Rockwood Water PUD History
The Early Years
In the 1920s Rockwood was growing, just like the rest of Multnomah County. Without a reliable water supply, the community could not continue the transition from farms to houses. A few early visionaries championed the idea of a Water Special District, which would bring water (and indoor plumbing) to all the houses of the area, and so began our history. An election to form the Rockwood Water District and elect Directors was held on October 14, 1922. By a vote of 263 to 224 the District was formed and the first five Directors of the District were elected. However, the Oregon Supreme Court declared that election void, so it was not until a second election on April 4, 1925 that the Rockwood Water District was officially created.
Rockwood Grange Hall circa 1915. Photo courtesy Gresham Historical Society Research Library image #1424
The first order of business was to develop a water supply. The District built its first well in 1926 and its second in 1931. In 1937 it sold bonds and built a reservoir on Grant Butte. The District continued to grow throughout the 1930s as owners of former farmland, which was turned into subdivisions, requested annexation into the Water District (Multhauf Acres and Ritlow Acres in 1939).
190th and Powell circa 1890s. Photo courtesy Gresham Historical Society Research Library image #1257
By 1943, the Rockwood Water District had 997 service connections in use and needed additional water supply. While the wells had met their needs until then, it became clear the most viable source of additional water supply was the City of Portland Bull Run system. A conduit from the watershed passed through the District. Thus, in 1943 Rockwood signed its first contract with Portland for water supply and continued to do so until 2026.
In 1949 when the District renewed its contract with Portland, the District had to build a 200,000 gallon storage reservoir. It built an elevated tank at 141st and Glisan.
People’s Utility District History
While the Water District was officially formed in 1925, the People’s Utility District was created in 1990. Had it not formed the People’s Utility District, its territory would have been annexed by the cities of Gresham, Portland and Fairview. On May 15, 1990 residents of the District voted to form a People’s Utility District; ensuring its continued existence as an autonomous local government.
The creation of a Water People’s Utility District was unique. Consider the fact that during the 1980s and 90s six water districts (Rose City, Parkrose, Richland, Hazelwood, Gilbert, and Powell Valley Road) that had provided service in Multnomah County for decades were annexed and dissolved. Only Rockwood remains.
The Cascade Groundwater Alliance
Formed in 2020, the Cascade Groundwater Alliance (CGA) is a partnership between Rockwood Water People’s Utility District and the City of Gresham to ensure customers have a safe, reliable, and affordable source of drinking water for the future via groundwater. Together, the Alliance has expanded an independent regional groundwater supply to increase capacity for our 138,000 community members in East Multnomah County. On June 30, 2026 Rockwood Water completed its last contract with the City of Portland to provide Bull Run supplied water. Rockwood Water PUD is now an independent water supplier. For more information on the CGA and the projects completed – click here.
Notice of Election
Click here to see the original Notice of Special Election to form Rockwood Water in 1922.
List of Directors
Click here to see our Board members through history.
Directors Through History
Click here to see historical factoids about some of our Board members and staff.
1970s Aerial Photo of Original Office Location
Click here to view an aerial photo taken in 1970 of our original office location across from the Rockwood Grange Hall.
People’s Utility District Formation
Click here to view the resolution to put the measure to approve the formation of a People’s Utility District (PUD) on the May 15, 1990 ballot.
People’s Utility District Formation
Click here to see the ballot results of the May 1990 election for form a People’s Utility District (PUD).
PUD Proclamation
Click here to see the official proclamation declaring the District as an official PUD!
Click here to view our Field Operations Video.
Click here to view our Evolution Video.
Click here to view our Historical Formation Video.
Click here to print and read our History Brochure.