News & Press Releases


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2025

Thurston PUD Commissioners Seek to Fill Vacant Commissioner Position for District No. 1

LACEY, Washington – The Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Thurston County (Thurston PUD) are seeking to fill a vacant Commissioner position for PUD District No. 1. This position became vacant after the resignation of Linda Oosterman, the former District No. 1 Commissioner, as of July 31, 2025.

The PUD Commissioners are currently accepting applications for the District No. 1 Commissioner position; paper submissions must be received at PUD Headquarters, located at 1230 Ruddell Road SE, Lacey, WA 98503, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The application for this position is listed on the front page of the PUD’s website at www.thurstonpud.org under “The Latest” or contact John Weidenfeller, General Manager, at (360) 763-5838 or by email at jweidenfeller@thurstonpud.org. Emailed application submissions will not be accepted.

The appointee for the District No. 1 Commissioner position will serve for approximately 14 months, until the November 2026 General Election results are certified. The primary duties of the Commissioner position include: establishing and overseeing PUD policies; adopting by resolution the rules governing the transaction of PUD business; passing an annual budget; approving utility rates, bonds, and other financing; and appointing and/or removing the General Manager.

About Thurston PUD

Established in 1938, Thurston PUD is a special purpose municipal organization located in Lacey, WA. The PUD currently owns and operates 271 water systems, serving a population of approximately 25,000 people, including families, businesses, schools, and parks. Thurston PUD provides water planning and utility services to the citizens of Thurston County and operates water systems in Pierce, Lewis, King, and Grays Harbor counties. The PUD is governed by three Commissioners who are elected by the voters of Thurston County to serve for six years.

For more information on the application process and additional requirements, please visit the PUD’s website at www.thurstonpud.org. You can also click on the links below.

Notice

Application Packet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2024

Lead Action Level Exceedance Notice - Boots and Saddles 662 Water System

OLYMPIA, Washington - Thurston PUD found elevated levels of lead in some homes of the Boots and Saddles 662 drinking water system. Notification was mailed to customers for this water system at the end of October 2024. A copy of the notice can be found below.

Thurston PUD is focused on protecting the health of every household in our communities. More information on lead in drinking water can be found at the links below.

Lead Action Level Exceedance Notice

Lead in Drinking Water Fact Sheet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2024

Thurston PUD Thanks Congresswoman Strickland for Her Support in Securing Funding for the Green Cove Culvert Water Main Replacement Project

OLYMPIA, Washington – Thurston PUD held a celebration event at the Green Cove Creek construction site on Thursday, October 3, 2024, to honor Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for her support in securing funding for the PUD’s water main replacement project. The event was attended by PUD staff, PUD Commissioners, Congresswoman Strickland, the Congresswoman’s staff, and members of the community.

 

PUD staff presents Congresswoman Strickland with

plaque to thank her for her support for this major project.

Thurston PUD provides water to approximately 65 homes on the north side of Green Cove Creek - this service is provided via a six-inch water main that crosses the creek at Country Club Road NW. In Fall 2021, inspectors with Thurston County found that the Green Cove Creek culvert at Country Club Road NW had partially collapsed and emergency repairs were made. The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners approved removing the culvert and constructing a bridge as a permanent fix for the issue.

Construction on this project began in July 2024, and Country Club Road NW was closed to facilitate construction. Thurston PUD is responsible for providing temporary water service to our customers during construction and reinstalling permanent water service after the County's work is completed. Temporary water service was installed in August 2024.

Congresswoman Strickland was able to secure funding for 80 percent of the PUD's estimated cost for this project. The PUD hopes to receive funding for the remainder of this project through a 2024 appropriation in the Washington State Capital Budget - $1 million in funding is expected to be shared between six (6) public utility districts, including our PUD, for fish barrier removal projects.

Funding for this project ensures continuity of water service to Country Club water system customers without a significant rate increase to all PUD customers to cover the cost of the project. Funding for this project also helps improve drinking water infrastructure and restores spawning habitat for salmon and other species of fish.

For more information on the Green Cove Creek project, please visit the PUD’s website at www.thurstonpud.org/projects.htm.

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