the city of Port Angeles affecting 3,500 of Clallam County Public Utility District’s 3,800 customers was rejected Monday by PUD commissioners.
Clallam PUD General Manager Dennis Bickford said the action could result in the city shutting off its water supply to the district.
But the contract included a 30-day deadline that has passed, and the water is still flowing, he said.
PUD commissioners, meeting Monday at their east Port Angeles headquarters, said they objected to the contract’s requirement that new customers hooking up to the district’s water system sign a no-protest annexation agreement with the city.
They also objected to language in the contract describing the district as “subservient” to the city.
PUD commissioners told their staff to explore other water sources for the district, and ask the county Health Department if the city legally can shut off water service to thousands of people.
PUD Commissioner Hugh Haffner said he objected to being coerced by the city with this “take it or leave it contract.”
The district operates nine water systems: Fairview, Gales, Mount Angeles, Monroe, Carlsborg, Clallam, Panoramic, Evergreen and Island View.
