Water System

The Town of Oliver operates an extensive rural and municipal water system serving approximately 3,500 domestic and commercial connections and providing irrigation water to over 3,000 acres of farm land.

Water is supplied from a combination of underground and surface sources and varies with demand during different seasons. For more information on different components of Oliver's water system and to read the latest on water quality discussions, please follow the links in the left margin of this page.

The Water Utility is operated as a single, self-sufficient entity. Although the rural and municipal water systems do run somewhat independently, their costs and expenses are pooled in a single fund. Major past projects, mostly related to the irrigation supply system, have been jointly shared by all water users. The Water Fund continues to accumulate approximately $170,000 reserves annually to pay for anticipated future water projects, both in and out of town.

Despite 20% water rate increases several years ago to better capitalize the water system, current water charges continue to be a bargain. In 2001, single family residential water user fees were equalized in Town and the surrounding rural areas at $189 per year. This amount, combined with the $60 water parcel tax still amounts to less than $21 per month. This is less than most outside utility bills, including telephone, power, gas or cable television.