HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-1120 Study Session PACKET CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Friday, November 20, 1998, 12:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
1. Ashland Creek Restoration Project and Downstream Improvements
Discussion and Update on Wetlands Demonstration Project.
2. Ashland Fiber Network Update.
3. YMCA Request for waiver of building permit fees.
Agenda\1998\Study Sessions\1998\SSNoM
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YMCA
We build strong kids, ,'R n�fi.r
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November 12, 1998 strong families,strong communities.
Mayor Cathy Shaw t;;
City Hallt
Ashland, OR 97520
Dear Mayor Shaw,
The Ashland Family YMCA's plan to build an aquatic center is well underway. This new aquatic
center is the third phase of our building project begun in 1988. At its regular meeting of the
Ashland City Council held on June 21, 1988, a presentation was made by YMCA Board Member
Alan DeBoer and YMCA Executive Director Carol Jenson describing a three phase YMCA
building project. During this meeting a request was made and approved to waive the building and
permit fees for the building project. Completion of the Program Center(Phase I) in 1990, included
construction for childcare, preschool,fitness,weight room,and office accommodations. When we
built the gymnasium(Phase II) in 1992,the City of Ashland honored its previous promise to waive
the permit fees. We are now hopeful that the City of Ashland will continue to support the YMCA's
facility by waiving the fees on the Aquatic Center, Phase III of the building project originally
described. This would be an immense help and encouragement to us as it would demonstrate that
the City of Ashland supports youth and families in our community through a needed aquatic
facility.
Currently we are still short the necessary funds to complete the project. As you are probably
aware,the YMCA receives no government support- no tax dollars at all. The YMCA raises all
of its money locally from the community(and from an occasional regional foundation). In
addition, no child is turned away from YMCA programs and services due to inability to pay.
Through our programs,the YMCA meets a tremendous amount of community needs,thus
relieving a burden often placed on city government.Together with the support of the City of
Ashland we can make the aquatic center for our community a reality.
We appreciate the support the Ashland City Council has given the youth and families in
our community. It is a comfort that our goals are much the same in that we aim to ensure a bright
future and pleasant lifestyle for the people of Ashland.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Lisa Molnar
Executive Director
cc: Mike Freeman, City Administrator
Ashland Family YMCA • 540 YMCA Way • Ashland,Oregon 97520
541482-9622 • fax: 541482-3348
Ashland YMCA Mission: To work toward the fulfillment of human potential and the enrichment of the
quality of life for those we serve.
NOV-12-98 THU 04 :38 PM ASHLAND FAMILY YMCA
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,w IP OREIJNINARY PL AN9 6
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CITY OF ASHLAND CITY HALL
ASHLAND,OREGON 97520
telephone(code 503)•82-3211
June 27 , 1988
Ms. Carol Jensen
Ashland Family YMCA
1908 Ashland Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Dear Carol:
The Ashland City Council at its regular meeting on June 21 , 1988,
approved the waiver of building permit fees on your proposed new
YMCA facility to be located next to the YMCA/City Park. This
waiver does not include the State Building Permit fee assessment,
or the plan check fee in the event the plan check is contracted
out. However, it is our hope that the plan check can be done "in
house" .
The City Council is pleased to be able to contribute in this way
to the completion of a much-needed community facility.
Sincerely,
t
!1mquist
City Admiratoy
cc: John Fregonese, Director of Planning
Everett Murrell, Building Official '
i
Council Communication
Public Works Department
November 20, 1998
Special Study Session
Submitted by: Paula Brown
Approved by: Mike Freeman
Title:
Update on Prior Recommendations for Flood Improvements and Calle Guanajuato Improvements
Synopsis:
In the summer of 1997, after the January Flood, Otak was hired as the City's consulting engineers
to complete the analysis of the Ashland Creek Flood Restoration Project. The City Council
accepted Otak's Final Report and recommendations at their regularly scheduled City Council
Meeting on November 16, 1997. One year later, it seems appropriate to address the
recommendations and capture the current status and future implementation plans for construction
projects and flood management techniques.
Recommendation:
It is recommend that the City Council review the material and ask for clarification during the
presentation.
Background Information:
The final Otak Report introduced considerable hydrologic and hydraulic detail and three major
themes were defined:
• Immediate Construction Requirements
• Future Construction Recommendations
• Flood Management and Environmental Protection Recommendations
These three categories are briefly discussed below. A summary of all of the recommendations
and the actions taken or being implemented are attached as Exhibit A.
Immediate Construction Requirements
Besides reconstructing the Winbum Bridge to meet the recommended 100-year flood volumes
which have been determined to be 3100 cfs (cubic feet per second), the City completed Otak's
immediate construction recommendations including:
• Constructed a flood wall in Lithia Park to provide greater flood protection
(recommendation 1-1)
• Removed the cantilevered deck from the Calle (recommendation 1-4)
In addition to the immediate construction activities several recommendations were made
regarding the improvements to the upper Ashland Creek area. The Parks Department, through
guidance from their environmental consultant team has completed significant improvements to
the Ashland Creek channel from the Parks Department offices to the new bridge at Winbum
Way. They have completed such items as removing restrictions in the channel (with all
necessary approvals and permits), removed non-habitat, woody debris and tree roots from the
creek, utilized their consultant team in the review of pedestrian bridge structures and the
improvements to Calle Guanajuato, provided interim repairs and erosion control measures to the
pedestrian path behind the Calle along the left bank of the creek channel, and are continuing to
review and recommend channel improving projects in the creek. They are currently in the
process of designing four pedestrian bridges and expect construction to be completed by the end
of the year. Although these pedestrian bridges do not meet the 100-year flood flows,they have
been designed to pass as much unrestricted water flow as possible so as to not impede or restrict
flood or high water flows. Designing to 100-year flood flows would have required additional
hydraulic capacity mapping of the creek channel and much larger, broader bridge structures that
would have over-powered those sections of Ashland Creek.
Future Construction Recommendations
Calle Guanajuato Improvements: Several of the recommendations in Otak's report referred to
future construction activities. Planning for the improvements to Calle Guanajuato was the first
future project undertaken. This is a joint effort between the Parks Department and the City. A
consulting team has been hire to provide the initial concepts for review. There is consideration
provided in the conceptual design phase that incorporates some of the recommendations made in
the Otak report including:
• Existing gunite should be removed, replaced,or reinforced(1-3)
• The City should consider adopting a stream setback ordinance.(1-5)
• Consider construction of a flood wall along Ashland Creek in Calle Guanajuato(1-9)
• Review locations and types of park furniture to minimize the opportunity for these items to
become flood-carried debris (2-4)
• All flood improvements should be designed to pass or accommodate stream flows up to 3100
cfs below the Band Shell(3-1)
• Erosion control measures should be taken for future improvements to Calle Guanajuato and
other areas adjacent to the creek(4-4)
• Adopt guidelines for the types of stream bank protection measures allowed along Ashland Creek
(4-5)
• Any projects proposed within the stream channel should include design elements that will allow
upstream and downstream passage byjuvenile and adult fish(4-7)
• Encourage the direction of recreational activities in the Ashland Creek stream corridor to
appropriate locations.(4-9)
The Parks Department and the City will continue to define the conceptual design elements and
plan to have a public meeting in January to discuss the options and future of the Calle. Many
concepts are being considered and although the Otak recommendations are being evaluated, it is
not certain that all will be incorporated into the final product.
Other Downstream Improvements: Several other bridge structures were recommended for
replacement, including: Water Street bridge/culverts (recommendation 3-2), Lithia Way culvert,
Main Street bridge, Van Ness Avenue culvert and Hersey Street bridge. Otak's recommendation
for the first priority was the Water Street bridge. The City may look at the possibility of
designing improvements to the Water Street bridge this winter.
Improving the flood carrying capacity of the Main Street bridge has been addressed as being a
necessary component of the improvements to the Calle. It will be necessary to discuss possible
funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation within their bridge replacement funds. '
Initial contacts have been made, but nothing firm has been discussed. As mentioned later in this
update, the Main Street bridge causes backwater effects at high flows that add to the high water
levels at the lower end of the Plaza in the Calle.
Flood Management and Environmental Protection Recommendations
Several recommendations were made regarding flood management and environmental protection
of the stream bank. These are discussed in detail on the attached exhibit. From a flood
management perspective, staff, throughout the different departments, learned a considerable
amount from the January 1997 Flood. Modifications to the City's Emergency Management Plan
have been made, and several exercises and training events have taken place. There is a
heightened awareness and understanding of the responsibilities before and during specific
flooding events. The Public Works Department has primary incident response during flood
emergencies.
It is impossible to "flood proof'the City, but there are many provision already made or currently
planned for implementation that will help with responding to a flood emergency.
Split Flow
In addition to the recommendations made by Otak, there has been some community interest in
the idea of"split" flow. The Otak Report clearly indicates that Ashland Creek does not have the
capacity to hold all of the 100-year flows (3 100 cfs) in many of the reaches of the creek. The
attached sheets show the lateral spread of the flood path during different flood conditions:
1) The 100-year flood boundary with only the improvements at Winbum Way and the flood wall
in the Park(figure 8),
2) The 25-year flood boundary with only the improvements at Winbum Way and the flood wall in
the Park(figure 9), and;
3) The 100-year flood boundary with all of the recommended improvements along Ashland Creek
from the bridge at Winburn Way down to the Hersey Street Bridge (figure 12).
The existing improvements at the Winbum Way bridge and the new flood wall in Lithia Park
effectively widens the creek channel above the Winbum Bridge and greatly reduces the
possibility of flooding in the Plaza area. At the end of the flood wall at the sidewalk by the duck
pond, there is the need for sandbags to ensure all of the flows stay in the channel. At this point,
if the water is not restricted, there could be approximately 50-100 cfs of water moving through
that opening at the 100-year flood stage. According to calculations made by the Otak
Council Communication-Update on Flood Improvements and Recommendations
November 20, 1998(PCB) page 3
engineering staff, if this area was not restricted, water could be released at this point, lessening to
some degree, the flows behind the Calle. If unrestricted flows were allowed at this point, the
"great lawn" in the Park would be inundated and some water would flow into the front of the
Plaza but it is doubtful that the flows would breech the curbs (6 inches). At this point, the
recommendation is to sand bag and restrict the water from flowing through this area to reduce the
water and possible flooding in the Plaza area.
The widened creek area at Winbum Bridge also effectively reduces the surface water elevation at
the Hillah Temple area by nearly a foot and a half. The overbank flows, should the water breech
the channel at the Hillah Temple would return to the creek downstream near the restroom
facilities. There is a possibility of some sheet flow on Winbum Way in the street, and in some
conditions, the water will remain flowing in the street over the Winbum Bridge. Again, it is
most probable that these flows would be curb height only.
With the Winburn Bridge improvements, there is additional flow capacity in the Creek behind
the Calle during the 100-year flood conditions. Prior to the construction of Winbum Bridge,
approximately 2400 cfs of water would have passed through the bridge. With the new conditions
and because of potential backwater effects at the Main Street bridge, there is a likelihood of up to
2 feet of additional water behind the Calle. However, this past January's flood did not show
"typical" conditions even for pre-construction effect. There were two other issues that impacted
the flood conditions; the culvert at Winbum Way was plugged and at times there was more water
along the back of the Calle than in the creek channel, and the debris at the cantilever observation
deck also restricted flood flows and forced the flow out of the creek channel. These two
conditions did not represent typical flows. Without restrictions, it is likely that the water would
remain in the creek, yet overtop the natural banks and flow into the Calle.
Further downstream, the conditions with all of the recommended flood improvements (figure 12)
as compared to the current conditions with the Winbum Bridge and flood wall (figure 8) show an
increased impact at 31 Water Street and a diminished flood impact further downstream along a
couple stretches of Water Street. The most significant constrictions are with the buildings in the
Bluebird Park area and 31 Water Street. If the Lithia Way culvert is improved as recommended,
the water level in Bluebird park would lower approximately 3 feet, and would lower the water
level to approximately 6 inches below the patio at the Thai Pepper Restaurant. There will still be
overtopping of the creek channel below Lithia Way culvert along Water Street
The Water Street culvert is also a constriction point with the current twin culverts capable of only
handling 700 cfs. With the proposed arched culvert, the channel could handle 2000 cfs,
significantly reducing the amount of flow down along Water Street, and would thereby reduce
the flood impact along the street side of the Water Side Inn. The Water Side Inn will still
experience flooding impacts but perhaps some can be mitigated or managed better.
In any event, to further look at "splitting" the flow intentionally is not practical. From a flood
management perspective, if there are high waters and flooding expected, the Public Works
Department would look at various areas to try and contain the majority of the water in the flood
way and expanded creek channel.
Council Communication-Update on Flood Improvements and Recommendations
November 20, 1998(PCB) page 4
OTAK RECOMMENDATIONS
These recommendations were presented in the Final Report of the Ashland Creek Flood Restoration
Project. Otak presented these recommendations in five categories including:
l: Flood Control
2: Flood Management Plan
3: Flood Design Standard Improvements
4: Habitat and the Environment
5: Aesthetic Considerations and Community Character
For the purpose of these recommendations, "stream channel" is defined as the area between the top of
banks; "stream corridor" is generally defined as the area within the flood plain; and "significant impact'
is defined as impacts considered significant by City staff and the professionals working on the project.
ACTIONS TAKEN ARE PRESENTED IN UPPER CASE
1: Flood Control
We [Otak] recommend that the City should endeavor to provide measures for flood control along
Ashland Creek to reduce the risk of flood damage to public and private properties. The following
recommendations will improve flood conveyance and reduce flood risks.
• Recommendation 1-1: Construct a flood wall in Lithia Park to provide greater flood
protection.
COMPLETE
• Recommendation 1-2: The City should seek to maintain a specific channel capacity for
Ashland Creek.
The typical existing channel capacity of Ashland Creek is about 1,500 cfs,and the recommendation
is that this capacity be maintained in the future. The hydraulic capacity of the creek channel is the
amount of water it can convey at bank full depth. Outside the banks of the creek,there is still flood
plain which can convey greater flood flows. Maintaining a specific channel capacity will ensure that
there are no encroachments in the channel, which will prevent the creek from passing the maximum
amount of water.
AS RECOMMENDED THE MINIMUM CHANNEL CAPACITY WILL BE MAINTAINED AT
1500 CFS. FUTURE STRUCTURES(BRIDGES)BELOW THE BAND SHELL WILL BE
CONSTRUCTED TO HANDLE THE 100-YEAR FLOOD AT 3100 CFS.
• Recommendation 1-3: Existing gunite should he removed, replaced, or reinforced
THIS WILL BE ANALYZED WITH THE FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO CALLE
GUANAJUATO
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 1
• Recommendation 1-4: The cantilevered deck should be removed from the Calle.
COMPLETED
• Recommendation 1-5: The City should consider adopting a stream setback ordinance.
The Physical and Environmental Constraints chapter(adopted in 1994)of the Ashland Land Use
Ordinance requires that development in the flood way, in creek corridors, and in other sensitive areas
undergo environmental review. However, development within the stream corridor is still permitted,
provided that City staff find that the criteria for review are met. A stream setback ordinance would
establish a no-build line, and would provide both habitat and flood protection. A stream setback
ordinance could be complementary to the Physical and Environmental Constraints chapter.
PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY'DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL WORK
TOGETHER TO COMPLETE THIS RECOMMENDATION
• Recommendation 1-6. The City should consider designating existing buildings in the flood
way as "nonconforming structures or uses".
This issue will be a political one, and the City will need to consider the variety of positions held by
property owners and citizens. The main question in determining how much or little regulation to
place on structures in the flood way is the degree of risk they pose for the greater community. The
City should examine this question,and based on the consensus within the community, make changes
to current regulations or allow them to remain the same. The positions outlined below are examples,
and they vary in their degree of regulation. The City will need to balance the greater public good
with the past precedent of building within the flood way and the rights of the property owner.
If the City chooses to designate buildings in the flood way as nonconforming, there are degrees of
regulation which can be imposed. Currently, nonconforming structures or uses are allowed to be
expanded or remodeled through the conditional use permit procedure. The City may wish to
designate structures in the flood way as nonconforming and continue to allow their enlargement or
reconstruction through this procedure. The City could also determine that structures in the flood way
are hazardous to the community, and could add a category under 18.68.090(A)of the Land Use
Ordinance,to state that structures within the flood way may not be enlarged, extended, reconstructed,
or structurally altered without meeting the standards contained in Chapter 18.62 on Physical and
Environmental Constraints of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance. As another option, the City could
determine that structures in the flood way are such a hazard to the greater community that
reconstruction of buildings destroyed or severely damaged by flood,fire, or other hazard will not be
permitted.
NOT COMPLETE- WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AT A
FUTURE TIME
• Recommendation 1-7: The two waterlines crossing Ashland Creek Lithia Park Reach between
the bridge to the old park maintenance shop and Nutley Street should
be lowered to prevent reduction of the hydraulic capacity of the creek
at these locations.
NOT COMPLETE- WILL BE REVIEWED WITH THE PARKS DEPARTMENT AS A FUTURE
IMPROVEMENT TO ASHLAND CREEK
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 2
• Recommendation 1-8: Construct a low flood wall from the Butler band shell along the
eastern side of the pedestrian walkway to the vicinity of Atkinson
Memorial Bridge.
... Ashland Creek presently has less than 25-year flood capacity upstream of the new Winbum Way
bridge. Depth of flooding during the 100-year event, without the recommended flood wall, will be
nearly one foot on Winburn Way near the Lithia Park Cafe and ice skating rink. If the flood wall is
not constructed, major sandbagging in these areas might be an effective method of reducing or
preventing major flood damage.
THERE ARE NO CURRENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A FLOOD WALL IN THIS LOCATION.
THIS RECOMMENDATION WILL BE REVIEWED WITH THE PARKS DEPARTMENT FOR
FUTURE ACTION AS APPROPRIATE.
• Recommendation 1-9: The Parks and Recreation Commission should consider construction
of a flood wall along Ashland Creek in the Calle Guanajuato.
BEING CONSIDERED BY THE PARKS DEPARTMENT AND CITY AS A PART OF THE
DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE OF CALLE GUANAJUATO
2: Flood Management Plan
To reduce the risk of property damage during flood events, the City should prepare a flood management
plan that will establish policy for managing the Ashland Creek flood way. The City should also consider
refinements to the emergency response plan.
• Recommendation 2-1: An annual review offlood hazard conditions should be conducted
WAS COMPLETED THIS YEAR AS A PART OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENT LITHIA PARK/
ASHLAND CREEK RESTORATION PLAN AND WILL BE CONTINUED ANNUALLY
THEREAFTER
• Recommendation 2-2: The City and Park Commission should on an annual basis remove
woody debris within the flood plain that is floatable and not providing
aquatic habitat.
WAS COMPLETED THIS YEAR AS A PART OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENT LITHIA PARK/
ASHLAND CREEK RESTORATION PLAN AND WILL BE CONTINUED ANNUALLY
THEREAFTER
• Recommendation 1-3: The City and Parks and Recreation Commission, within their
respective jurisdictions should conduct a yearly assessment of the
physical condition of creek side trees that could potentially topple into
the creek during high water events.
WAS COMPLETED THIS YEAR AS A PART OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENT LITHIA PARK/
ASHLAND CREEK RESTORATION PLAN AND WILL BE CONTINUED ANNUALLY
THEREAFTER. THIS IS A PART OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENTS ONGOING
MAINTENANCE OF THE CREEK CHANNEL.
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 3
• Recommendation 2-4: The Parks Commission should review the locations and types of park
furniture in flood-prone areas along Ashland Creek to minimize the
opportunity jar these items to become flood-carried debris.
VERY LITTLE PARKS FURNITURE HAS BEEN REPLACED SINCE THE FLOOD, BUT ONCE
IT IS REPLACED, THIS WILL BE A CONSIDERATION
• Recommendation 2-5: The City should designate a staff member as the flood management
reviewer to make decisions about flood management activities.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WILL TAKE ON THE ROLE TO COORDINATE WITH THE
PARKS DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS FOR THIS FUNCTION
• Recommendation 2-6. The City should consider the following recommendations to refine the
existing Emergency Response Plan.
• Recommendation 2-6a: The City should designate a Flood Emergency Response Coordinator
who will make all decisions relating to the flood emergency.
• Recommendation 2-6b: The Emergency Response Coordinator should pre-assign foreseeable
Emergency Response tasks to specific individuals.
• Recommendation 2-6c: The Emergency Response Coordinator should plan for emergency
communication, particularly anticipating that phone lines or cellular
phones will not be functional.
• Recommendation 2-6d: The Emergency Response Coordinator should have equipment contacts
ready for emergencies. This includes an inventory list of various types
of readily available public and private equipment which could be used in
the event of an emergency.
• Recommendation 2-6e: The City should maintain a sandbag stockpile, but not store sandbags in
a filled condition. The City could purchase a sandbag filling machine to
speed response time during floods.
• Recommendation 2-6f: During flood conditions, the left bank near the rose garden should be
sandbagged(Stations 109+00 and 110+00).
• Recommendation 2-6g: During flood conditions, the new Lithia Park flood wall should be
sandbagged at the pedestrian walkway near the duck pond.
• Recommendation 2-6h: Park furniture should be removed from the flood way whenever the
likelihood of a flood is high.
• Recommendation 2-6i: A procedure should be established for contacting at-risk properties
during expected high water periods.
• Recommendation 2-6j: The Emergency Response Coordinator should conduct annual training
and drills for City staff and key volunteers(i.e., high school service
clubs, Boy Scouts, etc.).
THE MAJORITY OF THESE MANAGEMENT ITEMS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. THE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WILL BE THE RESPONSIBLE "FLOOD MANAGER" DURING
FLOOD EMERGENCIES. COORDINATION BETWEEN THE PARKS DEPARTMENT AND
OTHER RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS WILL BE COMPLETED.
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 4
3: Flood Design Standard and Improvements
When improvements are proposed to Ashland Creek, the City should ensure that reasonable efforts are
made to design them to convey without any backwater effect or withstand the I00-year flood. Some
practical exceptions may be appropriate where improvements are made to existing structures.
• Recommendation 3-1: All flood improvements should be designed to pass or accommodate
stream flows up to 3100 cfs,from the band shell downstream.
WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO FUTURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
• Recommendation 3-2: The Water Street bridge should be replaced
The Water Street twin culvert crossing currently has a low conveyance capacity,and can cause flood
impacts by flood water overflowing Water Street up and downstream of the culverts. Sufficient
economic justification exists to support its replacement with an appropriately sized structure(see
Recommendation 3-1)as soon as possible.
WILL BE REVIEWED AS A POSSIBLE FLOOD MITIGATION AND IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT DURING FY 99
• Recommendation 3-3: Pedestrian bridges downstream from the band shell should be designed
to pass the 100-year flood event, or otherwise be designed to minimize
flood hazards.
ALTHOUGH THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES ARE NOT BEING DESIGNED OR CONSTRUCTED
TO PASS THE 100-YEAR FLOOD EVENT,THEY WILL BE CONSTRUCTED SO AS TO
MAXIMIZE UNRESTRICTED FLOWS AND MINIMIZE OBSTRUCTIONS AND FLOOD
HAZARDS
4: Habitat and the Environment
The City and Park Commission should endeavor to maintain,encourage,and improve aquatic,riparian,
and wildlife habitat as part of any project for altering or improving Ashland Creek and its bridges,
crossings, utility installations,recreational facilities, and any other construction that may impact the
stream. Habitat enhancement projects that are independent of public works or parks capital improvement
projects should also be encouraged.
• Recommendation 4-1: The City should continue to endorse and to follow the Valdez
Principles.
THE CITY IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING TO ENFORCE THE VALDEZ PRINCIPLES
• Recommendation 4-2: Develop and adopt a plan for removing,repairing, and maintaining
pedestrian bridges in Lithia Park to minimize flood damage to bridges,
park property, and downstream areas.
THE ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HAS ADOPTED
RECOMMENDATIONS AND AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO REPLACE,RELOCATE,
REPAIR, OR REMOVE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES IN LITHIA PARK.
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 5
• Recommendation 4-3: New pedestrian bridge locations and layouts should be approved by a
qualified environmental consulting firm.
NEW DESIGNS FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES ARE BEING REVIEWED BY A QUALIFIED
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM HIRED BY THE PARKS DEPARTMENT TO
ENSURE THAT THE BRIDGES ARE OPTIMALLY SITED TO REDUCE BANK
UNDERCUTTING AND EROSION, AND MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL HABITAT.
• Recommendation 4-4: Erosion control measures should be taken for future improvements to
the Calle Guanajuato and to other areas adjacent to the creek.
INCORPORATED WITH THE FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CALLE
• Recommendation 4-5: The City and Parks and Recreation Commission should adopt
guidelines for the types of stream bank protection measures allowed
along Ashland Creek.
PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL
WORK TOGETHER TO COMPLETE THIS RECOMMENDATION.
• Recommendation 4-6. The City and Parks and Recreation Commission should establish a
review procedure for proposed planting or removal of woody
vegetation in the stream corridor.
ONGOING PROCESS COORDINATED BETWEEN THE PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT. RELATES TO 4-5.
• Recommendation 4-7: Any projects proposed within the stream channel should include
design elements that will allow upstream and downstream passage by
juvenile and adult fish,particularly steelhead and salmon.
ONGOING PROCESS COORDINATED BETWEEN THE PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT. ALL FUTURE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE CREEK CHANNEL
REQUIRE MULTI-AGENCY PERMITS TO ENSURE FISH PASSAGE.
Recommendation 4-8: The City should establish a procedure to evaluate proposed projects
within the stream channel or stream corridor for potential impacts,
including short-term, long-term, and cumulative, to fish and wildlife
habitat and stream hydrology and hydraulics.
ONGOING PROCESS COORDINATED BETWEEN THE PARKS,COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
• Recommendation 4-9: The City and Parks and Recreation Commission should encourage the
direction of recreational activities in the Ashland Creek stream
corridor to appropriate locations.
"Appropriate" in this case means those locations where no harm will result to the ecological or
structural integrity of the urban stream corridor from recreational activities.
ONGOING PARKS DEPARTMENT PROCESS
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 6
• Recommendation 4-10: The City should meet with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(ODFW) to determine ODFW fish production goals for Ashland
Creek.
THE PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS DEPARTMENT MET WITH ODFW, CORPS OF
ENGINEERS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS (DSL)TO RECEIVE GUIDANCE
FOR FUTURE IMPROVMENTS. THIS PROCESS WILL CONTINUE.
• Recommendation 4-11: The City should review the Environmental Report's (Appendix Four)
recommended short-term improvements and develop a plan for their
implementation.
COORDINATED EFFORT WITH PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
• Recommendation 4-12: The City should review the Environmental Report's(Appendix Four)
recommended long-term improvements and determine which of these
to adopt. A long range plan for implementing the improvements
should be developed
THIS WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PARKS COMMISSION
AS APPROPRIATE AT A FUTURE TIME
• Recommendation 4-13: The duck pond outflow should be connected to the city sanitary sewer
system.
UNDER REVIEW AND DISCUSSION.
5: Aesthetic Considerations and Community Character
To enrich the character of the community,the City should take aesthetic and architectural considerations
into account as part of any project for altering or improving Ashland Creek and its bridges, crossings,
utility installations,and recreational facilities.
• Recommendation 5-1: Community involvement should guide aesthetic decisions for
future improvements.
ONGOING PROCESS
Actions Taken as a Result of Otak Recommendations
November 1998(PCB) Exhibit A -Page 7
- 41
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M 44110D7
` Council Communication
Public Works Department
November 20, 1998
Special Study Session
Submitted by: Paula Brown�l
Approved by: Mike Freeman
Title:
Update on the Progress of the Demonstration Wetlands System Project
Synopsis:
Upon completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant(W WTP) Facilities Plan(1995), the City
Council directed the further study of a constructed wetlands system for evaluation of potential
reductions in phosphorus and temperature of the"polished" W WTP effluent for possible direct
release into the creek. Cascade Earth Sciences (CES)was the successful bidder to design, build,
monitor, and evaluate the project. They began the process in the June of 1996. Originally, the
project was to be completed by December 1998, but the contract has been extended ten months to
accommodate several unforseen impacts to the process.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council review the information and ask questions during the
presentation, redirecting staff and the consultant as necessary.
Background Information:
❑ Initial Construction
The Demonstration Wetlands System Project has been operational for a little over a year.
Construction of the wetlands ponds and filters was completed in July 1997. Data collection began in
September 1997. Because of the delay in beginning data collection, it was decided to continue with
the project through the end of September 1999 to obtain two full growth cycles of data.
❑ Outside Influences on Progress
Spring and Summer of 1998 were not been kind and there were several outside impacts on the
Wetlands Project. The Greenway (County) Multi-Use Trail began construction adjacent to the
wetlands ponds in July. Their initial intent was to traverse the edge of the upper pond. The Parks
and Public Works Department staffs met with the Greenway representatives to determine another
course of action. To keep the Greenway Trail surface within ADA requirements, the upper pond
required a much steeper berm. During construction, the contractor hit and disrupted the influent line
to the Wetlands Project on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, this happened during the height
of the growing season and the Wetlands System was inoperable for two three-week periods during
July and August. This and miscellaneous pump problems in June and July caused some serious data
gaps during this first full growing season.
❑ Aesthetics
Natural weeds are especially prevalent at the site around the ponds and filter beds. This year's wet
spring enabled a fairly quick and significant growth of vetch and other weeds. By August, because
the irrigation system was not working (also damaged by the Greenway construction)the starthistle ;
was rampant along the east side between the Dog Park and the Wetlands. Although the weeds do not
negatively impact the Wetlands Process, they are a nuisance and negatively detract from the
aesthetics of the project. The general unkept appearance of the site has been especially noticeable
this fall after the completion of the Greenway.
Although the initial planting and ancillary watering was a part of the CES contract, it is not CES's
primary responsibility. The Parks Department has been helpful by eradicating the weeds and
mowing the area. Their assistance has helped the appearance of the area dramatically. Because the
irrigation system has been disrupted by the Greenway construction, the Parks Department will help
re-landscape and set up the sprinkler system next spring. CES will maintain the site and ensure the
area is watered per Parks Department advice.
On a positive note, the Wetlands is attracting several species of birds and ducks, and the plants in the
Wetlands ponds are developing nicely and have reached maturity.
❑ Monitoring and Evaluation
CES is required to provide full monitoring and evaluation data twice a year. The monitoring is
conducted on a weekly and monthly basis with some concentrated monitoring during the spring and
summer. Initial data is showing that the Wetlands System was performing well. All of last spring's
data showed reductions from what was entering the Wetlands from the Wastewater Treatment Plant
(W WTP)to what was being discharged after being processed through the Wetlands System. CES
performs tests on total nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen,total phosphorus,total flow and
temperature.
One of the primary goals for this demonstration project is to show a reduction in phosphorus levels
to the DEQ limit of 0.08 mg/I (milligrams per liter). Although phosphorus levels have shown a
significant reduction as the water processes through the Wetlands, the range has shown a low of
approximately 0.2(Nov 97)to an average which has been between 0.4 - 0.8 mg/I, this is still not
acceptable to DEQ for the waste discharge limits set for the W WTP discharge permit for direct
release to the creek. Phosphorus data is shown on the attached sheets.
❑ Costs to Date
CES has a contract with the City for a total of$439,515. The contract was written as a design, build
and evaluate the project. Approximately $110,000 (25%)was spent on the initial design and
professional/technical expenses during the construction of the project. Nearly $254,000(58%) was
expended during the construction phase. The City has paid CES $386,517 to date (88%). The
remaining contract expenses($53,000) are designated for monitoring, data gathering, analysis,
laboratory services, evaluation and final report.
❑ Concerns
CES is taking steps to ensure project success, but is experiencing financial difficulties. CES is
committed to the project's success, and have taken steps to reduce costs, yet efficiently manage and
monitor the project. All of the steps CES has taken to date have helped them meet the project needs
and goals at a reduced cost without diminishing the importance of the project.
Currently, the data does not support the long term use of the Wetlands System for direct discharge to
Ashland or Bear Creek. Although the initial data has shown significant reductions in phosphorous
levels through the Wetlands,the data is not strong, and does not show a reliable reduction on a daily
basis. Staff will continue to work with CES for the project's success
Council Communication-status Update Demonstration Wetlands System Project
November 20, 1998(PCB) page 2
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I
CITY OF ASHLAND J'�F ASry
Department of Public Works
Administration/Directors Office -
r
MEMORANDUM
„•OREGOa,.
DATE: November 10, 1998
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Paula C. Brown, Public Works Director/City Engineer
RE: COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN -TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
NO.1, ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND AND SUPPLY
Attached is a copy of Technical Memorandum No. 1,Estimated Water Demand and Supply. Much
of this information was presented to the City Council during various update sessions and Special
Study Sessions. The information contained in this document includes current and future projections
for water demand through the year 2050, identification and evaluation of our water supply sources,
and impacts during drought years. Impacts of the City's conservation program and the future of the
conservation and potential curtailment options during drought years are also addressed. Finally,this
document derives conclusions and recommendations for analysis to meet the future water demand
requirements.
Technical Memorandum No. 2 will address all of the alternatives and is expected to be complete in
the next two weeks. Technical Memorandum No.2 will be forwarded to you prior to our scheduled
Study Session on December 7th.
Also included is the packet is information that was prepared for the Water Forum that will take place
November 10th.
If you have any questions,please contact me at 552-2411.
Should you decide not to keep the copy of Technical Memomdum No. 1, please return it to me for
recycling.
Cc: Mike Freeman, City Administrator
Greg Scoles, Assistant City Administrator
Jill Turner, Finance Director
Dick Wanderschied, Administrative Services Director
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
Water Advisory Group Members(xerox copy)
Ashland Library
t
PROFIno
L ORF
ap, °l
F�le£RTRAM�\�S
E CC7rOLLO
CITY OF ASHLAND
COMPREHENSIVE WATER
SUPPLY PLAN
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 1
ESTIMATED WATER
DEMAND AND SUPPLY
October 1998
W:W676AOO Zl COV.WPD /
C I
CITY OF ASHLAND
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 1
ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND AND SUPPLY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
No.
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Review of the 1989 Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Review of the 1994 Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
WATER DEMAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Existing Water Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Updated Baseline Water Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Unaccounted for Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Population Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Water Demand Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Conservation and Curtailment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
WATER SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Ashland Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Talent Irrigation District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
System Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Basis of Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Sensitivity Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Drought Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
TIDSupply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Curtailment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
APPENDICES:
A - Historical Water Use
B - Water Rights Summary
C - Supply and Demand Analysis
D - Population Projections
W^ 676AWdMX01t=-P0 TOC-1
CITY OF ASHLAND
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 1
ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND AND SUPPLY
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
No. No.
1 Water Consumption by Account from October 1996 to September 1997 . . . . . . . 1-6
2 Projected Population and Water Demands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
3 Ashland Creek Stream Flow (in million gallons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
4 Estimated Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
5 Estimated Supply Deficits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
' No.
1 Water Use by Customer Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
2 Water Usage Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
3 Baseline Demand with Conservation and Curtailment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
4 Supply Analysis - Severe Drought in 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
5 Supply Analysis - Worst Case Drought in 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
6 Estimated Total Annual Deficit - No Conservation, No Curtailment . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
7 Supply Analysis in 2020 - 20 Percent Conservation, 10 Percent Curtailment . . . 1-18
8 Supply Analysis in 2020 - 20 Percent Conservation, 25 Percent Curtailment . . . 1-19
9 Deficit Coverage for Recommend Planning Case Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
W:N676AO M\01tO -Pd TOC-2
Technical Memorandum No. 1
ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND AND SUPPLY
INTRODUCTION
Previous studies of the City of Ashland water supply have concluded that the available
supply is not sufficient to meet the long term needs of the City, particularly under drought
conditions. This document updates the previous studies by comparing the estimated
future water demand to the estimated available water supply.
The water demand and supply estimates developed in this document will be used to
assess the limitations of the existing supply system. The findings and conclusions will
serve as the basis for an evaluation of water supply alternatives, to be completed
separately as part of the overall scope of work for this project.
SCOPE
The scope of work for this evaluation includes a review of current water use and demand
patterns to estimate future water demand through 2050. Also included is a review and
update of the available water supply (yield) from the City's existing sources.
To update the previous work we intended to estimate the future demand by first projecting
the number of future services by customer class (i.e., single family residential,
commercial, industrial, etc.), then multiply these projections by the estimated demand per
service for each classification. However, estimates of growth by customer class could not
be readily developed from the City's existing long range planning information, or other
outside sources such as County employment and housing projections.
For this reason, future water demand estimates in this document are developed using
population projections and estimated per capita water demand. This method is consistent
with water demand estimates developed in previous work.
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
The City has completed two water planning studies (Montgomery Engineers, 1977 and
R.W. Beck, 1989). Most recently, the City completed an evaluation of projected water
demands (Synergic Resource Corporation (SRC), 1994).
Review of the 1989 Report
The 1989 report estimated the annual yield from the City's sources as 4,885 acre/ft (1,590
million gallons [MGj). This yield was developed based on an historical drought scenario
with an assumed probability of occurrence of 1 in 50 years. In reviewing the report we
noted the following:
W.W676A00Vm\01.Wpd 1-1 October 28, 1998
• The estimated yield did not include available water supply from the City's 1966
agreement with Talent Irrigation District (TID). At the time the report was completed
the agreement was assumed to expire in 1996. The City is currently in the process
of re-negotiating the terms of the agreement and it will be renewed. Based on
discussions with City staff the supply is considered to be reliable.
We have accounted for the additional supply available from TID, as discussed in
Section 5.
• The estimated yield was identified as an annual yield, then compared to projected
annual demands to estimate a supply deficit. Using this approach it is possible to
estimate an annual deficit, or an average monthly deficit (calculated by averaging
the annual deficit over each month of the year). A drawback of this approach is
that a projection of an annual deficit does not accurately depict the distribution of
deficit by month, which can be significant during the high demand summer
months. Averaging the annual deficit for each month also does not allow for an
accurate distribution of the deficit because deficits do not typically occur on an
"average" condition throughout the year.
To get a better perspective on the overall distribution of supply deficit throughout
the drought period, we have summed the estimated monthly deficits. This is
discussed further in Section 6.
Review of the 1994 Report
The 1994 report evaluated future water needs and potential for demand reduction via
conservation. The report identified a number of conservation related activities (i.e.,
landscape audits, plumbing retrofits, leak detection, etc.) that could achieve an overall
reduction in water demand by as much as 500,000 gallons/day. The City has made
significant progress toward achieving this goal. Programs implemented to date have
achieved an estimated demand reduction of approximately 415,000 gallons/day.
We have updated the baseline water demand to account for the City's conservation
reduction. This is discussed further below.
WATER DEMAND .
Existing Water Demand
Figure 1 shows total water usage by customer class from 1993 to 1998. From this data
monthly usage indexes for each water year were developed. The index is the ratio of the
monthly water usage to the average monthly water usage for that year. These indexes
provide a way to quantify any trends in water usage — such as seasonal usage patterns—
as well trends in usage by customer class. Water usage indexes for the period 1993 to
1998 for each customer class are included in Appendix A.
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Figure 2 shows the water usage index for the years 1993 to 1998, based on total system
demands from all customers. The graph shows that there are consistent, observable
trends in water usage.
These trends establish the baseline demand pattern from which we projected future
monthly demands.
Updated Baseline Water Demand
For this evaluation we selected the water demand from 1996 to 1997 as the baseline water
demand condition. This water usage pattern is thought to be the most representative
demand distribution pattern over the last ten years of record for the following reasons:
• Consistent Trend. As shown in Figure 2, the usage pattern has been very similar
over the last three years. The fact that the water usage pattern was repeated for
three consecutive years is an indication of a recent water usage trend within the
City, making it a reasonable baseline to project future system usage. In addition,
during this period the City was not affected by extreme climatic conditions (such as
the prolonged drought conditions of 1988-1993), which can skew the usage
patterns from established trends.
The 1996-1997 data was used for the baseline because it represents the most
recent year of record.
• Conservation is Considered. As noted above, the City has realized a significant .
reduction in demand due to various conservation programs initiated since 1992. .
The conservation program is at least partially responsible for the consistent water
usage trend over the last several years. This is confirmed by the fact that over the
last several years water usage trends (and total water sales) have remained
relatively constant even though the number of new accounts has increased. By
using the recent water usage pattern as a baseline, we have accounted for
conservation savings that would otherwise not be accurately reflected in historical
demand data.
Table 1 highlights water usage statistics from October 1996 to September 1997. The
period October through September is shown because it represents a "water year" as
described by the classical hydrology analysis. This is a convenient period to analyze the
impacts of seasonal demand versus available supply, particularly during drought
conditions. Comparing available supply to demand during the critical water supply months
of late summer and early fall also helps to identify the "carryover" impacts of drought. This
is useful because the impacts of drought often begin several months prior to a given water
year (i.e., July through September) and extend into the subsequent water year (i.e.,
October through November).
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Table 1 Water Consumption by Account from October 1996 to September 1997
City of Ashland
•
Comprehensive Water Supply Plan`
Average Peak Total
_ Monthly Monthly„ Annual. Percentage
Demand Demand - Demand of Annual
Account Type (mgal) `: (mgal) (mgal) Demand .
Commercial 12.4 19.6 148.3 14.8
Governmental 3.6 4.4 43.1 4.3
Industrial 0.1 0.2 0.7 0.1
Municipal 1.0 2.1 12.0 1.2
Multi-Family 14.3 20.4 172.1 17.1
Residential 39.1 75.0 469.5 46.8
Commercial/Res 1.2 2.6 14.1 1.4
idential
Irrigation 11.9 38.8 142.9 14.3
Total 83.6 163.1 1,002.7 100.0
Note: Demands represent metered usage and do not include line losses.
Unaccounted for Water
The demands listed in Table 1 represent metered sales for each account type, but do not
show Unaccounted for Water (UFW). Actual water delivered to the system is higher
because UFW includes water that is delivered to the system but is not actually metered
due to pipeline leaks, inaccurate meters, main flushing, fire fighting, etc. Previous historical
water delivery has been high in comparison to actual metered sales due to a high
percentage of UFW. As a result of the City's ongoing leak detection program, the UFW
has decreased significantly.
For this evaluation UFW will be treated as a separate demand, at 10 percent of the
metered sales. This UFW percentage is within acceptable levels and is considered
reasonable for long term demand forecasting.
Population Projections
Previous water demand analyses prepared for the City have used population growth
estimates as the basis for forecasting future water demands (Beck 1989, SRC 1994). The
most recent of these reports estimated the incremental population increase at a rate of
approximately 1 percent per year. The actual rate of increase over the last several years
W:W676AOOVm\01.WPd 1-6 October 28, 1998
has been higher than predicted, averaging 1.4 percent. This annual growth rate is
consistent with the growth rate in the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Water Demand Projections
For this evaluation the projected demand is the mathematical product of total population
and per capita consumption. Using the 1997 population estimate as the baseline, we
prepared demand projections using a population growth rate of 1.4 percent per year.
The baseline metered per capita water usage based on the 1996-1997 water year and the
1997 historical population is 148 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). However, to project
future demand estimates we assumed daily per capita consumption of 140 gpcd. This
downward adjustment to the baseline demand was made in order to be consistent with the
City's planning philosophy for future conservation (see discussion below).
Table 2 shows the population and demand projections through buildout, which is
assumed as the year 2050. The demand analysis assumes that the per capita usage
remains constant through buildout. We believe this assumption is reasonable since the
City's conservation program is well underway and additional significant demand-side
reductions are not expected.
Table 2 Projected Population(')and Water Deman ids(2)
City of Ashland .4 L f £
rs `J}" ..Comprehensive Water Supply Plan F
r " * 1:4%Growth Rate '
r
Population,Demand (mgai)
,Y luYn4.�`KNCwr..—.�vW.� ....iuia'.Luv.. •I. _..+_.a2. .. .. .YS......,.....�v.s.T..... ......tea la_u..f.[ >_« .v1':.
1998 18,820 1,069
2000 19,350 1,099
2005 20,743 1,178
2010 22,237 1,263
2015 23,838 1,353
2020 25,554 1,451
2050 35,065 1,991
(1) Assumes a constant growth rate through the year 2020, with a 2% relative drop in
growth rate for each successive year.
(2) Assumes water usage of 140 gpcd and additional demand of 10%for UFW.
w:w676aooum\oi.wpd 1-7 October 28, 1998
Conservation and Curtailment
Peak summertime demands in Ashland can range from 1.5 to 3 times the average annual
demands. This high seasonal water use is indicative of increased outdoor use (for
residential and irrigation accounts) and increased indoor use due to tourist activity (for the
commercial/residential accounts). Based on our review of historical summertime water
usage data we believe that a reduction in some of the seasonal peak usage is possible, if
new conservation programs are implemented. For planning purposes we have assumed
new conservation programs will be implemented in the City, with a target emphasis of
reducing outdoor water use. We have assumed that the new conservation programs will
result in an additional 20 percent reduction in summertime demands from the three largest
water usage account types (residential, multi-family, and commercial). This number was
selected for planning based on input from City staff and the City's Water Advisory Group.
This summertime conservation objective is considered aggressive, but is consistent with
the City's overall philosophy to implement proactive conservation programs.
In extreme drought conditions summertime water usage can be further reduced by
implementation of curtailment programs. For planning purposes two curtailment scenarios
were identified: voluntary and mandatory. Voluntary curtailment is assumed to provide a
10 percent demand reduction. Mandatory curtailment is assumed to provide an additional
15 percent demand reduction (i.e., total demand reduction after implementation of
mandatory curtailment is 10 + 15 = 25 percent). These curtailment levels are consistent
with other utilities that have implemented aggressive demand side reduction by
curtailment programs during drought. These curtailment levels are assumed in addition to
demand reduction by conservation.
Figure 3 shows the effect of conservation and curtailment during June to September on
the average annual per capita demand. The figure illustrates that a 20 percent reduction in
summertime demand by new conservation programs will reduce summer peak demand,
and correspondingly reduce the per capita usage from the current value of 148 gpcd to
the expected future value of 140 gpcd. Curtailment further reduces the summer peak such
that the average annual consumption is reduced to 133 and 121 gpcd, for voluntary and
mandatory levels, respectively.
WATER SUPPLY
Ashland receives water from two sources, Ashland Creek and Talent Irrigation District.
Water from Ashland Creek can be directly diverted from either the East or West Fork, or
from Reeder Reservoir, the City's only raw water storage facility. Water purchased from
TID is delivered to the City by canals owned by TID, and is used either for direct irrigation
(no treatment) or is pumped to the City's treatment plant and used for potable supply.
W:\4676AO0\tM%01.wpd 1-8 October 28, 1998
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Ashland Creek
Previous reports have estimated the flow from Ashland Creek for two drought conditions: a
1-year critically dry period based on historical stream flow data from 1925-26 (Montgomery
1977), and a 1-year critically dry period based on a drought scenario with an assumed
probability of occurrence of 1 in 50 years (Beck, 1989).
For this evaluation the stream flow analysis was conducted similar to the work completed
in 1977, using stream flow data from 1930-31.
Table 3 presents the three worst short duration low flow periods of record for Ashland
Creek. The period between October 1930 and September 1931 was selected for this
analysis because it represents the lowest stream flow on Ashland Creek for the available
period of record. The estimated available flow from Ashland Creek based on this data is
approximately 4,700 acre-ft (1,530 million gallons). By comparison, the 1977 and 1989
reports assume an available stream flow from Ashland Creek of approximately 6800 acre-ft
(2,230 million gallons) and 5,000 acre-ft (1,660 million gallons), respectively .
Table 3 Ashland Creek Stream Flow") in million allons
( 9 )
City of'Ashland f ? r ' z
Comprehensiye`1Nater Supply Plan_,,..,
Water Year "a East Fork R West Fork ?% Tote
1924- 1925 3,659 3,313 6,972
1925 -1926 1,171 1,075 2,246
1926- 1927 4,094 3,699 7,793
1928 - 1929 1,609 1,612 3,221
1929- 1930 1,552 1,443 2,995
1930- 1931 760 770 1,530
1931 - 1932 2,006 2,236 4,242
1975- 1976 1,704 1,875 3,579
1976 - 1977 740 857 1,597
1977- 1978 2,960 2,551 5,511
(1) Based on sum of daily discharges for water year October 1 through September 30.
(2) Bolded values indicate lowest production year in group.
Talent Irrigation District
Ashland has two long standing water supply contracts with the Talent Irrigation District
(TID). One contract (originated in 1924) provides for supply of up to 769 acre-feet of water
per year from April through October. The second contract (originated in 1966) provides for
an additional supply of to 795 acre-feet water per year from April through August. Both
contracts provide for a reduction of flow during drought, depending on water availability
W.\4676AOOVm\01.wpd 1-10 October 28, 1998
within the TID supply system. A detailed discussion of contractual entitlements is beyond
the scope of this document, however, a summary of the TID contracts is included in
Appendix B.
For this evaluation we conservatively assume that the amount of available supply from TID
during extreme drought conditions (as is assumed for the 1930-31 drought conditions) will
be 50 percent of the contractual entitlement.
System Yield
Each of the City's sources has a theoretical "safe yield". The annual safe yield is the
amount of water that can be reliably captured and distributed in one year during the most
severe drought conditions. Yield estimates are based on a review of historical stream flow
data and operational characteristics of the system (i.e., reservoir storage capability,
seasonal use limitations prescribed by water rights, etc.). The actual yield estimate
selected for planning purposes is a based primarily on engineering judgement, and is
often based on historical low flow because this condition provides conservative planning.
Clearly, our estimate of the yield from Ashland Creek based on the 1930-31 stream flow
the historical low flow period — is a more conservative than the estimates from previous
work. However, we believe that using this data to compute the yield estimate is not overly
conservative, since the historical record includes other similar low flow conditions in the
creek, most recently in 1976-77. Likewise, our assumption that available supply from TID
will be 50 percent of the contractual entitlement is conservative, however, it is reasonable
to predict reduced availability of supply from TID during extreme drought conditions.
Previous reports estimate that the amount of available supply from TID during a drought
will vary between 50 and 80 percent of maximum. Actual historical data varies between 60
and 80 percent during dry years but there is no established trend, particularly for extreme
drought conditions as occurred in 1930-31.
The total estimated yield including Ashland Creek flows and supply from TID are
presented in Table 4.
Table 4 Estimated.Yield z
Comprehensive Water`Supply Plan ;� 4 - � ' -
t ' s Yield,Acre-Feet Yield, MG
a....a:_-
Ashland Cree0) 3,208 1,045
TID(2) 782 255
Total 3,990 1,300
(1) Based on 1930-1931 streamflow less water rights and evaporation.
(2) Assumes 50%TID available.
W:\4676A00\Im\01.wpd 1-11 October 28, 1998
WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ANALYSIS
The objective of the water supply and demand analysis is to identify limitations of the
existing supply system to meet future demands, emphasizing supply limitations under
drought conditions. To do this we compared projected demands to the estimated supply
for each month throughout the entire duration of the drought. This enables an evaluation of
the total deficit in the drought period, and also helps to identify how soon water supply
deficits will materialize as a result of the drought. Individual monthly deficits are also
quantified.
Basis of Analysis
As discussed in the previous sections, several factors were considered in completing the
water supply and demand analysis. The primary emphasis of the analysis is to compare
the estimated available supply to the assumed demand for a population growth rate of 1.4
percent per year. This population scenario assumes constant growth through 2020, at
which point the growth rate is assumed to slow by the rate of 2 percent per year (i.e., for
2021 the projected population is 1.4 percent growth x 0.98, and so on). This reduction in
growth rate is typical of communities approaching buildout conditions as is expected in
Ashland beyond 2020. Based on input from City staff and the WAG, we established 140
gpcd as the per capita demand value, from which total annual water usage was calculated.
The hydrologic analysis of yield assumes that the stream flow conditions in Ashland Creek
are the same as occurred from 1928-31 drought (referred to as the "severe" drought in this
document). Although there is no evidence to suggest that the same (or similar) stream
conditions will occur for a short-term drought of this type in the future, we believe it is
reasonable to use the actual historical record as the basis for the analysis. More rigorous
probabilistic methods could be used to establish "most likely" stream flow conditions
before and after a drought but are beyond the scope of this effort, and we believe may be
of limited benefit. Our review of several fill/draw scenarios has shown that the reservoir fills
quickly under all but the most extreme drought conditions due to its relatively small size,
so we believe the analysis is relatively insensitive to changes in stream flow patterns before
or after the drought.
Sensitivity Analysis
Factors such as duration of drought, availability of supply from TID (or other sources), and
conservation can significantly influence the City' ability to meet its long-term water supply
needs. To evaluate the impacts of these factors on overall water supply planning we
examined the following case conditions:
• Availability of Supply from TID. TID's reservoir storage is considerable, even in
severe drought conditions it is possible that the available supply from TID will be
W.\4676A00\tm\O1.Wptl 1-12 October 28, 1998
typical of deliveries in years, 60 to 80 percent of maximum. We examined the
impacts of an increase in available supply from TID from 50 to 70 percent of the
contractual allotment. For the year's preceding the drought year the available TID
supply was assumed as 100 percent of maximum.
• Drought Duration. Droughts often do not occur during a single water year (or
calendar year), but instead may overlap two or more years. We examined a the
impacts of a theoretical back-to-back drought condition by assuming that the 1930-
31 hydrologic conditions would occur in consecutive years (referred to in this
document as the "worst case" drought condition).
• Water Usage Curtailment. Curtailment effectively increases available supply by
reducing demand. We examined two curtailment case conditions, 10 percent and
25 percent. These curtailment conditions are consistent with demand-side
reduction assumed for drought planning in other areas of the west. These two
conditions are typical of levels that can reasonably implemented for voluntary (10
percent) and mandatory (25 percent) curtailment efforts.
For this analysis, we assumed that curtailment would be implemented during the
high demand months of June through September.
FINDINGS
A total of 5 different case conditions were applied to the population growth scenario to
estimate the available supply and deficit conditions. The details of each analysis and
overall estimated supply deficits are included in Appendix C. Table 5 summarizes the
range of estimated supply deficits for 2020 and 2050 (buildout).
Tab1e'5", Estimated Supply Deficlits r�
City.of Ashland , " t°,.
r,"i r y'Y Y!7-cJ 5, tmyxj.I
Comprehensive Water Supply.Plan ?'
1 4%;Growth.Rate
2020 0 to 980 0 to 320
2050 395 to 2,855 130 to 930
(1) Deficit estimates cover severe/worst case drought, TID, conservation, and
curtailment case conditions.
The wide range of estimated supply deficits is mostly due to the significant difference in
demand projection between the different conservation and curtailment scenarios, as well
as differences between the severe and worst-case drought conditions. This wide range
W:14676A00\tm\01.wptl 1-13 October 28, 1998
makes it difficult to directly compare the various case conditions, but the data is useful to
make relative comparisons and observe general trends. The significant findings and
general trends are summarized below:
Drought Duration
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the impact of drought duration on available supply. Referring to
the projected water year 2019-20, both graphs indicate that the reservoir will fill to capacity
even under the assumed extreme low stream flow conditions. However, Figure 5 shows
that back-to-back low stream flow years assumed for the worst case drought will result in
an increased deficit in the second year. The increased deficit is a result of "carryover"
deficit from the preceding low-flow year.
TID Supply
Figure 6 shows that increased TID supply from 50 to 70 percent during the last year of a
drought in the water year 2019 to 2020, would provide a modest benefit of approximately
90 to 110 AFNR depending on the severity of the drought. The added incremental supply
from TID (if available) is, however, relatively small in proportion to the overall deficit.
Curtailment
Figures 7 and 8 show the estimated available supply for the curtailment programs
previously described. The graphs show that with curtailment the City could meet its
projected water demands through 2020. The graph also shows, however, that even with
curtailment the available supply is used quickly in high demand months. This is significant.
If demand reduction by curtailment is not achieved as expected during the high demand
season the available supply would be used at an even faster rate, and deficit would result.
This illustrates that even the assumed aggressive summer curtailment program provides
little factor of safety for long-term water supply planning. It is also important to note that
the assumed curtailment is in addition to the assumed 20 percent demand reduction to be
achieved by future conservation programs during the same summer months.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The objective of this document is to assess limitations of the existing water supply system
based on projections of future demand and water supply availability. Our conclusions and
overall assessment of the water supply system are as follows:
• Severe short-term drought conditions have been repeated several times in the last
75 years of record. It is reasonable to expect similar or more extreme drought
conditions within the City's planning horizon through 2020 and beyond.
• The water supply system is not adequately safeguarded against severe drought
conditions. In particular, Reeder Reservoir is significantly undersized for the City's
projected water supply needs.
W14676A00Um\01.wpd 1-14 October 28, 1998
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• Lacking a new water supply source or very aggressive conservation measures, the
City could face water supply deficits at any time in the future if drought conditions
occur.
• Aggressive summer conservation can theoretically reduce the overall deficit
through the year 2020. However, demand reduction conservation would need to be
achieved every year during the highest demand months to adequately protect
against unanticipated drought. Demand reduction by summer conservation alone
is therefore not considered a suitable planning strategy for deficit reduction.
• The projected deficits assume that conservation and curtailment measures can
achieve the target percent reductions. If actual percent reductions fall below the
target values, deficit conditions can be expected to be larger and occur sooner
than predicted in this report.
• The amount of projected deficit is a strong function of projected population growth.
Other factors such as amount of conservation and curtailment also influence the
size of the deficit. There is no clear combination of variables that represents the
"most likely" case condition for long term planning.
We believe that the 1.4 percent growth, single drought case condition is reasonable
for the City's long-term planning purposes. Although the worst case drought
condition is possible it is an extreme case condition that, based on our experience,
would typically only be used to plan larger scale regional water storage/supply
projects.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions of our analysis we recommend that the City plan to
meet water supply needs for these assumed case conditions:
• Growth rate of 1.4 percent per year.
• Severe drought conditions (i.e., one year low stream flow).
• TID supply at 70 percent during the severe drought year.
• New conservation programs to achieve 20 percent reduction of peak summertime
demands (Le, reduction of average annual water use from the current 148 gpcd to
140 gpcd).
We also recommend that the City plan to implement a curtailment reduction targeting at
least 10 percent demand reduction (i.e. voluntary curtailment) during the high demand
summer months. Planning around curtailment of 10 percent will provide the City with some
factor of safety, if the future drought conditions are more severe than those assumed for
W14676AOOVm\01.wpd 1-20 October 28, 1998
this analysis. If drought conditions are more severe, the City could implement mandatory
curtailment to achieve additional demand reduction.
For our recommended case conditions the total estimated additional supply needs are:
• Average annual supply: 2.0 million gallons per day (mgd).
• Maximum monthly supply: 5.5 mgd (for two consecutive months, minimum).
These supply needs have been calculated based on:
• Estimated total annual deficit during drought year: 430 MG
• Estimated maximum monthly deficit: 160 MG
• Estimated storage at end of drought year: 275 MG
(includes carryover storage for year following drought of
200 MG and minimum pool storage in reservoir of 75 MG).
These values target supply needs in 2050 for the assumed case conditions, but also could
provide supply for higher growth or more severe drought conditions through 2030-35. This
is illustrated in Figure 9.
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Technical Memorandum No. 1
APPENDIX A - HISTORICAL WATER USE
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Average Water Usage by Account in Million Gallons
Commercial/ -
Year Month Commercial Governmental Industrial Municipal Multi-Family Residential Residential Imcfation Total
1993 7 38.1 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 68.2 0.0 29.7 137.1
8 40.6 0.0 1.6 0.0 0.0 65.5 0.0 31.9 139.6
9 42.3 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 65.9 0.0 38.1 148.1
10 36.3 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 48.7 0.0 15.4 102.8
11 28.9 0.0 3.3 0.0 0.0 28.9 0.0 2.2 634
12 23.3 0.0 1.9 0.0 0.0 25.4 0.0 2.1 52.6
1994 1 22.0 0.0 1.8 0.0 0.0 24.2 0.0 2.0 50.0
2 22.0 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0 21.6 0.0 0.1 45.0
3 10.0 2.9 2.3 0.8 7.5 24.2 1.4 0.2 49.3
4 11-1 3.3 1.2 0.3 10.9 28.6 0.1 1.0 56.5
5 13.3 3.7 0.5 0.4 12.1 34.5 0.1 7.0 71.6
6 16.6 3.7 0.7 0.6 15.0 52.3 0.1 31.2 120.3
7 19.3 4.3 0.6 0.7 19.9 82.1 1.8 39.7 168.4
8 21.4 5.0 1.1 0.9 19.0 80.3 2.0 36.8 166.6
9 18.5 4.1 1.3 0.7 16.4 58.5 1.8 21.9 123.4
10 14.1 5.1 0.7 0.6 13.2 38.1 1.3 9.0 82.1
11 10.3 4.1 0.8 0.4 10.9 26.3 0.7 1.6 55.0
12 9.1 2.9 1.4 0.3 9.9 23.3 0.4 0.3 47.7
1995 1 8.2 3.1 1.5 0.2 8.9 23.1 0.4 0.3 45.6
2 7.9 4.1 1.3 0.3 9.8 22.1 0.4 0.1 45.9
3 9.4 3.4 1.4 0.3 9.9 23.6 0.5 0.5 49.0
4 9.7 3.8 1.3 0.2 9.7 23.8 0.6 0.2 49.2
5 11.1 4.4 0.5 0.4 10.3 26.2 0.6 0.4 53.9
6 13.6 4.6 0.2 0.6 12.3 39.5 1.0 8.7 80.6
7 18.1 4.5 0.0 0.7 15.6 55.6 1.9 16.1 112.5
8 17.4 4.8 0.5 0.7 14.5 60.4 2.0 17.1 117.4
9 17.6 5.5 0.8 0.8 16.2 64.6 2.3 17.5 125.3
10 15.0 6.0 0.8 0.8 13.7 43.0 1.8 9.3 90.4
11 11.5 4.4 0.6 0.5 11.1 30.9 1.0 3.0 62.9
12 8.5 3.4 0.1 0.4 8.9 22.1 0.5 0.1 "A
1996 1 8.5 2.4 0.0 0.8 8.3 23.7 0.4 0.1 44.0
2 8.2 4.3 0.0 1.0 9.0 22.4 0.4 0.0 45.4
3 9.3 3.8 0.0 0.9 9.2 23.5 0.4 0.1 47.3
4 10.3 3.9 0.0 0.5 10.2 26.5 0.6 0.4 52.3
5 12.1 4.6 0.1 1.2 11.9 34.6 0.8 32.7 98.1
6 13.9 4.7 0.3 0.6 15.1 49.1 1.2 24.4 109.3
7 19.0 5.0 0.0 0.8 19.0 73.1 2.1 25.4 144.5
8 19.9 4.1 0.0 0.7 20.7 79.5 2.5 28.1 155.7
9 19.0 3.4 0.0 0.8 16.9 63.7 2.2 24-7 130.8
10 14.8 4.4 0.0 0.6 17.0 44.9 1.7 10.1 93.6
11 10.8 4.1 0.0 0.5 12.3 26.4 0.8 1.9 56.9
12 10.1 2.8 0.0 0.5 12.2 26.9 0.4 -0.1 52.8
1997 1 7.8 2.5 0.0 1.6 10.1 22.4 0.4 0.2 45.2
2 7.2 2.9 0.0 2.0 9.5 19.8 0.3 02 42.0
3 8.0 3.1 0.0 2.1 10.7 21.6 0.4 0.1 46.0
4 10.3 3.2 0.1 0.7 12.3 26.7 0.6 0.5 54.5
5 10.8 3.8 0.1 0.5 13.0 35.2 0.9 3.9 68.2
6 14.8 4.2 0.2 0.6 17.0 48.5 1.5 30.1 117.0
7 16.5 3.9 0.1 1.1 19.3 65.5 1.9 38.8 147.1
8 19.6 4.3 0.0 1.1 20.4 75.0 2.6 34.6 157.6
9 17.6 3.8 0.1 0.8 18.4 56.6 2.3 22.5 122.0
10 14.1 4.4 0.1 0.6 14.9 37.4 1.5 8.1 81.0
11 10.3 3.9 0.3 0.6 12.4 26.6 0.8 5.4 60.2
12 9.4 2.9 0.5 0.6 12.7 25.8 0.5 0.2 52.5
1998 1 8-7 2.7 0.5 0.7 11.6 25.8 0.5 0.1 50.7
2 74 3.5 0.4 0.8 117 22.5 0.4 0.1 46.7
3 8.6 3.3 0.5 0.8 12.1 23.6 0.4 - 0.2 49.5
4 9.3 3.0 0.5 1.2 12.1 24.4 0.6 1.0 52.1
5 10.4 3.5 0.4 1.1 10.9 27.9 0.7 5.5 60.4
6 12.4 4.1 0.4 0.9 12.9 35.0 0.8 14.9 81.4
7 17.3 3.3 0.1 1.3 18.7 68.4 1.9 32.9 143.8
8 19.8 4.4 0.1 0.7 21.8 87.7 2.8 36.9 174.2
9 17.6 3.8 0.1 0.8 18.4 56.6 2.3 22.5 122.0
W:WroleceASHLANO'A676a0010b-water.WW Pape 1 of 27.04.98 09:53 AM
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Average Water Usage by Account in Cubic Feet Per Customer -
Commercial,
Water Year Commercial Governmental Industrial Municipal Multi-Family Residential Residential Irnoauon Total
1993-1994
1994-1995 40.179 157,759 0 34,460 42.981 11.376 26.328 66,388 379.471
1995-1996 44.091 144311 0 74.176 45,621 12.849 28.124 198.754 547,927
1996-1997 42.330 121,813 0 125.602 49,580 11,969 26,844 92.251 470,389
1997-1998 35,849 107.967 0 97,676 43.416 10.037 20.288 74.167 389.400
Average Water Usage by Account in Gallons Per Customer
Commercial/
Water Year Commercial Governmental Industrial Municipal Multi-Family Residential Residential Im ation Total
1993-1994
1994-1995 300,542 1,180,035 0 257,759 321,495 85,095 196,932 496,581 2.838,440
1995-1996 329,804 1,079,447 0 554.835 341,248 96,109 210,369 1.486.680 4,098,492
1996-1997 316,629 911,159 0 939,506 370,859 89,526 200,794 690.036 3.518.509
1997-1998 268.150 807,596 0 730.616 324,750 75,077 151,752 554,770 2.912,712
Average Water Usage by Account in Cubic Feet
Commercial/
Water Year Commercial Governmental Industrial Municipal Multi-Family Residential Residential Irri ation Total
1993-1994 32,469,596 3,622,119 2,435,027 600,040 13,478,867 68,117,775 966,419 21.343,163 143,033.006
1994-1995 19,567,487 6,720,020 1,396,390 753,152 18,870,259 57,024,892 1,601,010 9,589.982 115,523.192
1995-1996 20,749,576 6,692,685 269,919 1,231,280 20,604,620 65,776,929 1,851,650 19.830.738 137,007.397
1996-1997 19,831,053 5,759.192 98,529 1,608.053 23,001,654 62.770,965 1,881,430 19.110.588 134,061,464
1997-1998 19,419.409 5.709,223 516,444 1,343.994 22,755.011 61.692.655 1,773.619 17.074.615 130.284.970
Average Water Usage by Account in Million Gallons
CommeraaV
Water Year Commercial Governmental Industrial Municipal Multi-Family Residential Residential Irrigation Total
1993-1994 242.9 27.1 18.2 4.5 100.8 509.5 7.2 159.6 1069.9
1994-1995 146.4 50.3 10.4 5.6 141.1 426.5 12.0 71.7 864.1
1995-1996 155.2 50.1 2.0 9.2 154.1 492.0 13.9 148.3 1024.8
1996-1997 148.3 43.1 0.7 12.0 172.1 469.5 14.1 142.9 1002.8
1997-1998 145.3 42.7 3.9 10.1 170.2 461.5 13.3 127.7 974.5
NOTE: 1997-1998 data is incomplete:September 1997 data used in place of September 1998 data
W:Wrnie Hl_ANON676a001Db-water.wb3 Po"2 or 2 27-Oa-96 09:53 AM
Technical Memorandum No. 1
APPENDIX B - WATER RIGHTS SUMMARY
W 14676A00\im\01 app.wpd
STATE WA7
WATER RESOURCES DEPARTfAEI1T
° MEDFORD, OREGON 0 - 97501 • Ph- 773-)
JACYSON COUNTY COURTrI0U5E
July 5 1973 . . ►w[ wo.
TOM IAcCALL
pOy[[NO[ _
Allen A. AlsinG
= !dor_�s
Director of fib- � . ,�, raii
City of AShlan.-, / c
Ashland , Oregon 97520
Attention:
I`S. Ed 'Fallon
'Dear Sir: ; - =1 the total
I ar lie. _..C. ; crit 2
to �� re ::_s o 18? or .
Your =c:_
pursuant _ r have ? P= ._s'r�zna It
\ mater r4 �-- .-..� t.e s.__ °=_ � c- d
older. ; � =�s _=vol:e
� ' di_`=ere d_ tc= �-
and the �izh �.�Ditch
-
Total c . f . s - i:, c;ee'•- 2.793
12.707 2.793
15- 50 lo.207 2. 503
13.00 9.497 2.213
12. 00 8.737 1.923
11.00 8.077 1 ,633
10.00 7.367 1. 343
9.00 6.657 . 1.149
8.00 6.131 1.338
7.33 0.992
2. 33
_ -
which the
a_siers
to date cn +% ° =g 5ats accu7.To teen you up ' ude � ° =
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City has t '-49 3:
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,
'
2595 , az:d 270 1.
Very truly Scars ,
David c. :T-cr_dr X
Easter, st= ict 13
Water
DCII :pC
TID AGREEMENTS
Background:
The City of Ashland has four agreements or contracts with the Talent Irrigation District (District,
or TID).
1) 1924 Agreement: Authorizes the purchase of 600 acre-feet of water per year
deliverable during the irrigation season (not explicitly defined in this agreement). These
rights are perpetual (year after year) purchased annually. Costs initially were dependent
on the construction costs of Emigrant Dam. The City has since completed paying for the
cost to initially purchase the water and continues to pay for the operation and maintenance
cost of the water used (as adjusted by the 1926 Agreement). The water purchased under
this agreement (as clarified in the 1926 agreement) is a "stored water" right, and
authorizes the City to store, and through contract later use, the water behind Emigrant
Dam. It is "... understood and agreed that in case of a shortage of water in the systems
of the District, then and in that event, the City shall only be entitled to its pro rata share
during the period of such shortage." No restrictions are placed on the use of the water
within City limits. However, the District Board of Directors regulates the use of the water
right.
2) 1926 Agreement: Authorizes the purchase of 200 acre-feet of water per year,
deliverable to a point at the City limits, during the irrigation season ("... at the time the
District commences,to deliver water to its own users and members to October 1st, of each
year,... ..). The City paid $21,540.00 for this water purchase, and agreed to pay annual
operations and maintenance fees for the water used. The water purchased under this
agreement (and also clarified for the 1924 Agreement) is a "stored water" right, and
authorizes the City to store, and through contract later use, the water behind Emigrant
Dam. The"stored water" clarification was with the intent that the City has no desire to
use the water until later in the summer and early fall so that the District would be able to
hold the water and release upon request to the City. In addition, the agreement stipulates
that delivery of the water is subject to the capacity of the District's ditches, and that the
City would be "reasonable in its demands respecting delivery of said water." It is further
... understood and agreed that in case of a shortage of water in the systems of the
District, then and in that event, the City shall only be entitled to its pro rata share during
the period of such shortage." No restrictions are placed on the use of the water within
City limits. However, the District Board of Directors regulates the use of the water right.
3) The 1935 Agreement (signed May 15, 1935): This agreement returns 31 acre-feet
of water to the District. It appears that this was water to be utilized on the old Croman,
LTM and State Forest Service site off Mistletoe Road, and was the responsibility of those
owners, not for City oversite.
4) 1966 Agreement (signed June 21, 1966): This agreement is for delivery of 795
acre-feet of water through the District's Ashland Canal. This is the only agreement with
the District that includes the United States Bureau of Reclamation in language regarding
water rights and refers to "...said Bureau of Reclamation has agreed to make available to ,
District waters from its Talent Project of its Rogue River basin Project far the irrigation
of lands within District and supplemental wafers for the irrigation of lands heretofore
irrigated within District..." Payment for this water was made based upon the Districts
assessment value on 300 acres of land (based upon applying 2.65 acre feet of water to
each acre of land), and payments to include operations and maintenance costs and other
payment to the United States (based on prior agreements between District and the BOR).
This agreement included a provision that if waters were not available, that the City's
portion would be reduced as any other user of the District's irrigation system based upon
available waters for 300 acres. Restrictions on the water included delivery during the
irrigation season ("which normally is from April 15 to October l of each year"), that the
City shall not permit the use of water delivered to it for any other purposes than domestic
and irrigation purposes, and likewise, could not sell the water for any other purpose
including for use outside the corporate boundaries of the City. No additional stored rights
were granted through this agreement. The term of this agreement is 30 years beginning on
January 1, 1967, "... and for year to year thereafter unless canceled or terminated by
either party upon one (1)year written notice of termination." The City, however,
received "priority for water storage and use..." from prior agreements and by agreement
through the Department of the Interior and its Bureau of Reclamation dated August 27,
1956.
To summarize, the City has a total of 769 acre feet of"perpetual" stored water rights, and an
additional 795 acre feet of water under a transport agreement form TM with certain restrictions
on use.
Current Activity:
We are currently under an extension of the 1966 Agreement with TID. Renegotiations are
underway for the 1966 agreement. City staff and District staff and their legal representatives have
made strides in language for the final agreement. The subsequent agreement will hopefully allow
the City to utilize the water during other than normally specified irrigation season times (with
additional costs). It appears that we will be able to reach an equitable agreement.
Water Forum Information to Council -January 20, 1998
Technical Memorandum No. 1
APPENDIX C - SUPPLY AND DEMAND ANALYSIS
W 94676A00\Im\01 app.wpd
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Technical Memorandum No. 1
APPENDIX D - POPULATION PROJECTIONS
W 14676A00\tm\01 app.wpd
Projected Growth Rate 1.40%
Daily Per Capita Water Usage 140 gpcd ,
Line Loss Percentage 10.00%
Consumptive Loss Total
Historic Projected Projected Demand Demand Demand
Year Population Growth Rate Population (mgaq (mgal) (m
al)
14000 715 79 795
1976 14500 741 82 823
1977 14885 761 85 845
1978 14375 735 82 816
1979 14725 752 84 836
1980 14943 764 85 848
1981 15230 778 86 865
1982 15180 776 86 862
1983 15360 785 87 872
1984 15600 797 89 886
1985 15860 810 90 900
1986 15855 810 90 900
1987 16010 818 91 909
1988 16310 833 93 926
1989 16740 855 95 950
1990 16500 843 94 937
1991 17060 872 97 969
1992 17320 885 98 993
1993 17445 891 99 990
1994 17725 906 101 1,006
1995 17985 919 102 1,021
1996 18360 938 104 1,042
1997 18560 948 105 1,054
1998 1.40% 18,820 962 107 1.069
1999 1.40% 19,083 975 108 1,084
2000 1.40% 19.350 989 110 1.099
2001 1.40% 19,621 1,003 111 1.114
2002 1.40% 19,896 1.017 113 1,130
2003 1.40% 20,175 1,031 115. , 1,145
2004 1.40% 20,457 1,045 116 1,162
2005 1.40% 20,743 1,060 118 1,178
2006 1.40% 21,034 1,075 119 1,194
2007 1.40% 21.328 1,090 121 1,211
2008 1.40% 21,627 1,105 123 1,228
2009 1.40% 21,930 1,121 125 1,245
2010 1.40% 22,237 1.136 126 1,263
2011 1.40% 22,548 1,152 128 1,280
2012 1.40% 22.864 1,168 130 1,298
2013 1.40% 23,184 1,185 132 1,316
2014 1.40% 23,508 1,201 133 1,335
2015 1.40% 23,836 1,218 135 1,353
2016 1.40% 24,171 1,235 137 1,372
2017 1.40% 24,510 1,252 139 1,392
2018 1.40% 24,853 1,270 141 1,411
2019 1.400/ 25,201 1,288 143 1,431
2020 1.40% 25,554 1,306 145 1,451
2021 1.37% 25,911 1,324 147 1,471
2022 1.34% 26,267 1,342 149 1,491
2023 1.32% 26,620 1,360 151 1,511
2024 1.29% 26,971 1,378 153 1,531
2025 1.27% 27,319 1,396 155 1,551
2026 1.24% 27,665 1,414 157 1,571
2027 1.220% 28,008 1.431 159 1.590
2028 1.19% 28,348 1,449 161 1,610
P029 1.17% 28,686 1,466 163 1,629
2030 1.14% 29,021 1,483 165 1,648
2031 1.120/ 29,353 1,500 167 1,667
2032 1.10% 29,682 1,517 169 1,685
2033 1.08% 30,008 1,533 170 1,704
W:1ProjecMSHLAND`4676a001Yield.wb0 Page 1 of 2 27-00-96 10:04 AM
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2035 1.03% 30,651 1,566 174 1.740
2036 1.01% 30,968 1,582 176 1.758
2037 0.99% 31,282 1,598 178 1,776
2038 0.97% 31,592 1,614 179 1,794
2039 0.95% 31,900 1,630 181 1,811
2040 0.93% 32.204 1,646 183 1,828
2041 0.920/6 32,505 1,661 185 1,846
2042 0.90% 32,803 1,676 186 1.862
2043 0.88% 33,097 1,691 188 1,879
2044 0.86% 33.388 1,706 190 1,896
2045 0.84% 33,676 1,721 191 1,912
2046 0.83% 33,961 1,735 193 1,928
2047 0.81% 34,242 1,750 194 1,944
2048 0.80% 34,520 1,764 196 1,960
2049 0.78% 34,794 1,778 198 1,976
2050 0.760/6 35.065 1,792 199 1,991
Monthly Demand Projection Calculator
2018 2019 2020
Projected Projected Projected
Monthly Monthly Monthly
1996-1997 Demand Demand Demand
Month Usage Index (mgal) (mgal) (mgal)
10 1.12 132 134 135
11 0.68 80 81 82
12 0.63 74 75 76
1 0.54 64 64 65
2 0.50 59 60 61
3 0.55 65 66 67
4 0.65 77 78 79
5 0.82 96 97 99
6 1.40 165 167 169
7 1.76 207 210 213
8 1.89 222 225 228
9 1.46 172 174 177
Total 1,411 1,431 1,451
W 1ProjecAASHLAND 14676a001y'ield.wb3 Page 2 e12 27-Oct-98 10:04 AM
Projected Growth Rate 1.40%
Daily Per Capita Water Usage 140 gpcd
Line Loss Percentage 10.00%
Consumptive Loss Total
Historic Projected Projected Demand Demand Demand
Year Population Growth Rate Population (mgal) (mcap (maal)
1975 14000 715 79 795
1976 14500 741 82 823
1977 14885 761 85 845
1978 14375 735 82 816
1979 14725 752 84 836
1980 14943 764 85 848
1981 15230 778 86 865
1982 15180 776 86 862
1983 15360 785 87 872
1984 15600 797 89 886
1985 15860 810 90 900
1986 15855 810 90 900
1987 16010 818 91 909
1988 16310 833 93 926
1989 16740 855 95 950
1990 16500 843 94 937
1991 17060 872 97 969
1992 17320 885 98 983
1993 17445 891 99 990
1994 17725 906 101 1,006
1995 17985 919 102 1.021
1996 18360 938 104 1,042
1997 18560 948 105 1,054
1998 1.40% 18.820 962 107 1,069
1999 1.40°1, 19,083 975 108 1,084
2000 1.40% 19,350 989 110 1,099
2001 1.40% 19,621 1,003 111 1,114
2002 1.40% 19,896 1,017 113 1,130
2003 1.40% 20,175 1,031 115 1,145
2004 1.40% 20,457 1.045 116 1,162
2005 1.40% 20,743 1,060 118 1,178
2006 1.40% 21,034 1,075 119 1,194
2007 1.40% 21,328 1,090 121 1,211
2008 1.40% 21,627 1,105 123 1,228
2009 1.40% 21,930 1,121 125 1,245
2010 1.40% 22,237 1,136 126 1,263
2011 1.40% 22.548 1,152 128 1,280
2012 1.40% 22,864 1,168 130 1,298
2013 1.40% 23,184 . 1,185 132 1,316
2014 1.40% 23,508 1,201 133 1,335
2015 1.40% 23,838 1,218 135 1,353
2016 1.40% 24,171 1,235 137 1,372
2017 1.40% 24,510 1,252 139 1,392
2018 1.40% 24,653 1,270 141 1,411
2019 1.40% 25,201 1,288 143 1,431
2020 1.40% 25,554 1,306 145 1,451
2021 1.37% 25,911 - 1,324 147 1,471
_ 2022 1.34% 26,267 1,342 149 1,491
2023 1.320/ 26,620 1,360 151 1,511
2024 1.29% 26,971 1,378 153 1,531
2025 1.27% 27,319 1,396 155 1,551
2026 1.24% 27,665 1,414 157 1,571
2027 1.220% 28,008 1,431 159 1,590
2028 1.19% 28,348 1,449 161 1,610
2029 1.17% 28,686 1,466 163 1,629
2030 1.14% _ 29,021 1,483 165 1,648
2031 _ 1.12°/ 29,353 1,500 167 1,667
2032 -1.10% 29,682 1,517 169 1,685
2033 1.08% 30,008 1,533 170 1,704
W:\ProjecrASHLANDW676a00\yield.w63 Page 1 o12 27-CO-98 10:05 AM
2034 1.06% 30,331 1,550 172 1,722
2035 1.03% 30,651 1,566 174 1,740 ,
2036 1.01% 30,968 1,582 176 1,758
2037 0.99% 31.282 1.598 178 1,776
2038 0.97% ,31,592 1,614 179 ` 1,794
2039 0.95% 31,900 1,630 181 1,811
' 2040 0.93% 32,204 1,646 183 1,828
2041 0.920% 32.505 1,661 185 1.846
2042 0.90% 32.803 1,676 186 1,862
2043 0.88% 33,097 1,691 188 1,879
2044 0.86% 33,388 1,706 190 1,896
2045 0.84% 33,676 1,721 191 1,912
2046 0.63% 33,961 1,735 193 1,928
2047 0.81% 34,242 1,750 194 1,944
2048 0.80% 34,520 1,764 196 1,960
2049 0.78% 34,794 1,778 198 1,976
2050 '0.76% 35,065 1,792 199 1,991
Monthly Demand Projection Calculator
2048 2049 2050
Projected Projected Projected
Monthly Monthly Monthly
1996-1997 Demand Demand Demand
Month Usage Index (mgal) (mgal) (mgal)
10 1.12 183 184 186
11 0.68 111 112 113
12 0.63 103 104 105
1 0.54 88 89 90
2 0.50 82 83 83
3 0.55 90 91 91
4 0.65 107 107 108
5 0.82 133 134 135
6 1.40 229 230 232
7 1.76 287 290 292
8 1.89 308 311 313
9 1.46 238 240 242
Total 1,960 1,976 1,991
w:wmjedASHIANDW676a00gield.wb3 Page 2 of 2 27-Oct-98 1005 AM
2034 1.06% 30,331 1,550 172 1.722
2035 1.03% 30,651 1,566 174 1,740
" 2036 1.01% 30,968 1,582 176 1,758
2037 0.990% 31.282 1,598 178 1,776
2038 0.97% 31,592 - 1,614 179 1,794
2039 0.95% 31,900 1,630 181 1,811
2040 0.93% 32.204 1,646 183 1,828
2041 0.920/ 32,505 1,661 185 1,846
2042 0.900/ 32.803 1,,676 186 1.862
1
2043 0.88% 33,097 ,691 188 1,879
2044 0.86% 33,388 1,706 190 1,896
2045 0.84% 33,676 1,721 191 1,912
2046 0.83% 33,961 1,735 193 1,928
2047 0.81% 34,242 1,750 194 1,944
2048 - 0.800/ 34,520 1,764 196 1,960
2049 0.78% 34,794 1,778 198 1,976
2050 0.76% 35,065 1,792 199 1,991
Monthly Demand Projection Calculator
2048 2049 2050
Projected Projected Projected
Monthly Monthly Monthly
1996-1997 Demand Demand Demand
Month Usace Index (mcal) (mgal) (mgal)
10 1.12 183 184 186
11 0.68 111 112 113
12 0.63 103 104 105
1 0.54 88 89 90
2 0.50 82 83 83
3 0.55 90 91 91
4 0.65 107 107 108
5 0.82 133 134 135
6 1.40 229 230 232
7 1.76 287 290 292
8 1.89 308 311 313
9 1.46 238 240 242
Total 1.960 1,976 1,991
W:tprujectASHLANDK6768001ywU.wb3 Page 2 at 2 27-00.98 1005 AM
2034 1.06% 30,331 1,550 172 1.722
2035 1.03% 30,651 1,566 174 1,740
2036 1.01% 30,968 1,582 176 1.758'
2037 0.990/. 31.282 1,598 178 1.776
2038 0.971/ 31,592 1,614 179 1,794
2039 0.95% 31,900 1,630 181 1,811
2040 0.93% 32,204 1,646 183 1,828
2041 0.920/6 32.505 1,661 185 1,846
2042 0.90% 32.803 1,676 186 1.862
2043 0.88% 33,097 1,691 188 1.879
2044 0.86% 33,388 1,706 190 1,896
2045 0.84% 33,676 1,721 191 1,912
2046 0.83% 33,961 1,735 193 1,928
2047 0.81% 34,242 1,750 194 1,944
2048 0.80% 34,520 1,764 196 1.960
2049 0.78% 34,794 1,778 198 1,976
2050 0.76% 35,065 1,792 199 1,991
Monthly Demand Projection Calculator
2018 2019 2020
Projected Projected Projected
Monthly Monthly Monthly
1996-1997 Demand Demand Demand
Month Ubaae Index (mgap (meal) (mgal)
10 1.12 132 134 135
11 0.68 80 81 82
12 0.63 74 75 76
1 0.54 64 64 65
2 0.50 59 60 61
3 0.55 65 66 - 67
4 0.65 77 78 79 .
5 0.82 96 97 99
6 1.40 165 167 169
7 1.76 207 210 213
8 1.89 222 225 228
9 1.46 172 174 177
Total 1,411 1,431 1,451
W.T,,j,dASHLAND14676zIXAyiald.wb3 Page 2 alt 27-Oc-98 1094 AM
•" WHERE LIVING WATERS FLOW: AN OVERVIEW'.
OF. ASHLAND'S WATER SOURCE
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Ashland Creek 1928. .
-Kay Atwood .
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• WHERE LIVING WATERS FLOW: AN OVERVIEW OF
• ASHLAND'S WATER SOURCE
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• Kay Atwood
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• CONTENTS
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• ILLUSTRATIONS i
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• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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INTRODUCTION 1
• I. THE EARLY YEARS, 1852-1884 2
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H. CITY BEGINNINGS, 1885-1899 6
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• III. THE GROWING YEARS, 1900-1929 17
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• IV. DEPRESSION, WAR AND EXPANSION, 1930-1960 34
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• V. THE MODERN ERA, 1961-1998 39
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• NOTES 51
• BIBILIOGRAPHY 62
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• ILLUSTRATIONS
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• Ashland View, 1886 9
• Ashland Reservoir, Upper Granite Street 15
• Ashland Creek 22
• Crowson Reservoir 30
• Reeder Gulch Dam Site, July 20, 1928 31
• Reeder Gulch Dam Site, October 11, 1928 33
Reeder Gulch Dam Site December 1928 33
• Crowson Reservoir, 1953 37
• Core Drilling in Ashland Canyon 40
• Ashland Creek in Flood 44
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• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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• This study of Ashland's water source was initiated and completed in 1998. The
• project was directed by Paula Brown, Ashland's Director of Public Works. The author is
• grateful to Allen A. Alsing, former Director of Public Works, who provided valuable
• information and devoted considerable time to reviewing the draft document. Fran Berteau
• proofread the final manuscript. Her contribution is much appreciated.
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• INTRODUCTION
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• The major water source for native peoples and later for settlers, Ashland Creek has
• sustained life in the upper Bear Creek Valley for thousands of years. Its generous flow
• determined Indian habitation sites and eventually the location of Ashland. From the
• stream they called Mill Creek, the first Euro-American settlers took water for drinking
• and cooking, powered a sawmill and a flour mill, and irrigated crops. Residents drew
• water from the creek in buckets, from wells, or received it through ditches that ran
• through town.
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• As the population grew, water pollution, drought, and fires increased. By the turn of
• the century, competing demands on Ashland Creek for water for domestic uses, fire
• protection, electric power generation, commerce, industry and agriculture frequently
• brought bitter conflict. Several times in the late nineteenth century, residents watched
• floodwaters cut through their fields taking barns and fences down its course. By the mid-
1920s, consistent seasonal water shortages frayed citizen nerves and plagued City
• officials. For a few years following construction of a dam and reservoir in Ashland
• canyon the city had enough water. Later in the 20th century, distribution, water quality,
• water shortages and environmental concerns again challenged municipal leaders. In more
• recent years watershed management has grown more complex with the joint involvement
• of several agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service(Rogue River National Forest), and
• the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon State
• Department of Forestry.
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• Ashland citizens have always wanted plenty of clean water but often disagreed on how
• to obtain and pay for it. Changes came slowly as officials and residents wrestled to solve
• immediate needs and prepare for the future. The use and protection of its primary water
• source have always been critically important to Ashland. Most of the issues facing us
• now are not new. Cycles of debate over water quantity, quality, distribution, and disposal
• have repeated continually over the past 150 years.
• Where Living Waters Flow:An Overview of Ashland's Water Source traces the
• watershed, weather, water shortages, other sources, distribution and water rights, as well
• as residents' and City government's roles in water resource management. A review of the
• past can help us make decisions about Ashland Creek, assess environmental issues, and .
understand how our decisions affect people's lives.
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• The continuity of water usage on Ashland Creek is a long one. In this hospitable place
• people have sustained life over thousands of years. During the last century, experience
and technology have offered us a distinct perspective on the past —a view unavailable to
• those who came before us. Unlike people of previous centuries we have both the
• opportunity to review past human interaction with the watershed and to plan thoughtful
• choices for the future.
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• THE EARLY YEARS, 1852-1884
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• The explorers and trappers who passed through southern Oregon between 1825 and 1850,
camped along the streams but moved on. In the winter of 1851-1852 miners discovered gold
• on Jackson Creek near the present site of Jacksonville and newcomers flooded into the area.
At the same time, the Donation Land Claim Act, passed by Congress in 1850, encouraged
• settlers to head west in search of free, farmable land. In late 1851 a few cabins stood at
scattered locations in the Bear Creek valley.
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• During the first week of 1852, Abel Heiman and Eber Emery, miners-turned-settlers,
• crossed the Siskiyou Divide and stopped on the banks of what they soon called Mill Creek,
• now Ashland Creek. Here they built a sawmill, flour mill, boarding house and simple frame
• houses. The Oregon-California Trail passed near the little settlement and each year more
• wagons lurched over the ruts. Soon the north-south route made a permanent loop in front of
• the flour mill. By 1855 the small community of Ashland Mills had a post office, hotel, store,
• cabinet shop, livery, blacksmith shop and several homes. By 1864 Ashland Mills had fifty
• residents. In 1867 investors built the Ashland Woolen Mill on Ashland Creek and used
• waterpower to produce woolen underwear, shawls and blankets. A local resident's
• description of Ashland suggests a prosperous small community:
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• Ashland ... has a nice waterpower with one grist mill, one woolen
• factory, one planing mill, furniture factory, three sawing mills, one
• foundry, a soap and candle factory, one paper, three stores, three
• blacksmith shops, two shoe-makers, two tailors, two doctors, one
• hotel, one hardware store, but not a lawyer. ...'
• The water harnessed for power to run the mills also provided the main source of water for
• domestic and irrigation use. Ditches diverted water from Ashland Creek and carried it to
• different areas of town. The West Ashland Ditch served several properties. The Hargadine
• Ditch(constructed in 1854),the Million Ditch(1856), the Heiman Ditch(1858)and the
• Smith-Myer-Roper Ditch(1864) also took Ashland Creek water for domestic and
• agricultural uses. The farmers who used these ditches held some of the earliest water rights
• on Ashland Creek. The fair use of these rights and perceived injustices often created
• intense discord among residents.
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• In December 1861, all Ashland residents as well as other Bear Creek Valley folk
• suddenly received more water than they needed. In mid-December 1861, the ground was
• saturated from heavy rainfall and as more rain fell,the snow pack melted and severe
• flooding began.
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• On the night of Friday, [the 6's] a heavy rain set in and continued
• to pour down heavily without interruption until Sunday evening...
• and in consequence [high water] spread over a considerable portion
• of the valley...t he farmers along Bear Creek have suffered. One
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gentleman who owns a farm on that stream tells us that, on Sunday •
he stood by and watched his property, in fences, float off at the rate
of about one hundred dollars per hour....2 •
In 1874 however, despite it's beautiful setting and growing prosperity, Ashland had
serious problems. Poor sanitation, frequent fires, muddy, rutted streets and water •
shortages plagued the town's 300 residents. Fires burned everywhere. Faced with a •
pressing need for public services, Ashland applied for incorporation and on October 13, •
1874 the Oregon State Legislature granted the town a charter. •
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Water and sanitation problems continued. Stock ran loose, garbage lay everywhere, •
and outhouses were steeped in filth. Storm run-off drained directly into the creek. •
Contaminated streams, polluted wells and stagnant drainage water posed critical health •
dangers. On one occasion the newspaper warned that the water running down Main Street •
spread pestilence. The town board expressed concern over the broad prevalence of •
"fevers" in town. Officials' attempts to clean-up Ashland were largely unsuccessful.3 At •
one point the news editor stated that a"beautiful frog pond now adorns the public square, •
and the plaintive piping of the frogs at eventide accords harmoniously with the wail of •
the city Fathers, that"they can't help it.i4 An exchange of letters in the local newspaper •
in 1876 indicates residents' divided opinions concerning pollution of Ashland Creek. One •
worried citizen wrote: •
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A great many children live near the ditch... [and] have a desire •
to play...in the water. In they go, hands, or head, or feet... If the •
hands and feet were all, I could stand that; but, well, I'll not say •
anymore for the children... Some `respectable" persons even •
indulge in emptying soap-suds not two rods above the stream
knowing it cannot avoid going direct to the ditch. Some have a
notion that near the ditch is a good place for the progressive •
development of young "canines."... Beef bones, chicken bones, •
bad bread, dish rags, and even old dirty pot-rags have been found •
lodged in the water, and you know not how long you have been
drinking the nourishing qualities of such things. It is high time the
people of Ashland were looking after the common beverage of this •
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A resident responded: •
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The idea of nice running water being made dirty by children •
playing in it! He does not seem to know that flowing water purifies •
itself. With the fall the water ditch has, though two dozen boys •
were soaking in it at any given point by the time it had plunged and •
tumbled over two rocks it would be as pure and clean and when it •
first ran from the mountain's brow...We want our children to play •
in the water, because it's healthy for them and play in it they shall. •
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I saw [a man] washing his nose in the water... talk about filth
• after that! And was it not a man who put a dead dog to soak in the
• ditch? And is it not the men who delight to build their stables, pig
• pens, and other out-house close--jam upon the ditch? And is it not
the men, who kill the fish, that get stinking, and have to be thrown
in the water-ditch to get rid of them?6
• Civic improvements were painfully slow. Money was scarce and many residents refused
• to support services they believed yielded no personal benefit. The lack of a municipal
• system limited the water supply for domestic use and hampered sanitation and fire
• protection efforts. In 1876,three Ashland homes burned while neighbors tried to quell the
• flames with water from Ashland Creek and the West Ashland Ditch.'
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• Citizens continued to depend on wells or water from creeks and ditches. The few wooden
• pipes installed in 1875 to bring water into the center of town were narrow and they leaked. '
• Most summers the water supply ran out. Leading citizens suggested building a reservoir and
• piping system, but a lack of money and labor delayed action. Several residents dug wells to
• provide a good supply of necessary water. Some residents dug wells to provide necessary
• drinking water:
• A large number of wells for drinking water have been made in
• Ashland this season. The water is generally good, and in very hot
• weather is much better for drinking then that carried a long
distance through ditches in the hot sun.9
• At 4:00 a.m. on March 11, 1879 disaster struck Ashland when a fire that began in the
• blacksmith's shop roared through the business district. Within an hour all the wooden
• buildings on the west side of the plaza were gone. In the week following the fire,the
• newspaper editor laid the blame squarely on Ashland's town board and citizens:
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• There is no town in the country where nature has done so much
• toward furnishing water works for such purposes, and where the
• people have done less... When affairs were in a prosperous
• condition, the light tax necessary to secure the much-needed
• protection, would not have been felt by those upon whom it would
• have fallen ... It behooves our citizens to move in the matter as
• soon as they shall have recovered from the blow which their past
• negligence has brought upon them.10
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• The lack of adequate fire protection sparked the initial effort to pipe water into the central
• part of town. In early August 1884, after a citizen committee report stressed the
• community's desperate need, the town board recommended that pipes be laid to various
• areas of town, and that hydrants be placed at strategic locations. The Ashland Tidings
noted that"The Town Board seems to have been aroused, at last,to the necessity of some
• protection for the town against fire." 11
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In 1884 a new ditch was constructed to provide water to residents in the southerly •
Ashland environs. The newspaper reported: •
The water ditch on the east side of the creek;which is to take the •
water from the waste flume of the Messenger saw mill and run it •
across the ridge above the Hargadine estate, is now being made, and •
will prove of freat value to the people on the hillside in the southern
part of town.
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Ashland looked forward to the railroad's arrival. The line had reached Roseburg in •
1872 before financial problems halted construction. By the early I880's construction •
resumed and the rails pushed northward. In early 1884 Ashland's first big burst of growth •
was underway. Surveyors completed work on the new railroad addition that more than •
doubled Ashland's size almost overnight. The rails finally reached Ashland on April 16, •
1884. Businesses reported that total sales had doubled. Eighty-nine new houses and twenty- •
two other buildings had been constructed by the end of the year. •
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This rapid growth intensified the difficulties that Ashland already faced--no water •
system, no fire protection, chronically poor streets and sidewalks, and serious sanitation •
problems. Residents grew impatient with the town board's slow response to community •
needs. The board's responsibilities however, had increased dramatically during the decade. •
In December 1884, a committee drafted a new charter for incorporation as a city, with a •
mayor and city council to replace the town government.13 Ashland's need for a new form •
of government lay both in size and in changes to its population. Ashland citizens wanted •
leadership that would recognize different interests and allow them a more direct voice in •
their government. •
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At the end of 1884, Ashland was over thirty years old. Incorporated as a town for ten •
years, the community had grown substantially, but it lacked a water system, fire protection, •
and sanitation. With the railroad's arrival, Ashland residents faced tremendous additional •
pressures on their municipal water system.
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• CITY BEGINNINGS, 1885-1899
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• During the last fifteen years of the nineteenth century,the City of Ashland developed
• many critically important facilities. The water-piping system for fire protection was
• completed in 1887,the waterworks constructed in 1889-1890, and the electric power plant
• built in 1889. City government and the local newspaper generally supported these advances.
• Citizens' attitudes seemed often divided, as"progressive," supporters of public projects
• faced fellow residents who continually raised concerns about cost. Debates were often
• heated and progress was slow. This period also saw continued problems with sanitation
• and disease, increasing water shortages and a growing concern about future water
• availability. In 1893 the Ashland Creek Watershed was proclaimed a federal reserve.
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• On December 17, 1887 the rails from the north and south joined at Ashland and the
• town became the division point and working station for all passenger and freight trains
• through the area. Ten new additions to Ashland were platted in 1888. Thirty-four new
• dwellings were constructed in 1889. By 1890 lodging houses, saloons, restaurants, shops
• and warehouses formed a commercial district in the Railroad Addition where passengers,
• railroad crews and residents could trade without walking to the plaza. Ashland's
• population, which had numbered 841 in 1880, reached 1784 by 1890—an l 1 I per cent
• gain in ten years.
• As this period opened,the rapidly increasing number of residents put pressure on the
• city's water supply. Additional problems surfaced in 1885 when a hydraulic mining
• operation began work on the creek above town. In disgust, the newspaper editor wrote:
•
• The mining in Ashland creek above the town makes the water unfit
• for drinking purposes, but of course the people of Ashland won't
• grumble. It is too much trouble to attend to the matter and the three
• hundred families in town will go on drinking mud for the benefit of
two or three miners.14
• When two months had passed with problem still unresolved, the editor wrote again:
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• The pollution of the water supply of Ashland by the trifling mining
• operations up the creek is an outrage which the citizens of the town
• should not tolerate [for] an instant. For nearly thirty years this pure
• mountain stream has furnished the people of Ashland with most of
• the water used by them for all purposes. It has given the town its
• location, its life, its character, and is today its main prop and its chief
• attraction....
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• Ashland has the right to demand that this stream be kept pure and
• to see it deliberately turned into the muddy tailrace of a mining claim
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is exasperating enough to rouse a less sluggish people than ours to an •
immediate resentment...
The water is rendered wholly unfit for drinking, and most of the •
time, also, for any domestic uses, while people of experience in such •
matters declare that it is injured even for irrigating purposes. Already •
the damage done is more than temporary. If the mining were to be •
stopped finally today, it would be months before the stream would •
run again as clear as before the mining was begun... •
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...The town authorities should see that the nuisance is abated at once. •
[The miners] have recklessly damaged the water supply of the town •
to a degree which will compel the citizens to put an end to the •
mining sooner than might have been done had the miners been •
content to throw only a moderate quantity of mud down our •
throats.13 •
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Although city officials repeatedly warned the miners,the men refused to slow their •
operation. Finally they were arrested on a misdemeanor charge for fouling the city's water •
supply. The two were sentenced to pay a$10.00 fine plus costs, but chose to serve five days •
in jail rather than pay.16 •
In early 1886 Ashland citizens still fiercely debated whether to spend money on a fire •
engine or on water mains. The issue was expense. The Ashland Tidings supported the •
piping system and called for a five-inch pipe, yielding at least 120 pounds of pressure, to be •
laid from the creek above Marsh's Mill to the Plaza.."17
In early July 1886 Mayor George Engle appointed the city council as a committee to meet •
with Ashland citizens regarding fire protection. The committee, with citizen input,was to •
determine what kind of protection residents wanted and how it would be financed.18 Prior to •
the meeting councilman Lyttleton wrote an open letter to the public in which he firmly
supported purchasing equipment as the cheaper method of protection:
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...In matters of expenditure of public money small tax payers have a •
right to be consulted, at least to the extent they are concerned; and •
that money collected from them for fire purposes should not be •
expended at the will alone of those paying$10.00 and upward. In •
short,there should be no property qualification to entitle hearing on •
this question... Remembering that I was elected councilman less than •
a year ago ... and still believing that your interests will best be •
promoted by a fire extinguishing apparatus that will be available in •
all parts of the town, and the cost which will not irretrievably sink •
your city in debt, I advise you to make plain to the council your wish •
in the matter.19 •
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At the meeting, residents favored the piping plan but believed the cost to be prohibitive. •
Proposed piping would cost $6000 more than the$1200 the fire fund currently on hand. The •
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council instructed the mayor to determine if$6000 at eight percent could be obtained.20 On
• August 6th the Ashland Tidings wrote:
• ... It is generally admitted that the best plan would be to lay a water
• main through the streets with fire plugs at convenient intervals and
• secure a fall from a point high up the creek, sufficient pressure to
• give all the force and quantity of water desired without the use of any
• engine. But the heavy expense which would be required precludes
• the possibility of laying the pipe all over town, and as only the most
• exposed business center could be given protection in that way now,
• many of the citizens object and think it would be better to buy a little
• hand engine that could be dragged anywhere in town.
•
• A majority of the city council favors the proposition to lay a pipe
• that will cover the business center and rest at that for the present
• ...Opposition to this proposition developed at once, and a meeting to
• consider the question was called...'
• Citizens attending this meeting ruled that only property owners could vote on the
• resolution and that the votes were to be taken by ballot. Seven attendees approved the
• actin thirty-five council's voted
• n, against it. Those present appointed a committee to report
the resolution vote at the next city council meeting. s This committee, however, failed to
attend the council meeting, and the governing body took no action on the issue.23
• In early September,with a vote of three to one, the council authorized the City to
• negotiate a loan of$6,000 for"the purpose of establishing a water works or purchasing such
fire apparatus as the present wants of the city may demand...."24 The funds were available in
• October, but the project was stymied when some council members rebelled. The newspaper
reported:
• ...The plans of the city council have been blocked and it appears
• that nothing further can be done in the matter at present. When the
• matter was discussed and the decision arrived at to borrow money
• and put in pipes with hydraulic pressure for fire protection, three
• members of the council,Messrs. Bish, Hill and Martin, voted
• together for the project. Mr. Lyttleton, the other member of the
• council, wanted a fire engine...
•
• Afterwards, an agent of some fire engine house spent several days
• in Ashland and Martin promptly changed his mind and became a
• warm advocate of the engine plan. This leaves the council evenly
• divided on the question, but as the Mayor... is known to favor the
• original plan of laying pipes, the two engine men, Lyttleton and
• Martin, have resorted to the novel method of blocking all business in
• the council by absenting themselves from the meetings and thus
• leaving the council without the quorum required for the legal
• transaction of business. Their object is to prevent any action in the
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• 8
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matter till after the annual election, which should occur on the first •
Monday in November, in the expectation of seeing a new council
elected favorable to the purchase of a fire engine.25
The editor questioned whether an election could be legally held until after a quorum of the •
council had met to appoint election judges as provided for in the city charter. The newspaper •
explained that if no election were held, "the present officers will hold over, and the
blockaders will be beaten at their own game ... since they will expel themselves from the
council by refusal to attend six consecutive regular meetings.... Meantime,"the editor •
continued, "There is considerable other business besides water works which needs the •
attention of the council, and the spectacle of everything being neglected in this way is one •
calculated to make more than a few people thoroughly disgusted, to say the least."26 •
•
In the few remaining weeks preceding the election, piping system proponents and the •
steam fire engine backers promoted their plans. Mayor Engle, backed by councilmen Hill •
and Bish, asserted that the piping system would cover the greater part of the town for the •
money. Supporters of the engine plan stated that pipe for the system had been •
underestimated and that it would always need repair. They warned that the water pipe would •
be expensive and, being only for fire protection, would produce no revenue by sale of the •
water. In addition, they stated, the taxation burden would be too much on local citizens. The •
fire engine would be cheaper,give better protection to all parts of the city, and go places the •
pipe wouldn't reach.27 •
tArt ." i.4.�^�r-d^+� •
e,
�a
vx
•
Ashland Piew, 1886, City of Ashland Collection •
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•
The November election brought out 221 voters. There were two slates of candidates
• proposed; one by the water pipe convention, and the other nominated by a group opposed to
• the water pipe at a meeting held a few days before the election. At the last minute, the water
• pipe system opponents adopted resolutions abandoning the engine idea entirely. They
• favored a plan to loan the$6,000 in the fire fund to a responsible company that would lay
• the pipes for fire protection and then be able to sell water to citizens for domestic use. .28
• The action of the anti-water pipe convention diffused the hotly debated issue that had
• divided the city council before the election. Mayoral candidate J.M. McCall and the"water
• pipe ticket," received 133 votes. Candidate W.F. Songer for the"equal protection ticket,"
• received 84 votes.29 The Tidings stated, "The people have spoken in unmistakable terms in
• favor of water pipe protection, and the council can now proceed with the matter knowing
• that they are endorsed by the people......30
•
• In December 1886, twelve years after the town's incorporation and seven years after the
• disastrous Plaza fire, the council invited proposals to construct Ashland's water works.
• Major components of the project were the pipe on the creek to achieve a 140-f6ot fall, pipe
• for the rest of the system, the head works, and sixteen"double hydrants at appropriate
• points. ,3'On January 12, 1887, the city council authorized construction of the water works
• and agreed to pay John Barrett of Portland, Oregon, $7,000 for the job. "32
•
• In January, 1888 the new piping system and hydrants were tested when severe cold hit
• Ashland. Nearly all the house hydrants and small water pipes in town froze and residents
• carried water from wells and ditches. Although citizens feared fire, the local newspaper
• stated reassuringly:
•
• ...So far as the city water pipes are concerned, there need be no
• uneasiness. The pipes are buried deeply, and water is running
• through. The hydrants are made in such a way that they cannot be
• frozen, as all the water above3 he ground is allowed to escape from
• them when they are closed...
• In April, Ashland residents observed a decrease in the amount of water in Ashland Creek
• and worried about water availability for the coming summer. The newspaper reported:
•
• Parties who are taking water out of Ashland Creek say the volume
• of water is less for this time of year than has been noticed for a long
• time. The cause of this is probably due to the fact that, while we have
• been having very pleasant weather, there has been an entire absence
• of successive warm days and evenings combined, hence the large
• amount of snow on Ashland butte doesn't melt.34
•
• Early in 1889 Ashland became the first town in Jackson County to have electric power.
• Eight streetlights, ordered from New York, were placed in the central area.35 The local paper
• reported:
•
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•
• 10
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ashland Plaza was lighted for the first time last Friday by a 1200 •
candle power arc light suspended in one of the upper doorways of the •
Ashland Flouring Mills. The light was a bright surprise to most of •
our citizens... It was supplied with electricity by a small dynamo 36
Power to run the system came from Ashland Creek. A plan for electric power was first •
discussed in late 1888 when a group including H.B. Carter and S.B. Galey organized the •
Ashland Electric Power and Light Company, incorporating with a capital stock of$15,000. •
The company stated their purpose, "to establish, maintain and conduct a system of electric •
lights throughout the city of Ashland and adjacent country..."37 •
•
Ashland Ordinance No. 62 granted a perpetual franchise to the •
company on January 30, 1889. The company sold stock, bought •
water rights and land, and soon purchased two Edison direct current •
dynamos—each with a sixteen-candle power capacity. The first plant •
was constructed on the present site of the tennis courts in Lithia •
Park.38 •
•
On February 21, 1889 a new Ashland charter was filed with the Secretary of State. Work •
on the charter had seen extended and often bitter, debate. Opponents complained that it gave •
the council too much power in issues such as water rights, borrowing money, liquor control, •
and alteration of city limits, without going to a vote of the people.39 Specifically,the council •
was empowered to borrow on"the faith of the city," money not exceeding $50,000 for a •
new water works.40 •
•
Although the water works built in 1887 helped fire protection efforts, the city badly •
needed a more comprehensive water system. The newspaper noted: •
One of the pressing needs of Ashland is the establishment of a •
proper system of water works, which will supply the whole town •
through pipes and supersede the open ditches which now furnish the •
greater portion of the supply. The city already has a system of water •
pipes, laid for fire protection chiefly,which covers the business part •
of town, and furnishes water with a pressure sufficient to afford as •
much protection as is given by an ordinary fire engine. •
•
The water committee of the last city council recommended that this •
system of pipes be extended as rapidly as could be done,till it covers •
all parts of town... Something should be done and done soon, to give •
the city an adequate water pipe system...41 •
•
The issue resulted in more political turmoil. On May 22, 1889,the city council set a
special election for bonds for the city water system.42 In June 1889, the Tidings came out
strongly for the proposal, explaining that the old ditches, which had supplied the city with
water for years, were insufficient and a health menace. Critics of the proposal complained
that the council had not sufficiently planned location for the pipes, that they had not
11 ,
•
•
gathered adequate estimates of cost, and that they had no legal right to take enough water
• from the creek for a system.43 The Ashland Tidings editor wrote:
• It is a question of the gravest moment;an issue on which hangs the
destiny of our city ...The ditches which have supplied the people and
• the city with water the years past cannot meet the requirements of
today, to say nothing of the future. Open ditches, with water soaking
• the soil constantly along their course, a surplus running where it
• should not and the ditches themselves catching surface washings,
• may do well enough for a hamlet, but as constructed and used in
• Ashland they become a positive menace to health in a town of the
• size of ours, even when the natural drainage is good.
•
• In open canals so small, and of such length, running through
• dooryards and other yards,the water can be kept neither cool in hot
• weather nor pure at any time. Taken in pipes from a distance far
• enough up the creek to cover the whole town, the water supply will
• be the purest,the freshest, and the best of any city in America.44
•
• Citizens held a mass meeting on the plaza to hear speakers on both sides of the issue.
• Council member J.S. Walter presented the council's case, defended the plan, and described
• the system and costs. J.T. Bowditch spoke for the opponents. He said that the City had no
• definite information about plans and costs, and stated that"he didn't agree with Dr. Walter
• in anything." A project supporter said, "the city must have the water works..." adding,"Let
• the city get the water the best way it can, and let the council proceed in a business way and
• put in the best system of water works that can be had." S.B. Galey stood to speak for the
opposition, but the crowd was impatient and tired and he moved to adjourn the meeting until
• the next week... On election day, voters approved the water works proposal by a vote of
• 248 to 38. The newspaper stated:
• Ashland followed her record of enterprise, pluck and progress last
• Thursday by a practically unanimous vote in favor of the proposition
• for a city bond for$50,000 for waterworks... Of the 38 who voted
• against the proposition, nine-tenths will protest today that they want
the new water works, but voted against the bond issue because...
• they can't possibly vote the same way that some of the neighbors do,
• or because it has become a habit to vote against any proposition
• made by the city government.46
•
• The Council accepted the proposal of the John Barrett Company in Portland, the
• corporation that had built the earlier system. The plan called for two components, an upper
• system to serve the hilly area above the Boulevard and North Main Street, and a lower
• system, to serve Iowa Street,Hargadine Street and the railroad area. The Bank of Ashland
• bought the water bonds in October 1889, and they went at a premium. Within a month the
• city accepted bids for construction of an open reservoir on upper Granite Street, pipe and
•
•
•
12
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•
•
•
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hauling. Officials began procuring rights of way for the system.47 The Ashland Tidings •
described the project: •
The pipe will give a fall of about 140 feet from the head to the •
level of the plaza, and will thus furnish all the pressure desired at the •
sixteen double hydrants...The head works include a dam across •
Ashland Creek, a flume 30 to forty feet long to carry the waters •
thence to the bulk-head, and a bulk-head 16 feet long, six feet deep •
and five feet wide, with divisions so as to allow free flow of water •
into the pipe—the whole creek if necessary-and yet afford a perfect •
screen to prevent all trash from entering. 4 •
•
Although the majority of citizens had supported the water works proposal, conflict over •
the project arose during the last six months of the year. The project superintendent, who was •
busy on another contract,was several months late beginning work in Ashland. The delay •
frustrated citizens who awaited water.49 Some residents complained about the location of •
the water system, accusing water committee members of laying the largest mains near their •
own property. Other residents insinuated that there was a conspiracy among a few •
individuals to direct profit to themselves, by manipulating the disposal of the water bonds.50 •
•
The Valley Record, lost no time in blaming the Republicans. The Democratic newspaper •
pointed out that after Mayor DR. Mills had advertised the bids for$50,000 in bonds, City •
Treasurer E.V. Carter, also the Bank of Ashland's cashier, had made sure that his bank got •
the bonds. The editor pointed out that Mayor Mills was coincidentally a stockholder and •
director in the Bank of Ashland.51 The newspaper went on to quote Section 17 of the new •
city charter that stipulated that"No member of the common council shall, during his term of •
office, be interested in any contract,the expenses of which are to be paid out of the city •
treasury.52
•
Tensions increased as the December 1889 election neared. Citizens called a mass
convention to nominate candidates for office. J.M. McCall placed incumbent D.R. Mills' •
name in nomination. C.W. Logan nominated H.C. HII, who was made nominee of the •
convention. A dissatisfied group left this meeting and returned to the city council room, •
where members named Mayor D.R. Mills as their candidate. Each group selected its own •
slate of city candidates. H.C. Hill won with 215 votes to 170 votes for D.R. Mills.53
The Valley Record editor described the election results: •
•
The sentiment of the people was so outspoken that they would •
have defeated the once popular mayor[Mills]with the proverbial •
yellow dog as an opposition. The same intelligent community that •
had believed it to its public interest to elect this man by a majority of •
200 out of 300 with a full vote polled, expressed itself only too ;
wil14 to get rid of him by a large majority and put anything in his
place. 4
13
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•
•
The year 1890 began with terrible weather. In mid-January, the large accumulation of
snow in the mountains halted railroad traffic over the Siskiyous, stranding passengers at
• Ashland. By the first of February, warm rains melted the snow and Ashland Creek
• quickly reached flood stage. At one point the high water threatened to halt the electricity
• production in the new plant by backing up over the wheel, but crews dug a new creek
• channel to divert the water away from the machinery.55
•
• Ashland Creek's flooding water cut out a large part of AD. Helman's garden in a low
• area. Other residents who owned property along the creek in the lower areas of town lost
• fencing and valuable improved ground. Although damages were serious,the effect on
• Ashland in general was not as devastating as other floods. The Tidings stated:
•
• The high water of 1880 did great damage to the gardens and
• meadows on Ashland Creek below town, but this time, though there
• was more water, no damage of consequence has been done. A large
• channel and considerable work since to protect the lands, as well as a
• sharp lookout and prompt work yesterday, are to be thanked for the
• small extent of the damage this time.S6
• Now that the flood has come and gone, and has given a second
• sample of how high Ashland Creek can rise in time of freshet,the
• people feel more secure than ever before from danger by high water
• to property in the lower part of town. It is shown that if the channel
of the creek be kept clear in its comparatively straight course through
• town, the rapid fall will off safe) as
• p carry y great a volume of water as
• can come from a flood even greater than any yet known here, and
there need be no apprehension of danger unless it be from a
• phenomenal cloud burst or something of that nature. The clearing of
the channel and walling the creek banks in places should be
• commenced now, however, to save the work of sandbaggin§.the
• banks in one or two places where there is danger of cutting.
•
• Construction on Ashland's new water system continued through the spring and summer
• of 1890. The work was finally finished near the end of October. The Tidings reported:
•
• The whole town is practically covered with the pipes of the two
• systems... The supply of water is abundant and pure, and the
• pressure is sufficient to make the fire hydrants equal to a steam fire
• engine for fire purposes.58
•
• Although pleased with the new system, the Ashland Tiding editor regretted the delays
• in completing the project—delays that meant more cost to the city for digging the
• trenches and the loss of revenue that would have come in if the pipes had been ready for
• irrigation season.S9 Critics of the project submitted a complaint to the city council
• concerning the cost, condition and limitations of the new city water works. The council
• listened, but took no action.co
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a� •
g •
,w
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♦p A •
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Ashland Reservoir, Upper Granite Street, City of Ashland Collection
•
With the December 1890 election approaching, the Valley Record flayed promoters of the
water works. They repeated their criticism of the Bank of Ashland, as well as of city
officials who they still accused of conspiring to line their own pockets.61 The editor stated
that government officials, water committee members, or their relatives, tapped the upper
system where the pipes were largest. "The schemers tap from a pipe that could produce a •
flood worse than the Johnstown affair,"whereas"people on the lower system that has 141 •
tappers into it, have not had an opportunity to quench their thirst from even a three-quarter
inch pipe."6e Despite intense criticism from some citizens the municipal ticket, led by G.M. ;
Grainger for mayor, won handily63
By the following July, Ashland again experienced a reduction in its available water i
supply as the weather warmed and use increased. The city council passed Ordinance 103 i
regulating the use of city water. i
i
The Ashland Forest Reserve, which consisted of most of the Ashland Creek i
Watershed, was created by presidential proclamation on September 23, 1893 to and i
officially recognized the area a municipal watershed preserve. i
i
During the 1890's Ashland continued to experience a seasonal shortage of water. Each i
summer the supply ran low. In July 1896 the Ashland Tidings reported: i
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•
Many people having taps along the principal mains leave a faucet,
• and sometimes two or three of them open full force all of the time,
• with the result that other people who live in the suburbs or at a
distance from the large mains are unable to get any water at all from
• their faucets.64
•
• The Superintendent of the Water Works published a notice:
•
• It has been found that if everybody using water for irrigation
• purposes tries to irrigate at the same time, some persons get more
• water than they are entitled to,while others cannot get any. Therefore
• it is ordered by the fire and water committee that all persons living
• west and north of Ashland Creek may use water from the city water
• mains for irrigation and sprinkling lawns only on Monday,
• Wednesday and Friday of each week, and that all persons living east
• and south of Ashland Creek,use water for the said purposes only on
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week. The Supt. Of water
• works is instructed to turn off the water from any person who
• neglects to obey the foregoing regulation. 65
• Two summers later the water shortage was great enough that the city council forbade the
use of water for power. The Ashland Tidings reported:
• The attention of the council was largely taken up with a
• consideration of the water question; the increasing scarcity of
• water; some persons get none, while other persons waste it. Some
persons pay no attention to the rules made by the council for the
• use of water. What rules can be made that will be nearer equal to
• all parties?
• For the present the council decided that all use of water for
• power purposes must be at once stopped;that any parties using the
• city water for running private electric lighting plants, must cease to
• use it for that purpose...The city will hire an extra man to see that
• the present rules and regulations are strictly lived up to.66
•
• At the close of the nineteenth century Ashland had basic water facilities in operation.
• An open reservoir lay above what is now Lithia Park; a pipe distribution system and fire
• hydrants served much of the city. Summer, however brought frequent water shortages
• and low water pressure often prevented effective use of fire equipment.
•
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• 16
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•
• THE GROWING YEARS, 1900-1929
• During the first two decades of the twentieth century the City accomplished watershed
• protection regulations, acquired water rights, battled regular water shortages, constructed
• dams on the forks of Ashland Creek, crafted agreements with the Talent Irrigation District,
• screened the domestic water supply and constructed Hosler Dam and Reeder Reservoir.
• Ashland established a solid interest in remaining independent regarding water issues.
•
• Between 1900 and 1910 Ashland's population nearly doubled. Commercial development
• expanded out East Main Street, orchards were planted on Ashland hillsides. The flour mill
• was dismantled to make way for a city park and the Plaza and East Main Street were paved
• to accommodate automobiles. By 1910, with a population of 5020, Ashland flourished.
•
• Ashland's seasonal low water supply curtailed domestic and agricultural water use. Each
• summer as irrigation uses increased, residents ran short of water. In 1902 after upper water
• system's main pipe burst,water problems became more severe. The newspaper reported:
•
• The main pipe of the upper system of the water works, bursted
• last night for the second time this winter. The flood of last night
• and the bursting of the main washed out a tree and carried it down
• the canyon so that the branches rested on the new flume of the
• A.E.P. &L Co. which caused it to sag temporarily and reduced the .
• power at the light plant. 67
•
• After an investigation,the city council voted to contact everyone claiming water rights on
• Ashland Creek and to propose the sale of the water rights to the City. The council requested
• that persons claiming these rights provide the officials with abstracts, deeds, or title
• papers indicating their legal entitle8 ent. In April 1902,the council called a mass meeting
• to propose the sale of water rights. 68 m
September,with the water supply at a low,the City
• notified residents that all irrigation must cease. Those who disregarded the order would
• have their water turned off immediately.
In October 1902, the City purchased the water rights of the Ashland Manufacturing
Company.69 The following winter, the council voted to replace ten-inch water pipes with
• eighteen-inch pipes. By June 1903, Ashland's superintendent of the waterworks had laid
. 6500 feet of water mains and lateral piping.70 Officials soon realized the City's need to
• control water use on Ashland Creek. In December, 1903 Ashland residents approved a
measure authorizing the City to incur necessary expenses to control the water supply "for
domestic, irrigation and municipal purposes within the city limits. 71 At the same time
• problems with debris in the watershed further affected both the water and sanitation. The
Ashland Tidings editor wrote:
•
• A very few hundred dollars spent in clearing the channel of
• Ashland Creek of logs and vegetable matter, for a mile above the
• intake of the city's upper water mains, would not only conserve the
•
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• 17
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water supply but also prove a sanitary measure of great value to the •
people of Ashland.... Ashland's fine water supply must be •
maintained in quality and quantity...72 •
•
Early in the twentieth century, the council faced the serious problems caused by the
lack of sanitary sewers. Physicians had warned for years of dangerous health conditions •
and annual efforts to "cleanup filth and garbage" in the city netted only temporary results.
Under direction of the council, engineers planned "complete system of sewerage for •
Ashland.s73 After surveying the city, the engineers estimated that a system could be •
installed for about $20,000. The council adopted the plan in February, 1902 and •
discussed where to dump the sewage.74 An election to authorize bonds for the new •
sewer system was set for April 26, 1902. City attorney E.D. Briggs spoke in favor of the •
proposed system: •
•
Conditions have changed from ten years ago, when Ashland had •
a population of 1700 and property couldn't be given away. Now •
property was worth six times that much... As to the necessity of a •
sewer he had only to refer to the stench encountered in going along •
certain streets. It is a disgrace to Ashland." •
•
Ashland voters defeated the sewer bonds three to one, with 106 votes for the system and •
295 votes against it.75 Infectious diseases continued to flourish and within a short time city •
officials constructed a pest house in the lower part of town to house people sick with •
typhoid.76 •
•
The following year City officials tried again to acquire a sanitary sewer system for •
Ashland. The council promised that the sewage would not be disposed of in Ashland or Bear •
Creeks, but on ground owned or leased by the City, and handled by the most"approved •
sanitary methods practicable."The city would be divided into districts for sewerage service •
and service would not be obligatory in any district until: •
...A majority of the residents of said district shall petition the council
for it, but when so ordered the expense shall be borne by the •
residents of the district according to the assessment plan..."77
Resident J.K. Van Sant wrote in favor of the sewer: •
•
Shall we have our beautiful little city a city of health or shall we •
vote in the coming election for typhoid fever and diphtheria. You are •
aware at the present time that there are a great many cases of typhoid •
in this city. Would you prefer yourself or friends to be stricken down •
with this terrible malady and pay your money for medicine and •
doctor bills or would you prefer to pay a little more for taxes?78 •
•
An anonymous citizen wrote of"unspeakably vile" conditions: •
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18 •
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• The mountain breezes and sunshine keep the air sweet in great part,
but at night when the breezes fail there arises in the lower levels of.
• the town, a stench like that of a charnel house over a giant cesspool.
• The most beautiful mountain drives and the finest fruit in Oregon
won't balance the daily inhalation of"all the well defined and
separate stinks"to be found in the charming town of Ashland.79
• Every physician in town agreed that the sewer was needed, and they spoke up. Dr.
• Parsons cited"sixteen cases of typhoid fever on the`flats' within the past two or three
• months,"and noted that"anyone who passes through the lower part of town at 3 or 4
• o'clock in the morning cannot help but notice a stench which is very offensive."S0 Dr.
• Hicks stated that "The people living on the high places or hills should ... help the people in
• the hollow by voting for sewers..." '"Of course we need sewers," said Dr. Brower. He
• continued:
•
• In my opinion, if we had a sewer system and if our water was
• filtered, there would be about one doctor who would have to leave
• town... People who have used water from springs or wells or from
• that pipe at the S.P. roundhouse are the ones who have had the
• typhoid fever.82
•
• The Board of Trade reviewed Ashland Creek pollution problems and pledged their
• support for the city council. Reviewing water purity, Board president Morris read a
• letter from Dr. Gardiner, chief surgeon of the Southern Pacific Company in which he
• reported having treated a number of Ashland railroad men in the company's hospital the
• previous summer for typhoid fever. Dr. Gardiner recommended a thorough investigation
• of the water supply and of the watershed that drained into Ashland Creek.83
• Citizen committees walked the city to encourage support for the sewer measure.
• Residents noted the high number of typhoid cases in town during the summer months. On
election day, October 19, 1903, voters overwhelmingly voted to borrow$20,000 to install a
g
• city sewer system, 416 in favor and 89 against. In June, 1904 the council passed
• Ordinance No. 235 prohibiting trespass, pollution or diversion of Ashland Creek.
• Water shortages and intense concerns over Ashland's water supply led to the fraying of
• the long association between the City of Ashland and the Ashland Electric Power and Light
• Company. These water shortage problems and reduced financial resources encouraged the
• city council to consider operating a municipal power plant on its own. The council set an
• election for December 15, 1903 for voters to consider amending the city charter to establish
• and operate a City power and light plant. The issues submitted to voters included proposals
• to incur debt for water bonds and to establish an electric power and light plant.85 Ashland
• voters passed the proposed charter amendments by a large vote.86
•
• In 1904, efforts to eliminate the AEP&L Company's hold in Ashland began in earnest.
• During the summer, heavy private water demand meant that the power company was
•
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• 19
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unable to provide adequate electricity and Ashland was soon without streetlights at night •
—a problem that continued until late October when water use declined.87
The Ashland city council brought a suit against the AEP&L Company over water rights •
along the creek. City attorney Phipps argued that the company had no valid title to take •
water from Ashland Creek and was trespassing on the municipal water system..The power
company denied the assertion, saying that the City water system encroached upon their •
rights.88 The power company saw no option but to submit the case to circuit court. The
majority of Ashland city council members agreed.89 During the summer of 1905 the City of
Ashland built a case to support their entitlement to water rights on the Creek. Their answer •
said, in part: •
•
...The early settlers have continuously used the waters of the creek •
for domestic use and for irrigation through the Applegate, Hargadine, •
Walker and Million ditches on the east side, and through the West •
Ashland Ditches Nos. 1 and 2, the Anderson mining ditch and the •
Helman-Myer ditch on the west side and by the use of wooden water •
pipe as laterals from said ditches before the installation of the present •
water systems, and also quite generally from each of the mill •
ditches... •
•
...In 1886 the many open ditches through the city became a menace •
to the growth and health of the city and it became necessary ... to •
supply the city of Ashland with a more efficient and complete water
system... In 1887 the council appropriated all the waters of said •
creek to be taken and used as the growth of the city might require.90
•
The City set a special election for June to authorize bonds in the amount of$30,000 to •
purchase water rights on Ashland Creek. Although the turnout was small, voters •
overwhelmingly passed the measure at 182 votes and 9 votes against, enabling the city to •
purchase several water rights including those of the Ashland Flouring Mill and Ashland Iron
Works.91
In August 1905 the AEP&L Company suddenly shut down their power plant, saying the •
engine was out of order because the City had taken all the water and they could not operate
their machinery. The Tidings reported: •
•
"For two nights last week, Ashland was in a position to enjoy the
glorious moonlight undiluted with any of the devices of man... The •
soft rays emanating from earth's greatest progeny, which showed •
nearly a full face, had a practical as well as the romantic appreciation •
of this public, as they lighted the way through the streets, which •
otherwise would have been as dark as Erebus.92" •
•
The two sides attempted an agreement, but power company suggestions that.they use •
water from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m, and that the City have use in the daytime, did not meet with •
•
•
•
20
•
•
•
•
•
•
council approval. The council expressed concerns about water availability for emergencies
• and refused to agree to anything except city ownership.
• Late in 1905 AEP&L offered to sell its entire holdings in Ashland water rights, plant,
• poles and wires, and a contract with Condor Water and Power company at Gold Ray for cost
• and interest.93 In mid-December the Tidings wrote:
•
• The controversy... has been a disturbing factor in Ashland for
• several years, and has rent the city into factions and been detrimental
• in more ways than one, besides leaving the streets in darkness for
• many months past and engaging the city in expensive
• litigation...have been negotiated in a compromise through efforts of
• Mayor Butler... and receiving unanimous approval, the city council,
• enacted it into an ordinance....94
•
• The city council unanimously approved accepting the company's offer to sell,with
• ditches, power plant, water rights and land. The company kept its distribution system and
• continued to supply the City with power through a contract with Condor Company lines.
These lines were being rushed toward Ashland from the Gold Ray Plant on the Rogue
River.95
• In 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt, by proclamation, redefined the Ashland Forest
• Reserve and added 136,900 acres to the area, most of which lay west of the Ashland
• Creek drainage. The Ashland Forest Reserve was soon absorbed into the Crater National
• Forest with headquarters in Medford. The creation of the Forest further protected the
city's water supply.
In 1908 the city council engaged Portland engineer Frank C. Kelsey to survey Ashland
• Canyon and to estimate the available power for electricity and costs for development. The
• engineer estimated that the powerhouse, pipeline, water wheel, governor, generator,
distributing system and other equipment would cost $66,700.96
•
• Work continued at the new municipal powerhouse site through the winter and spring of
• 1909. On July 17,1909 the City of Ashland signed a contract with Medford contractor
• Richard I. Stuart for construction of the new facility. By December, the plant was in
• operation. Council members reported that the"Ashland Municipal Electric Light plant and
• system is an asset, paying for itself and saving."97
•
• The city council set a special election for August 23, 1909 to authorize$50,000 for re-
funding of water bonds for the waterworks improvements. The bond issue passed.98 Dams
• and small reservoirs were constructed on the east and west forks of Ashland creek to
• divert creek flow for power production and for domestic use in the high elevation
• sections of the city.
•
•
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• 21
•
•
•
. � .- •1• - . -. . - • � • '.' 111
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•
•
• The Anderson ditch has been the only recognized outstanding
established right to the waters of Ashland Creek as against the
• rights already acquired by purchase or appropriation by the city,
• and its purchase will now leave the city in practically undisputed
• possession of not only all the waters of the stream, but of
• practically all the lands along it from the intake of the lower water
• system to the national forest reserve. The Anderson mining ditch
was located in 1861. It is thought that the city can find it profitable
• to repair it in places needed and continue the sale of water from it,
• thereby earning the interest cost on the investment 99
•
• Pollution problems continued in Ashland Creek in early 1910. The council ordered the
• Water Committee to clean up the canyon and sent the police chief to examine the
• situation. The newspaper reported that, "Chief of Police Irwin verbally reported on
• condition of the creek up the canyon, finding the same to be far from a sanitary point of
• view, but encumbered with rubbish, which needed to cleared out..."100
•
• In September 1910 the city council retained W.J. Roberts, a consulting civil engineer
• from Medford to investigate and make a full report on Ashland's water system: Roberts
• highlighted several issues for the council. The most critical defect in the system,Roberts
• stated, was the"total absence of any storage or reservoirs," resulting in an"overflow and
• waste at both intakes at night, leaving a shortage by day." Other problems included
• excessive pressure in the lower portions of the city, small mains, and too few fire hydrants
• to supply the growing city. 101 Roberts recommended the eventual installation of meters and
the construction of reservoirs having a combined capacity of at least 5 million gallons. He
• suggested that the City place one on Crowson Hill at the top of Terrace Street, and the other
• near Montana(Holly) Street near the head of Gresham Street.102
•• In mid-November the ci ty council accepted Roberts report and set an election for
• December 14, 1910. Supporters of improvements to the water system described it as one of
• patches"from beginning to end,"that needed reconstruction. Opponents pointed to
• "excessive bond burdens" and stated that existing obligations ought to be liquidated before
assuming new ones. They called attention to the municipal electric plant still
uncompleted.103 When votes were counted, out of 602 votes cast in the election, 210
• citizens voted for the water bonding plan, and 392 voted against it. The city council faced
• repairing the system somehow.
On May 10, 1911 another special election was held to vote on $27,000 bonds for
• improvements to the water works. This time no reservoir was included, but the purpose
• was to substitute a large pipe in the upper part of the system. The City was already at
work on a concrete dam and new intake, using proceeds accruing from the water system
•
itself 105 Election results showed that 231 voters opposed the plan while 98 residents
• supported it. In explaining the defeat, The Tidings cited citizen belief that the new pipe was
• not necessary and believed that it was not the right season to start the project.106
•
•
•
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• 23
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•
•
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The City government's money problems continued in 1911. The city council approved an •
ordinance forbidding any purchase of$50 or more without approval, except in emergency •
concerning streets or in the water system or electric plant. The Ashland Tidings reported a •
"shake-up in the city council" regarding how the council juggles money. Council members •
differed on the need for strict economy, and the paper reported the"city is having trouble
paying its bills."107
In the fall of 1912, City Engineer F.H. Walker reported to the council's water •
committee on his recent investigations in Ashland Creek Canyon as to"the possibilities •
as to the building of dams and reservoirs to increase the city's storage capabilities and •
possibly waterpower for the electric light plant."Engineer Walker closed his report, •
saying, "... The necessity of additional water for city use is bound to come to us at no •
distant day."108 The council discussed the Walker's report but took no formal action.
•
In November, 1913,the City ordered water meters and installed them in several locations. •
Within a year, however, the meters were determined as impractical due to considerable •
sediment in Ashland's water.109 •
•
In April, 1914, City crews completed laying a 3000 feet of new twenty-four-inch pipe •
water main in Ashland Canyon. The local newspaper enthusiastically reported that "at •
least fifty percent more water can be delivered at the top of Crowson Hill than has been •
possible before."110 That summer, despite the new pipe, Ashland's water supply again •
ran short. In July the council issued a notice to water users to conserve and set •
regulations for alternate days for irrigation.]]] •
•
With the city's problems with water storage still unsolved, City Engineer Walker found a •
possible solution on a summer day in 1916, "while on a ramble up the left fork of Ashland •
Creek." Struck by the possibility of the location for a big storage reservoir he surveyed the •
site and prepared a thorough report for the city council. Walker estimated the storage
capacity of a reservoir at this site as 25 million gallons, about twenty-five times the capacity •
of the city's lower reservoir, and fifty times the capacity of the upper reservoirs built for the
electric plant. The Tidings reported that:
•
It was not the intention of the council to plan any such •
construction at present, but that some day the reservoir will be •
needed is conceded, and Mr. Walker's report will be filed so that •
when the need of more storage becomes imperative it can be used as
most valuable data.'12
In August 1918, the seasonal water shortage prompted the council to pass a new law •
eliminating lawns and parks and from sprinkling and irrigation privileges until further •
notice. Several property owners living in the higher portions of the city appeared before the •
council and petitioned for sufficient water to save their growing crops 113
The years following World War I saw new growth in Ashland despite the failure of •
several old institutions, including the natatorium, the Chautauqua, and hopes for a resort •
•
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24 •
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• city. In 1923, a group of Ashland businessmen, determined to revive the town, planned
• construction of a nine-story hotel. The Lithia Springs Hotel, which opened in 1925, became
• an important part of the commercial district development. The new endeavor could not,
• however, offset the devastating affect of the new Southern Pacific Railroad's cut-off
• between Weed and Eugene. In 1927 many railroad men moved away from Ashland. Houses
• were left vacant, landlords lost tenants and schools lost pupils. Money was tight in Ashland
• and running the city was difficult.
• In 1919,the city council instructed the water department to estimate the cost of a
• screen at the power plant to keep out debris so water meters could be installed.14
• Potential water shortages were noticed as early as April 1919. The Ashland Tidings editor
• wrote:
•
• The city contracts with citizens to supply the water necessary for
• their lawns and gardens at a season price of$8.00 per acre. Last
• year and the years before they paid the bill, but the water was not
• supplied. There has been a water shortage of greater or less degree
• every year since the writer has knowledge of Ashland. The people
• have paid for the water but the city has not supplied it in sufficient
• quantities to meet the demand. Ashland should set about at once
• with its plans for future water supply."
•
• In October 1919 an Oregon House of Representatives Report reviewed proposed
• legislation to add tracts of land "for protection of the water supply" of Ashland and
• several other Oregon cities. Bill HR 8028 was modified to provide for cutting timber
• only when the Secretary of Agriculture finds that such cutting may be done "without
• detriment to the purity of or depletion of the water supply..." In February 1920 the
• Senate passed the measure.116
• In the spring of 1920 critical water problems remained unsolved. Local citizens
• petitioned the council to research means for providing an increase of water at once.
• Mayor Lamkin responded, saying that one of his hoped-for projects had been the
• construction of two dams up in the canyon to facilitate the water supply. He explained
that World War I had ended all civic improvements and that the post-war shortage of
• labor and increased costs had made it impossible. The mayor stated that he now favored
• a water supply that would allow plenty of water for domestic purposes and for electric
power only.117 The City engineer explained that the community needed "simply a water
• system for domestic purposes, not an irrigation system." "Under ordinary conditions," he
• said:
• The system is sufficient for the purpose for which it was
• designed, and with the exceptions of unusually dry seasons,
• Ashland has an exceptionally good supply. This will not answer
• for acreage purposes however, and if that is what is demanded, it
• will mean an immense outlay, and necessitate the bringing of water
• from a great distance."s
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The city council ordered Walker and the water department to investigate data 0
concerning the amount of water that might be available, the best location for dams, and 0
careful cost estimates.19 0
Ashland tempers grew short during the extreme drought of the summer of 1920. Little 0
rain fell during the spring and irrigation rates were increased. In August the council 0
implemented strict water use regulations and laws to be enforced. The council studied the 0
need for an election and bonding for improvements to the system. 120 0
The Ashland Tidings editor wrote: 0
•
Not only is the lack of water apparent to promote the beauty of •
Ashland, but it is becoming absolutely essential to devise some •
means of obtaining more for domestic purposes. At the present low •
water period those who live in the hill districts are almost destitute •
of water on days when the lower sections of the city are being •
irrigated. There are many homes where only the merest trickle of 0
water comes from the faucets at these times. These people cannot 0
get enough water for ordinary household usage, for several hours 0
during the days when irrigation is carried on below them. What is 0
going to be done about it? Are we going to let Ashland revert to 0
the desert?121 •
•
Talent Irrigation Project Director, F.C. Dillard and City Engineer, Walker, searched 0
Ashland Canyon for suitable conditions to extend Ashland's water supply. While Dillard 0
agreed with the local water commission that a reservoir site on the west fork of the creek 0
was a good one, he stated that it would be advisable to investigate all sources in the hope 0
of obtaining a site nearer the city.122 No solution was found.
In September 1920,the City held two important elections to vote on separate propositions
for improvement to the water supply. One proposal called for the erection of an earthen dam 0
and reservoir to store sufficient additional water in addition to the existing facility. The 0
second proposal would authorize the council to issue bonds not exceeding$100,000 to 0
purchase land in Township 38 South,Range 5,known as the Buck Lake property, and pipe 0
water to Ashland. Discussion regarding the two choices was lively, and most citizens
realized the importance of the issue.12 In the first election only twenty-five percent of
eligible-voters went to the polls. They voted 556 for the dam and 143 against it. In the •
following week's election, purchase of the privately owned Buck Lake property was •
defeated with 833 against the project and 60 votes in favor.124
0
Following the elections, the City contracted with D.C. Henny, consulting engineer from 0
Portland, Oregon. Engineer Henny inspected the proposed dam site at the head of the 0
West Fork of Ashland Creek. The engineer concluded that construction of a reservoir at. 0
this site presented problems connected with other features of the city water supply system •
and offered suggestions for other means for preventing the shortages. Henry concluded 0
that the available minimum supply of Ashland Creek was ample to meet maximum •
legitimate demands of all water users, including usual losses and waste, and that shortage of •
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26 0
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0
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•
•
the water supply in midsummer was probably due to excessive waste. He stated that no
• relief measures were likely to be permanently effective unless excessive waste was checked.
• He recommended that the irrigation supply be measured and charged for by quantity and
• placed on a rotation basis.
• Other recommendations included installing pressure regulating gates, measuring water
• taken into the pipe system, and closing open pipe ends. Measuring water use during the
• winter would indicate the amount of waste in the domestic system. If excessive waste were
• discovered, a house to house inspection,with meters installed for individual users and
• reduction of pressure, should be effected. The general introduction of meters is certain,
• however, to be more effective, payment of water charges being made dependent on water
• consumed.
•
• Henny suggested that construction of a reservoir on West Fork be deferred until "the
• necessity for it is more fully demonstrated than at present "but said, "If such reservoir
• should prove desirable, an entirely safe dam can be built at the site selected." 125 The
• Ashland City Council voiced support for Henny's recommendations and decided to try to
• control the present supply of water through metering, rotating water use in various zones,
• and by eliminating all waste.
•
• In July 1921 the Oregon State Board of Health warned the City that its water supply was
• contaminated and recommended that the city own and control the entire watershed and
• install a temporary chlorination plant. After investigating various options, the city council
• purchased chlorination machines. Water Superintendent Hosler was instructed to construct a
• building to house the equipment. 126
Development of the water system project approved in 1920 was delayed because the city
• experienced financial difficulties. In 1922, the citizens demanded to know the status of the
• project they had approved. At the request of the council, City Engineer Walker responded
• to a petition signed by several citizens for construction of a reservoir in the watershed. He
• said
• The benefits to the city at large would justify the construction of a
• reservoir for domestic use only, when the shortage for such use is
• more real than it is at present... For the city to construct a reservoir at
• this time for what appears to be largely irrigation necessities of the
• individual owners, is asking far too much of the city at large, and far
• too little of the irrigator.127
•
• In October 1923, the Ashland City Council voted to acquire permanent stored water
• rights from the Talent Irrigation District for 800-acre feet of water per year. (The amount
• was later reduced to 600 feet). Its Several Ashland residents protested that the purchase
• had been agreed upon without the vote of the people and took their case to court. In
• January 1925, the Ashland Tidings reported that the City had won the case. The article
• stated:
•
•
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• 27
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•
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•
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•
•
By a decision rendered by the Oregon Supreme Court yesterday, •
the contract with the Talent Irrigation District was validated in all •
particulars,together with the special obligation notes issued in •
connection therewith.... There was a group who opposed the council •
purchasing the Talent water without an election, but the Mayor and •
the council, believing that there was no necessity for the expense of •
an election on account of the revenues of the water department, went
ahead on their own initiative. 129 •
•
The City engineer enthusiastically supported obtaining a perpetual right to water from the •
Talent Irrigation District, stating that it would cost no more that constructing one reservoir in •
our canyon, but"furnish us five times the amount of water." He explained that the Emigrant •
Creek Reservoir would hopefully be constructed in the next year, and that the city could •
then contract with the Talent Irrigation District.130 •
•
Requiring no elaborate piping system,this water could be used for irrigation and thus •
allow the entire amount of water in the city pipe system to be used in the dry season for •
domestic purposes.131 Engineer Walker stated, "I feel that in so strongly recommending •
this plan I am supporting the best prospect our acreage owners will ever have for irrigation, •
not only for a few years in advance but for all time if so desired. 132 •
•
In February, 1924 yet another study was made of sources for additional water supply. At •
Walker's request, engineer Fred Henshaw investigated additional water supply sources. •
After reviewing all the past reports and proposals under consideration, Henshaw concluded: •
•
The proposed extension of the Talent Irrigation System in 1924 to •
include Emigrant Gap Reservoir and Ashland lateral, will conclude •
irrigation development in the upper portion of Rogue River Valley •
for many years to come. It presents the only opportunity for Ashland
to secure ample and relatively cheap water for irrigation. '33
The difficulties with the water supply reached a critical point in 1924. During the extreme
drought of that summer, "parkways and private lawns quickly took on the aspect of a desert •
and furnished the city considerable free advertising of a damaging nature by auto tourists •
and others.s134 In September, as the drought season continued,the City hired engineer
Stuart McKissick to prepare another report on the possibilities of water storage in Ashland •
Canyon. In justifying the necessity for yet another report,McKissick explained the need for •
a reservoir and said that an exhaustive investigation of the entire Ashland watershed was •
needed"so that the project could be presented to the voters in a form that would assure a •
successful plan."135
•
Having surveyed what he believed to be every possible site, McKissick reported that •
Ashland Canyon lacked any possible natural storage possibilities. He described the four best •
of eight possible sites for a water storage facility in combination with a good dam site. •
Explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each, McKissick concluded: •
•
•
•
28
•
•
•
•
...It is held to be clearly demonstrated that absolutely no storage
• exists anywhere in the canyon that the city can at the present time .
• afford to seriously consider as water relief, for a great many years to
• come, the great ex�3enditure being out of all proportion to the meager
results obtained."
•
• In August 1926, Mayor Wiley supported building a storage dam in the canyon and placed
• the issue on the November 1926 ballot."' Engineers estimated the cost of a reservoir in
• Ashland Canyon at $351,000. The council considered other options including building a
• reservoir on Crowson Hill and purchasing additional water from Talent Irrigation District.
• In September the city council agreed to ask the voters in November to authorize municipal
• bonds of$465,000 for improvements, extensions and additions to the city's municipal
• water system. Chief among the proposed improvements was construction of another dam
• in Ashland Creek Canyon. The dam was planned to provide an additional 20 million
• gallons of water for a ninety-day period. The measure also included building a
• distribution reservoir on the Crowson Hill site and improving the present system.
138
•
• At the council's instructions, in September 1926, C.A. Malone, Superintendent of the
• City Electric Department, appraised the City water system and to make recommendations
• for the proper conservation and distribution of the water supply. In strongly supporting
• metering, Malone reported:
• The flat rate method of charging for water service is a heritage
• to us from pioneers in the water-works field, thereby carrying the
• approval of long custom, together with the approval of the wasteful
• user, because it winks at his extravagance at public expense. It
• seems to devolve wholly on the water-works men to gradually
• make obsolete the flat rate system. Flat rate charges or assessments
• are admittedly inequitable and conducive to wasteful habits, but
• being yet with us, they should always appear in excess of meter
• rate charges, for the same amount of service, with the hope that
• such a practice will create converts to the metered or measured
• service method.139
•
• In the ensuing weeks preceding the November election, the Tidings carried a series of
• articles that discussed Ashland's water situation. In the first of these columns the editor
• stated that although Ashland residents wanted an adequate water supply, they also "want
• to know how and why and where their money is being spent." He wrote:
•
• During the past summer months—and even today—the people
• of Ashland have learned to their sorrow and financial loss that the
• present municipal water supply is inadequate. Parched lawns,
• burned-up home gardens and drooping fruit trees stand out today
• as living skeletons of the drought which Ashland has
• experienced.140
•
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• 29
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•
In the November 1926 election, residents voted to acquire T.I.D. water 691 yes to 540 no,
and passed the water bonds with a vote of 665 in favor and 611 against the measure.141 •
Early 1927 brought another flood in Ashland. On February 21, 1927 the Ashland •
Tidings reported that"an unestimatable amount of damage [occurred] when the bridge on •
Water Street was completely washed out, while the one on Van Ness Avenue and two in •
the canyon were badly damaged." During ensuing weeks workers cleared the slides and •
repaired the many washed out bridges. •
•
Recognizing that the contract for the dam would not be let before August 1927, and that it •
could not be completed during the year,the council unanimously approved a new water •
policy. Expenditures were predicted to be in excess of$125,000 during the winter, spring •
and summer of 1927.The policy included the following provisions: •
•
1. Replacement of Lithia Spring pipeline. •
2. Construction of a concrete by-pass around lower intake in the canyon. •
3. Construction of Crowson Hill Reservoir. •
•
•
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Crowson Reserpoir, 192 7, City of Ashland Collection •
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30 •
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•
• 4. Installation of new distribution system.
• 5. Extension of Talent Irrigation service to the Normal School, park and to private
• consumers wherever practicable.
• 6. Gradual installation of meters.
• 7. Complete revision of existing water rates to raise about $60,000 per year from water
• rates(present water rates are around $30,000 per year).
• 8. Placing in effect water conservation measures recommended by the consulting engineers
• as being a positive necessity. 142
•
• The council also declared that:
•
• The summer and fall of 1927 be devoted to the clearing of Reeder
• Gulch damsite, building of a new road around the dam, design of
• dam, exploration of rock,gravel, sand and other concrete materials in
• Canyon, and every detail of preparation advanced as rapidly as
• possible that the contract may be let and the dam completed during
• the 1928 season, subject to future detailed recommendations of the
• engineers. 143
•
•
p �w
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• d..
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• Reeder Gulch Dam Site, July 20, 1928, City of Ashland Collection
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Construction of the dam was intensely debated through 1927. After a sufficient number of
Ashland residents petitioned to defer construction of the canyon dam until the existing water •
supply(with improvements)proved inadequate, the City scheduled an election on May 31, •
1927 regarding the deferment. The measure to delay was defeated. 14 Work began on
Crowson Reservoir with a capacity planned for 2.2 million gallons. In April 1928, the City •
signed an agreement with the Parker-Scram Co., and construction began on the steel •
reinforced concrete 114-foot high Hosler Dam.145 The new facility was connected to the •
power facility although its primary purpose was water supply. •
•
In 1929 the city and the Forest Service crafted a cooperative agreement whereby the •
Ashland Creek watershed would be protected and managed for domestic water use. Timber •
harvest, which had been allowed within the watershed on a very limited scale prior to the •
1929 agreement, was halted until a period of partial and clear cutting in the 1950s. •
Controversy over logging, road construction and expanded water development within in the •
Ashland Creek drainage continued to mark relations between the city and the Forest Service •
in ensuing years:146 •
•
Between 1900 and 1930, extremely dry summers, population growth and citizen demand, •
prompted the City of Ashland to expand the water system. Until completion of Hosler Dam •
and Reeder Reservoir, residents had depended on the water works constructed several •
decades earlier. With updated water and sewer facilities Ashland finally began to see a •
reduction in pollution and health problems that had plagued the town for years. •
•
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32 •
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• DEPRESSION,WAR AND EXPANSION, 1930-1960
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Ashland's economy, which had been tenuous during the later 1920's, worsened with the
stock market crash in October 1929. Like people in the rest of the country, local residents
• struggled through the Depression years. The City government maintained basic services.
• Although there was little money for staff or equipment, officials helped many people by
• providing free electricity and water.
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• During the 1930s, Ashland experienced problems with water supplied through the Talent
• Irrigation District system. Many residents believed that the City's agreement with the
• District was unsatisfactory. In his final message to the council in 1932, Mayor Thornton
• stated that purchasing water from the T.I.D. had been a"failure and a big mistake" due to
• uncertain supply and poor quality.147
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• In 1935, the City of Ashland urged the State Legislature to pass a bill adding 41,600 acres
• to the Rogue River National Forest for forest management and municipal watershed
• protection so that they "may be managed so as to adequately protect 1 the city's source of
• water supply." H.R. 8312 passed the legislature the following year.
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• Federal funds available for municipal public works projects helped Ashland during the
• Depression years. In early December 1937, the municipal water committee reported that
• the twenty-four inch wood pipeline constructed in 1914 was badly in need of
• replacement. The council applied to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for
• funding. With assistance from that agency, the City installed improvements to the water
• line.
• When the Depression ended, Ashland's 7740 residents soon turned their attention to war.
• City officials tried to provide city services on limited budgets and with reduced labor
• availability. In 1941,the city council approved an agreement with the Bellview
• Cooperative Water Association that served the area south and east of the city. By this
• agreement, the City would read meters, collect water rents and perform other business
• affairs for the Association. The Bellview organization petitioned the council for an
• increase in the amount of water given them as a minimum. This request highlighted the
• urgent need for an increased water supply for the expanding population. The council
• continued considering ways to increase that Supply.150
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• In December 1941, Mayor Wiley announced that plans were underway for an
• auxiliary water reservoir of 2 million gallons to protect against any possible
• contamination of the lower reservoir and to improve the quality of water.'51 World War 11
• intervened, however and officials shelved plans for a new water facility.
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• When the War ended in 1945, Ashland's population began to grow steadily. Building
• reports indicated that construction had more than tripled in five years. In 1940, Mayor
• Wiley stated the City had 1664 light and water customers and by the end of 1945, had
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2034 subscribers. New homes appeared throughout the community and several new
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sawmills supplemented those already in existence.152
The council again discussed the city's water supply. Suggestions that the City turn to
the use of wells for water were discounted when it was evident that they could not •
produce enough water to serve the community. City Superintendent Biegel •
recommended additional surveys in the Mount Ashland area for water supply sources. •
Although he favored construction of a new reservoir in the canyon, Beigel stated:
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Regardless of how many dams might be built or what amount of •
water might be brought in to the city, unless wastes are eliminated •
there would soon be a shortage of water... Meters could be •
installed through the entire system at a cost of approximately •
$45,000. This would probably make a saving of about 201/o to 25% •
in the amount of water used.153 •
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Biegel recommended study for a treatment plant to improve the taste of the water and •
regulation of sprinkling in the summer months. •
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In 1946, the City council voted to accept a study by A.D. Harvey, Medford consulting •
engineer, hired to study the city's water supply. Specifically, the City had requested that •
Harvey investigate obtaining new sources of water from the Klamath River watershed on •
the southern slopes of Mt. Ashland. Harvey reported: •
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The results of the investigation for additional water are •
disappointing, in that we do not find that there is sufficient water to •
be had from sources back of Mt. Ashland to warrant the expense of •
obtaining it. The water is there, but it flows too early in the year to •
enable you to make use of it without additional storage. Since •
construction of more storage will provide you with sufficient water •
without such a great expense... it seems sensible to provide such •
storage now and defer the investment in additional water until a •
much later date when and if it becomes absolutely necessary to •
obtain it. 154
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Harvey also recommended that the City construct a dam on the West Fork of Ashland •
Creek, build a water filtration plant with sufficient capacity of not less than six million •
gallons per day, build two new, two-million gallon capacity covered reservoirs, and cover •
the Crowson Hill reservoir to insure the quality of the city's water.155 Stating that "The •
total flow of water in Ashland Creek, if properly stored and used, is sufficient to provide •
water until after the year 1966," Harvey continued: •
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We believe the basis used in preparing these forecasts to be on •
the conservative side, in that while your population may not ever •
become greater than 10,000 people, it may continue growing at the •
present rapid rate longer than we have anticipated. If this happens, •
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• you may expect to have an acute water shortage much earlier than
we have anticipated. For that reason and also because money for
• such purposes can now be obtained at very cheap rates of interest,
it is strongly recommended that immediate consideration be given
• to this problem. Even starting now, it will be 1949 before these
• facilities can be planned, constructed and placed in service. 156
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• The council voted to hold a special election the latter part of July to authorize $750,000
• in water bonds. The Ashland Daily Tidings reported:
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• The city engineer was urged to continue with all dispatch his
• studies of the most feasible source of additional water, and he
• assured the mayor and council that study, water measurements, and
• reconnaissance surveys to that end would go forward...
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• The mayor and several members of the council made a point
• of the fact that they knew that what the people wanted was plenty
• of water, and a good quality of water. They also stated that general
• metering of water was not desired, as it was felt that lawns and
• gardens would in some cases be neglected.157
• In January 1948 heavy rains swelled small streams causing Reeder and Emigrant dams
• to overflow, letting the full force of the water into Ashland and Bear Creeks. The
• floodwaters filled storm sewers and sent torrents of water cascading over city streets. Silt
• washed across the sidewalks and roads and plugged the sewer system. Several property
• owners reported flood damage. Floodwater filled the basement of Weitzel's Department
Store on the Plaza and tenants fled as the creek threatened to undermine the building.'58
• On January 8, 1948, three days after the flooding began, Dr. Harvey A. Woods, City
• Health Officer, reported that laboratory tests made at Ashland Community Hospital
• showed that water taken from Ashland mains was not potable. It took two days for
• Ashland residents to get fresh water when tank trucks finally distributed water.159
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• Late in January A.D. Harvey assessed the flood situation and made recommendations
• to correct future trouble due to floods in Ashland Creek. His suggested paving the floor
• of the creek as a means of increasing the flow of the creek by about twenty percent. He
• also recommended constructing a concrete rectangular culvert sixteen feet wide, nine feet
• high and fifty-five feet long. The council accepted his report.1611
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• In early February 1948 the city council discussed construction of a water filtration
• plant. The screen that had been used for years only removed large material and much of
• the time citizens had muddy water when they turned on their faucets. One resident
• suggested that the City should investigate obtaining Medford water. The council,
• however, set an election to authorize the council to issue general obligation bonds not in
• excess of$400,000 for a water filtration plant, three covered reservoirs and partial
• renewal of the distribution main.161
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On February 24, 1948, Ashland voters decisively approved the filtration plant and
auxiliary reservoir with a more than two to one margin. When tallied, the votes,were 750
for the bond issue and 367 against it. 'fie Construction of the new rapid sand filtration
water treatment plant, with a 6 million gallons per day capacity, was completed in 1949. •
During 1948 the city council authorized contracting for construction of a 2. 2 million-
gallon reservoir on upper Granite Street in Ashland canyon. The new reservoir replaced •
the open reservoir that occasionally had allowed untreated water into the city's lower •
area.163 Crews added gates to the spillway at Hosler Dam, increasing the capacity of •
Reeder Reservoir to 280 million gallons. By 1949 the City was almost fully metered. 164 •
In October 1949, Consulting Engineers A.D. Harvey and S.C. Watkins submitted a final •
report on the filtration plant and the Granite Street Reservoir to the city council. •
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During the 1950's Ashland's post-war growth continued. As funds became available, the •
City worked on streets, sewers, and water. Tourists stopped in Ashland for the Shakespeare •
Festival and Lithia Way was cut through to carry northbound traffic through the downtown •
area and Main Street was diverted to one-way for southbound traffic. The Southern Pacific •
discontinued passenger service between Portland and Ashland as automobile use expanded. •
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In 1952, workers constructed the concrete cover for Crowson Reservoir to protect the •
purity of the stored water. In April 1952, the Ashland City Council changed the name of •
Reeder Gulch Dam to the Earl Hosler Dam as Hosler retired.165 •
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In 1955 the U.S. Forest Service put the Ashland Creek Watershed under multiple use
• management. The agency constructed access roads in the watershed and in 1958 initiated
• logging within the area. These logging operations would continue until 1965, with a total
• of approximately seven-percent of the watershed being logged.166
• The Bellview Water Association discussed the City's offer to take over their water
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system.167 In late December 1955, Ashland escaped serious flood damage as a result of
• heavy rains. Street crews cleared ditches and storm drains, and damage was confined to
• low-lying areas of the city.168
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• Between 1930 and 1945 Ashland struggled to maintain basic services through the
• Great Depression and World War II. After the war, money continued to be scarce while
• at the same time population increased. City officials were forced to make do with old
• equipment or war surplus items.
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• THE MODERN ERA, 1961-1998
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Development and change marked Ashland in the 1960s and 1970s. The town had more
• people, new schools, businesses and institutions. In 1962 the population numbered 9,477.
The power structure, which had been easily identifiable for decades, became less apparent as
• new groups of people moved to Ashland and supported different causes.169 In 1960 Mount
• Ashland ski resort, with an area of approximately 180 acres opened in the Ashland
• Watershed. A new community hospital opened in 1961 and the same year, the First
• National Bank, (now Wells Fargo), replaced the old Ashland Hotel. The Oregon
• Shakespeare Festival constructed the Angus Bowmer Theater in 1969-1970.
•
• Ashland changed in other important ways. Elmer Biegel, City Superintendent for thirty-
two years, retired and a city administrator was named to replace him. Growth and planning
• requirements consumed civic energy. In 1964 a group of Ashland citizens petitioned the city
• council to craft a long-range plan that would assure orderly and progressive growth. The
• committee predicted future costly improvements including an eventual expansion of the
• water system, storm sewers and extension of sewage mains. Ashland adopted its first zoning
• ordinance the same year. 170 During the 1960s the Bellview water system became
• inadequate in many areas and the City could not supply it in the necessary quantity without
• major improvements. The City and the association agreed that the City would purchase the
• group's assets and construct a new main line to the area. 171
• In 1959 the City tried to secure aid from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service to
• construct Winburn Dam, believing that the Service would benefit by the flood control
• provided by the reservoir. Through a joint effort, foundation cores were taken along the
• proposed axis of the dam and costs estimated. With projected expenses at 1 million
dollars, the Conservation Service declined to participate.172
• For years Talent Irrigation District water had been used to ease use of Ashland Creek
• water for irrigation. When a 1960 study showed that the city needed additional water,the
• city council signed a contract with the T.I.D. for 300-acre feet of water at an estimated
• cost of$4000 per year. The additional 300-acre feet, the study showed, represented about
• the same amount of water as supplied by a dam the size of Hosler Dam in Ashland
• Canyon.173 Irrigation District records indicated that in the previous year the city had used
• 500-acre feet of the 756 they owned, and would soon consume the remainder. In
• December,the city council discussed the terms and charges for acquiring additional water
• from the Talent Irrigation District for city use.174
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• Ashland Daily Tidings reporter Marjorie O'Harra wrote an article describing
• Ashland's three water systems, (domestic, Lithia water and Talent Irrigation)
• administered by the water department. She explained that Ashland residents consumed
• close to four million gallons of water every day, with the domestic water system
• distributing water through sixty-five miles of pipeline to about 10,000 people, with about
• 3000 metered customers. The City, she reported, had received recognition from the
• Oregon State Board of Health for meeting standards for purity of drinking water for the
• previous year.175
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Core Drilling in Ashland Canyon, City of Ashland Collection •
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City Superintendent Biegel negotiated to purchase two prior rights on the Helman •
Ditch in 1962. "Although they are small," he said, "they are establishing a price pattern •
for future purchases of water rights. As land in the lower northwest portion of the city •
fills with homes, more of these rights will become available. We should acquire all that •
become available." Biegel also reported the City's continuing discussions about building •
another dam in Ashland Canyon, but noted that it would be very expensive. 176 •
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The City entered into an agreement with the Oak Knoll Corporation to supply water to
• its subdivision adjacent to the golf course. The agreement included a provision whereby
• the corporation would pay for the main line to the subdivision and provide all of the
• facilities within the development. The agreement allowed for 250 water services.
In 1964, three years after an engineering firm had investigated expansion of the water
treatment plant; it became apparent that extensive improvements were needed. The plant
• was converted to a high rate filtration system which increased the capacity to 8 million
• gallons per day and more automated control was added.18 New technology also allowed
• water department employees to monitor where water was going, and to reduce the
• amount when overflowing occurred.
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• Just before Christmas in 1964, Ashland reeled from one of the potentially worst floods
• in the city's history. Heavy steady rains, which began falling late the previous night,
• brought flooding. Five of Lithia Park's bridges went underwater. The city water
• reservoir began spilling early on the morning of December 21, but workers kept the run-
off under control. Mud and muck littered the park. Basements filled with water in several
• sections of the city. By Christmas Eve, the floodwater gradually receded. Ashland
• escaped serious damage.179
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• In January 1966, Director of Public Works Allen Alsing attributed the bad taste and
• smell of Ashland water to work under way on the city's water system. He explained that
• an organic substance in the turbidity of the dam [had combined] with the chlorine to
• produce the problem. The water, he said, was safe to drink.180
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• In June 1966, the newspaper reported that Ashland would buy another large chunk of
• Talent Irrigation District water. The new purchase would be part of a thirty-year
• agreement to augment Ashland's supply during the summer months, either by pumping it
• into the water treatment plant, or by releasing it into Ashland Creek. Although City
• officials believed that Ashland wouldn't need the additional water for ten to fifteen years,
• they would"buy the water now before it becomes unavailable." They expected the
• purchase to provide water for the growing city through the foreseeable future.
• During the summer of 1966, although other sections of drought-plagued Oregon were
• running short of water, Ashland water supplies remained in good condition. The Public
• Works Director pronounced the domestic water supply, consisting of stored winter rain
• and snow run-offs adequate, as was irrigation water from Lake Hyatt via the Talent
• Irrigation District. He cautioned, however, that if the drought continued for an extended
period, City officials would have to monitor the water supply closely.182
• The City faced extensive dredging of Reeder Gulch Reservoir in late 1966. The
• reservoir had partially filled with an estimated 57,000 cubic yards of silt as a result of the
• 1964 flood. Although the work had been scheduled to begin on October 1, the City
• requested a delay from federal officials in order to wait until spring when water flow in
• the watershed would be at its peak. Permission was ranted and the City awarded the
• contract to an Astoria firm to dredge the reservoir.18
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By 1969 City officials had selected a second dam site in case Ashland ever needed •
another dam to store water. It was located about two miles up the west fork of Ashland •
Creek above the existing Hosler Dam, on what was known as the Winburn site. Owned •
by the City, the site had been explored many times through the years. While describing •
the location, Allen Alsing explained that other water sources probably would be •
developed before serious consideration would be given to another dam.184
Workers repaired Hosler Dam in 1970 after an examination of the structure the •
previous year. The top of the dam was given a new covering of concrete, a new trestle •
for pipe bringing water out from the bottom of the dam was built, and trees that had •
grown close to the downstream side of the structure were cut down. 185 •
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In the fall of 1970, after a city councilman predicted that Ashland would soon be using •
reclaimed water, City officials quickly responded that Ashland is not "reclaiming water •
for any use and probably will never have to do so."Edward Fallon, superintendent of •
Ashland's Water Department, explained however, that reclaiming the effluent from •
sewage plants and piping it back into the water system was commonly done for industrial •
uses in many larger cities. To quell other criticisms, the superintendent stated that the •
T.I.D. water pumped into Ashland Creek to supplement the flow came from Howard •
Prairie and Hyatt Lakes and was not been used for irrigation before it entered the creek. •
Fallon said if demand increased substantially, the City might, at some point, take some of •
the T.I.D. water from the two mountain reservoirs and run it through the city's water •
filtration plant to supplement the city's water supply. 186 •
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In 1971, in order to prepare for the time when the City would need T.I.D. water to •
supplement its domestic supply, water officials asked the council to authorize a pumping •
station to carry T.I.D. water to the treatment plant below Hosler Dam. The City had •
reserved an annual 1500 acre-feet in the T.I.D. system but currently was using only about •
half that for irrigation and occasional supplementation of Ashland Creek flow. Staff •
estimated that pumping water might be needed within five years. Ed Fallon tried to allay •
concerns that the T.I.D. ditch water would be highly contaminated with agricultural
chemicals. 187
The summer of 1972 brought a heat wave that challenged the water supply. Ashland •
residents, the newspaper reported, were consuming water during the crisis at seven to
nine million gallons a day.
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In March 1973, as City crews cleaned Reeder Reservoir of mud, sand and debris, •
Oregon State Police representatives investigated turbidity in Ashland and Bear Creeks. •
Accused of causing the problems while clearing sediment from the reservoir, Ashland •
officials defended the importance of protecting the City's water supply. An Oregon Game •
Commission fisheries official expressed concern about damage caused to steelhead eggs •
by the turbidity. The Ashland Tidings editor wrote: •
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State officials should realize that this time of the year is the only
time that the reservoir clearing operation can reasonably be carried
• out... Draining the lake now can be done because it can be filled up
• again with spring runoff before the hot summer weather comes. .
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• Doing this in the winter or fall is not feasible because of the
• danger that a freeze could curtail the flow in Ashland Creek above
• the dam, leaving the city with not enough drinking water if the
• dam is empty. . Concern for the environment must be a matter of
• degree. In this case, safeguarding the water supply for 14,000
• people is infinitely more important than fish eggs.189
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• The Department of Environmental Quality inspected the dam site and found no other
• way of cleaning the reservoir and safeguarding the city's water supply. The agency said.
• that it would help the City try to find another way of removing the silt in the next year.
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• In mid-summer 1973 officials asked Ashland residents to begin conserving water after
• the City drew water from Reeder Reservoir in the earliest such move in recent history.
• As summer approached, conservation efforts increased. City staff asked residents to
• conserve; they turned off public drinking fountains, prohibited flushing streets, and
• reduced park irrigation.190 In September Public Works Director Allen Alsing reported a
• continuing serious water situation. Although the city made it through the difficult season,
the near-crisis prompted officials to consider the proposal to pump T.I.D. water from the
ditch at Terrace Street to the water treatment plant just below Hosler Dam.191
• In January 1974, Alsing completed a report on Ashland's water supply. The city, he
• concluded, needed more water. He recommended installing the pumping system for
• T.I.D. water as"soon as practicable" in anticipation of population expansion and critical
• water years in the future. His report, the local newspaper noted, advanced both the T.I.D
• water pumping project and the long-discussed possibility of building a second storage
• dam at the Winburn site on the West Fork of Ashland Creek. Alsing recommended that
• pumping station be built as soon as possible and that the City retain ownership of the
• Winburn site. Additionally, he recommended that the City expand the filtration plant and
• purchase sites for reservoirs and pump stations to serve high elevations along the city's
• southeast hillsides.192
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• In mid-January 1974, a rampaging Ashland Creek again flooded, demolishing the
• City's water system by knocking out the filtration plant in Ashland Canyon. The
• flooding, brought on by heavy rain and melting snow in the Siskiyou Mountains, caused
• heavy damage throughout the community. Within two days, Ashland officials shut off all
• water service. The National Guard delivered drinking water to local citizens.193
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• The following winter, the Talent city council suggested that Talent and Ashland work
• together to solve their mutual need for more domestic water. The letter also
• recommended that the two communities jointly consider developing a treatment plant
• facility using TID water. 194
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In July 1975, the Ashland's Water Resources Committee formulated plans for an
Ashland watershed study required by the State Department of Environmental Quality •
(DEQ) as a condition of a waste water discharge permit. The City was to reduce the
effects of sluicing sediment from Reeder Reservoir down Ashland Creek and provide an •
evaluation of alternate water supply sources, system modifications, continuous sediment •
removal, and improved watershed management.195 •
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• The following year, Ashland Mayor Gary Prickett signed a contract with James
• Montgomery and Associates for consultant work on the watershed study. The one-year
• project would consider runoff, erosion, the impact of future human activities, and flood
• control above Ashland. The U.S. Forest service said it would cooperate with Ashland in
the study by providing data. 196
• Soon after the watershed study got underway, the City faced a possible water shortage
• as extended drought conditions lingered. Local officials decided not to flush silt from the
• reservoir due to the expected low water availability for refilling it. Public Works
• Director Alsing and other officials developed a contingency plan with several voluntary
• and mandatory water conservation measures. Alsing asked residents to immediately
• conserve water while the City tried to impound as much water as possible behind Hosler
• Dam.
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• In February 1977, the city council authorized the purchase of a temporary pipeline and
• pumps to carry Talent Irrigation District water to the treatment plant. The reservoir's
• water storage was at 72 percent. Alsing stated `It's really imperative that we fill that
• reservoir. We can't count on more precipitation." A grant supported construction of the
• temporary on-the-ground pipeline running from Terrace Street to the filter plant. At the
• end of February, the city council declared an emergency. The declaration banned washing
• buildings, cars, driveways or sidewalks, watering lawns or adding water to pools or
• cooling mechanisms, until further notice.197
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• The Montgomery consulting firm submitted its report in March 1977. It recommended
• $6 million dollars in projects including construction of a new dam and reservoir to
• enlarge Ashland's water supply, construction of a permanent pump station to take water
• from the T.I.D. system to the water treatment plant,'and purchase of a cutterhead dredge
• to clean Reeder Reservoir of silt.
• Some recommendations did not involve capital construction. These included
• suggestions that Ashland and the U.S. Forest Service cooperate in watershed
• management; that no more roads be built in the watershed; that no mining be allowed;
• that no enlargement of the Mt. Ashland Ski Are be considered for now and that the
moratorium on watershed timber cutting be continued.199
• At the same time City officials sought to extend the Talent Irrigation District Season to
• supplement city water during the impending dry season. Because an October I closing
• date was set by law, the Mayor contacted the Governor's assistant in charge of drought
• relief to investigate keeping the ditches open in case Ashland needed the water in the fall.
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• By May, it appeared that the City might get supplemental T.I.D. water past the regular
• irrigation season in the fall if the water were designated for municipal and industrial
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use Z00 The T.I.D., however, cautioned that Ashland should not look to the Talent
• system for year-round water delivery. The system, the manager said, was not geared for
• continual operations and if Ashland wanted to use T.I.D. water at any other time than the
• irrigation season, it would have to rely on some way of getting it other than a T.I.D.
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canal.201 In mid-July 1977, water began flowing through the pipeline that ran from the
Ashland Canal near Terrace Street to the water filtration plant. T.I.D. water was taken
from the canal and pumped up the pipeline to the water plant.202
Officials set an election for late July to allow issuance of up to $590,000 in city bonds •
for building a permanent water pipeline to carry TID system water to the filter plant. An •
opposing group,the Water Conservation Committee ...said, "The permanent water •
pipeline to be built with the bonds would promote rampant growth and development in •
Ashland." They distributed pamphlets urging citizens to vote no in the election.203 The
Ashland Daily Tidings editor wrote: •
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This is not a drought-related project. Rather, it is intended to •
supplement the watershed water supply anytime that's necessary •
including years when rainfall is short... [A] dam may be needed •
eventually, but the pipeline is the more immediately possible •
solution... For the money and considering its immediate benefits to •
Ashland water users,the pipeline is a good investment and •
deserves the voters' wholehearted approval. 204 •
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Ashland residents approved the bond issue with 780 votes in favor and 561 opposed. •
The total 1,341 votes represented only about fourteen percent of the registered city •
voters.205 •
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In December 1978, the Ashland city council studied a water committee •
recommendation to conduct a comprehensive city water system study. The proposed •
project, to take approximately one year, would include analysis of the present water •
distribution system and future loads, a schematic showing the exiting and future lines, •
valves and reservoir locations, analysis of capacity and of capital improvements needed •
to maintain adequate flow. Allen Alsing explained that that an environmental impact •
statement by the federal Environmental Protection Agency could alter the capital
improvements recommended in the recently completed Montgomery watershed plan.
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After months of study, the Environmental Protection Agency released its draft •
environmental impact statement for public study. The report analyzed four basic •
alternatives for cleaning Reeder Reservoir. EPA conclusions establish directives by
which the state Department of Environmental Quality could approve or deny future •
permits for reservoir cleaning. The EPA plan, which highlighted protecting fish habitat,. •
would require improvements to the city's water system to prevent polluting Bear Creek •
with sediment from Reeder Reservoir. °� •
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The City responded to the draft statement by supporting efforts to restore and enhance •
the Bear Creek Basin, but said it wanted help. Local officials stated that U.S. Forest •
Service should halt all logging and road construction in the watershed before a costly •
water quality management program began. In ensuing discussions, City and U.S. Forest •
Service representatives disagreed on several issues regarding watershed management.208 •
•
•
•
•
46 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Concerned about continued activity allowed by the Forest Service, the City of Ashland
• succeeded in having the area officially designated a watershed in June 1980. The local
• newspaper editor wrote:
The city has sought to have the area designated as a watershed to
recognize that its primary purpose is the production of water. This
• week the Rogue Valley Council of Governments water quality
• committee recommended such a designation. That is a victory for
• the city. That is not a defeat for the Forest Service... The need to
• manage the forests is important and the Forest Service is right to be
• concerned about anything that might limit its options. But in the
• case of Ashland's watershed there should be no doubt as to
• whether forests or water comes first. It has to be water. And that is
• what the city wants recognized in writing.209
•
• In the late summer of 1980 the Ashland Council investigated low water pressure
• problems in the area of the Mountain Ranch Subdivision in southeast Ashland. Residents
• expressed concern about threats to fire safety in the vicinity. Council members
• considered various kinds of water moratoriums to ease the situation and after four months
• of study, voted to limit development until the problem could be resolved.210
•
The City announced an election to be held in March 1981, for a $2.5 million bond
• issue for a four-year improvement project of the municipal water system. Prominent in
• the project was construction of a reservoir to keep water pressure high in the southeast
• quarter of the city, a pump station, replacement of old water pipes and repairs to Granite
• Street Reservoir.211
• City Administrator Brian Almquist spoke enthusiastically in favor of the proposed bond
• issue and spent a great deal of time trying to clear up misconceptions. He explained that
• the bond was not directed at growth, but at correcting problems in the existing system.
• Additionally he tried to reassure people in the southeast moratorium district that the
• planned improvements were not a way of opening extensive lands in the area for
• development. Ashland voters defeated the water measure with a twenty-five percent
turnout, 1,112 for and 1,465 against.212
• The following spring saw another dry year and Ashland once again faced possible
restrictions on water usage. In mid-May 1982, voters passed a $1.7 water bond similar to
• the previous one, but smaller in scope. It allowed construction of a new two million-
gallon reservoir on Tolman Creek and also provided for new pipelines, a pump station,
• and an automatic valve for the Granite Street reservoir. Several street improvement
• projects were trimmed from former plans. City Administrator Almquist stated, " The
• vote gives the city confidence about the future of its water delivery and supply
•
system.,,213
•
• In 1983, with the new water improvements not yet underway, portions of southeast
• Ashland and west Ashland had continuing water pressure problems. In July 1983, Visar
•
•
•
• 47
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Construction bid successfully on the water improvements and by January 1985, the long- •
awaited water system neared completion. The new reservoir brought the city's total •
twelve million-gallon storage capacity well above both the four million-gallon average •
daily use levels and above the nine million-gallon summer peak usages.214 •
In ensuing years Ashland's population grew and the demand on water resources
increased. In 1987 and 1988, low stream flow years, city officials diverted approximately •
550 acre-feet of TID water into the treatment plant or into Ashland Creek. The low •
stream flows prompted a study of means of obtaining new water sources to augment
existing supplies. In 1988, as a first step in updating the Ashland Comprehensive Water •
Plan, the City retained R.W. Beck and Associates to produce a water supply report. •
•
The consulting firm completed the document in May 1989. The report summarized •
existing water supplies, projected future demands, and evaluated alternative facilities to •
meet water demands through the year 2010. The report examined three alternatives to •
meet future water demands including Winburn Dam, use of Rogue River water through a •
pipeline and pump stations to deliver water from Medford, and water conservation •
measures. 215 •
•
Calling water conservation basically a "no-action" alternative, the report identified •
both the Winburn Dam and Rogue River water usage as viable options, although both •
would be expensive. The former would give the City more control over water usage. The •
report concluded that Ashland should initiate activities leading to the construction of •
additional water supply facilities by the year 1998. The report further recommended that •
officials adopt an ordinance using the basic framework of a water conservation and •
restriction program, and that the City initiate a feasibility level to study and locate the •
components of these additional facilities.216 •
The City began evaluating various water supply options. Although the Beck report had
dismissed water conservation as a serious option to meet the city's future water supply •
needs, City staff believed that conservation could make a tremendous difference. They •
contracted with Synergic Resources Conservation in July 1991, and found great promise •
in programs that could provide more water at a considerably lower cost. Implementation
offthewater conservation program, one of the first in Oregon, began in July of that
a l
•
In May 1995, the City began renovation of the water treatment plant. Plans called for S
nearly full automation, back-up and monitoring systems, a computer that routinely checks •
the water's pH levels, chlorine content and other operations, and an air-scrubbing •
filtration system. Mayor Cathy Golden cut the ribbon at a dedication ceremony for the •
new $3.9 million facility.
•
At year's end 1996, heavy rains pounded the upper Bear Creek Valley. On the •
morning of January 1, 1997 water surged over its stream banks and inundated the Plaza •
and areas along Ashland Creek. Floodwaters damaged the city's water purification •
system, sewage treatment plant and areas of lower Lithia Park. Ashland residents could •
•
•
•
48 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• not drink city water for more than a week and'couldn't flush toilets for much of January.
• When floodwaters receded, repairs got underway on the city's damaged public works
facilities.218 Repair costs were estimated at 3.8 million.
• Although discussions of a pipeline joining other communities had occurred for years,
• the January 1997 flood brought renewed consideration as the Ashland, Talent and
• Phoenix studied the feasibility, environmental impacts and initial design of a water line
• intertie (TAP)from the Medford. The intertie pipeline would serve the entire municipal
• water needs for cities of Talent and Phoenix and potentially provide a portion of the
• future water needs for Ashland. Ashland Public Works Director Paula Brown explained
• that the TAP project could also supply water during emergency situations such as fire and
• flood."9
•
• During the spring of 1998, the city council debated whether Ashland should continue
• to participate in the intertie pipeline. The Medford Water Commission manager explained
• that "if Ashland wants water from us in the future, the line from our system to Talent
• needs to be large enough so that there is additional capacity for Ashland." Paula Brown
• reminded the council of other options including bringing TID water to the city by pipe
• instead of open ditches, reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, or combining it with
• Ashland Creek water for domestic uses, and expanding the city's conservation
•
program.220 The Medford Mail Tribune described opposing stands on the intertie issue:
•
• Argument for intertie: It preserves Ashland's option to obtain
• future water from another source, particularly in emergencies when
• Ashland's own system is inoperative or lacks enough water.
• Argument against intertie: It will cost Ashland more than any of
• several alternatives and the water will come from farther awat
Availability also increases likelihood of population growth.22
• In another action, the City is beginning the first phase of a $23.5 million wastewater
• treatment project, including renovation of its sewage treatment plant which discharges
• into Ashland Creek, to comply with state water quality standards for Bear Creek by the
end of 2000. The City plans to put byproducts from its sewage treatment plant, treated
• effluent for irrigation and sludge for fertilizer, on 840 acres of hillside land it owns
• outside city limits. Discussions continue between neighbors of the property and the City
• regarding environmental considerations of the plan. 2 2
•
• As 1998 draws to a close, Ashland faces critical questions regarding its water supply.
• The population continues to grow and weather years are still uncertain. Topics of the past
• remain and they are even more complex. Citizens still demand ample good water and
• still worry about cost and growth. Longstanding issues such as identifying the way to
• obtain water, upgrading and maintaining facilities and addressing environmental concerns
• still provoke intense discussion. An educated and interested public scrutinizes the
• process as officials consider both the present and the future in their plans.
•
•
•
•
• 49
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ashland's water source has evolved over thousands of years. The qualities that drew •
people to the area centuries ago continue to attract. Although our modern period reflects •
only a moment in history, the ways that we use and care for our stream's "living waters" •
will determine what remains for future generations that settle along its banks. •
•
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50 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• NOTES
•
•
' Ashland Tidings, November 16, 1877, 3:1.
•
• 2 Jacksonville Oregon Sentinel, December 14, 186 1.
•
• 3 Ashland Tidings, July 20, 1876, 3:2; August 8, 1879, 3:1; June 18, 1880, 3:2;
• November 14, 1884, 3:4.
•
• 4 Ibid., July 2, 1880, 3:3.
5 Ibid. July 17, 1876. 3:2.
• 6 Ibid., July 24, 1876, 3:2.
•
• 7 Ibid. February 24, 1877, 3:2.
•
• B Ibid., March 29, 1878 3:2.
•
• 9 Ibid., April 11, 1884, 3:3.
•
• 1° Ibid., August 22, 1879, 3:3.
•
• " Ibid., August 15, 1885, 2:1
•
• 12 Ibid., April 18, 1884, 3:3
•
• 13 Ibid., December 26, 1984, 3:1.
•
• 14 Ibid. May 22, 1885, 3:4.
•
• 15 Ibid., July 3, 1885, 2:2.
•
• 16 Ibid., July 17, 1885 3:1.
•
• " Ibid.
•
• 18 Ibid., July 9, 1886, 3:6; July 16, 1886, 3:3.
•
• 19 Ibid., July 30, 1886, 3:7.
•
• 20 Ibid., August 6, 1886, 2:3.
•
• 2' Ibid.
•
• 22 Ibid.
•
•
51
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
23 mid. •
24 Ibid., September 10, 1886, 2:3.
21 Ibid., October 8, 1886, 2:2. •
•
26 Ibid. •
•
27 Ibid. October 22, 1886, :3. •
•
28 Ibid., November 5, 1885, 2:3. •
•
29 Ibid. •
•
30 Ibid. •
•
31 Ibid., December 10, 1886 3:1. •
32 •
Minutes, Ashland City Council, January 12, 1887. •
33 Ashland-Tidin > Jan uarY 20, 1888, 3:1. •
•
34 Ibid., April 13, 1888, 3:3. •
•
35 Ibid., January 11, 1889. •
•
36 Ibid. •
37 Ibid., November 23, 1888, 3:6.
38 Ibid., November 23, 1888, 3:6;November 30, 1888, 3:6.
39 Ibid., February 11, 1887, 3:4; February 18, 1887, 3:5;February 25, 1887, 3:5.
40 .Ibid., March 22, 1889, 2:3. •
•
41 Ibid., December 9, 1887, 3:1. •
•
42 Ibid., May 31, 1889, 3:6. •
•
43 Ibid., June 7, 1889, 2:1. •
•
44 Ibid., June 7, 1889 2:1. •
•
•
•
•
52 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• 45 mid., 5:5.
•
• 46 Ibid., June 14, 1889, 3:2. The vote was 248 to 38 in favor of the water works.
•
• 47 Ibid., October 25, 1889, 3:7;November 1, 1889, 3:3.
•
• 48 Ibid., December 10, 1888 1:1
•
• 49 Ibid., October 24, 1890, 3:4.
•
• 50 Ashland Valley Record, December 4, 1890.
• 51 Ibid.
sz Ibid.
53 Ibid.
54 Ibid.
• 53
• Ashland Tidines, February 4, 1890.
• 56 Ibid., February 7, 1890, 3:3.
•
• 37 Ibid., February 27, 1890.
•
• 58 Ibid., October 24, 1890, 3:4.
•
• 59 Ibid.
• 60 Ibid., December 6, 1890, 3:4.
•
• 61 Ibid., December 1, 1890, 3:2; December 4, 1890.
•
• 62 Ibid.
•
• 63 Ibid., December 19, 1890, 3:4;December 20, 1890, 3:3; Ashland Valley Record,
• December 18, 1890, 3:2-3.
•
• 64 Ashland Tiding s, July 23, 1896, 3:1.
•
• 65 Ibid.
•
• 66 Ibid., August 4, 1898, 3:1.
•
• 67 Ibid., February 27, 1902 3:3.
•
•
• 53
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
68 Ibid., April 22, 1902 3:2 ; June 5, 1902 3:3.
69 .Ibid., October 9, 1902, 2:2.
70 Ibid., January 22, 1903, 2:2 June 18, 1903, 3:3. •
•
71 Ibid., November 19, 1903. •
•
72 Ibid., July 29, 1902 3:3. •
•
73 Ibid., January 30, 1902, 3:3. •
•
74 Ibid. February 13, 1902, 3:1; February 20, 1902, 3:2. •
•
75 Ibid., April 28, 1902, 3:1. •
•
76 Ibid., January 15, 1903, 3:2; February 5, 1903, 3:2. •
•
77 Ibid., September 21, 1903, 3:3. •
78 Ibid. •
79 Ibid., September 24, 1903, 3:3.
80 Ibid., October 12, 1903, 3:3. •
•
8' Ibid. •
112 Ibid. •
83 Ibid., March 5, 1903:2.
84 Ibid. October 19, 1903, 2:3; October 22, 1903, 3:3. •
•
85 Ibid. November 19, 1903, 2:5. •
•
86 Ibid., December 17, 1903, 3:3. •
•
87 Ibid., December 6, 1904, 2:5.
•
88 Ibid., August 4, 1904, 2:3. •
•
89 Ibid., 3:3. •
•
90 Ibid. June 5 1905 3:2 •
•
54 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• 9' Ibid., May 25, 1905, 3:3; June 15, 1905, 3:2.
•
• 92 Ibid., August 14, 1905, 3:2.
•
• 93 Ibid., November 30, 1905, 3:3.
•
• 94 Ibid., December 11, 1905, 3:2.
•
• 95 Ibid., February 5, 1906, 3:3.
• 96 Ibid., September 7, 1908; August 20, 1908 1:1.
• 9' Ibid., November 15, 1909.
98 Ibid., August 12, 1909 4:3; June 15, 1909; August 26, 1909, 1:1; October 7, 1909, 1:5.
• 99 Ibid., November, 4, 1909, 1:4.
•
• 100 Ibid., March 17, 1910, 1:3.
101 W.J. Roberts, "Report on Present Water System," October 10, 1910;
• 102 Ibid.; Ashland Tidings November 17, 1910, 1:3.
•
• 103 Ashland Tidings, December 8, 1910, 1:34.
•
• 104 Ibid., December 15, 1910, 1:2.
•
• 1os Ibid., April 20, 1911, 1:34; April 27, 1911, 1:6; May 1, 1911, 1:34; May 11, 1911,
• 4:1.
•
106 Ibid., May 11, 1911, 1:34.
107 Ibid., May 8 1911 1:1-2; August 31, 1911 1:34, September 7, 1911, 1:34.
•
• 108 F.H. Walker, "Report to the Chairman of the Council's Water Committee, October 7,
• 1912.
•
• 109 Ashland Tidings, November 20, 1913, 5:4; November 23, 1914, 6:2.
•
• 110 Ibid., April 9, 1914, 1:1; 1: 34.
•
• 111 Ibid., July 30, 1914, 1:2
•
• 112 Ibid., September 17, 1916, 1:4.
•
•
• 55
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
113 Ibid., August 18, 1918, 1:5. •
•
14 Ibid., November 12, 1919, 4:4. •
•
"s Ibid., April 1, 1919, 2:2. •
•
116 House Report No. 425, Sixty Sixth Congress, First Session; Congressional Record, •
Senate, February 2, 1920, 2344-45. •
•
117 Ashland Tidings, February 25, 1920 1:6. •
•
118 Ibid. •
•
19 Ibid., March 10, 1920 1:3. •
120 Ibid., February 25, 1920, 1:6; April 14, 1920 1:5;August 4, 1920 1:6; August 25, •
1920, 1:1.
121 Ibid., August 25, 1920, 1:1. •
•
122 Ashland Daily Tidings September 1, 1920, 3:4 . •
•
123 Ibid., September 9, 1920 1:2-3; September 15, 1920, 1:7 •
•
124 mid., September 22, 1920 1:6;4:4; September 29,1920 1:4
125 D.C. Henny, "Extracts from a Report on Measures to Relieve Water Shortage in
Ashland City Water Supply," October 18, 1920. •
126 Minutes, Ashland City Council, July 12, 1921; July 14, 1921.
127 F.H. Walker, Report to the City Council, January 17,1922.
128 Minutes, Ashland City Council, October 2, 1923; October 16, 1923; October 24, •
1923. •
•
129 Ashland Daily Tidings, January 14 1925, 1. •
•
130 mid. •
•
131 Ibid. October 5, 1923. •
132 Ibid. •
•
133 Fred F. Henshaw, "Report on Sources of Additional Water Supply for Ashland, •
•
•
56 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Oregon, February 4, 1924.
•
• 134 Jeffrey LaLande, Prehistory and History of the Rogue River National Forest A
• Cultural Resource Overview, Medford, Oregon: U.S. Forest Service, Rogue River
• National Forest, 1980, 92-93.
•
• 135 Ashland Daily Tidings, September 30, 1924.
•
• 136 Stuart McKissick, "Report on Possibilities of Water Storage in Ashland Canyon,"
• January 22, 1925; Ashland Tidings, January 31, 1925 1:1;Minutes, Ashland City
• Council, August 10, 1926;
•
• 138 Ashland Daily Tidings, September 27, 1926.
• 139 C.A. Malone, "City Water Appraisal," September 21, 1926.
•
• 140 Ashland Daily Tidings, September 30, 1926
14' Minutes, Ashland City Council, November 16, 1926
• 142 Ibid., February 15, 1927.
• 143 [bid. February 21, 1927.
•
• 144 Ibid., June 3, 1927.
•
145 Jeffrey LaLande, 1980, 93.
'46 Ibid., p. 93
147 Thornton Wiley, Address to the Council, December 27, 1932.
148 Senate Report No. 2092, Seventy Fourth Congress, Second Session
•
• 149 Minutes, Ashland City Council, December 7, 1937.
•
• ]so mid., April 1, 1941
•
• 151 Mayor's Report, 1941, City of Ashland Archives.
•
152 Mayor's Report, 1945, City of Ashland Archives
•
• 153 Ashland Daily Tidings, October 3, 1945.
•
• 154 A.D. Harvey, "Report of Investigation for Additional Water Supply , City of
•
•
•
• 57
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ashland, Oregon," 1946 •
•
155 Ibid. •
156 Ibid. •
•
157 Ashland Daily Tidings: June 26, 1946, 1:2. •
•
158 Ibid., January 6, 1948; January 7, 1948. •
•
159 Ibid., January 8, 1948; January 10, 1948; January 10, 1948.
160 Minutes, Ashland City Council, January 20, 1948. •
161 Ibid., February 3, 1948. •
162 Ashland Daily Tidings, February 25, 1948, 1:7-8. •
•
163 Allen Alsing, "City of Ashland Water Facilities and Resources," December 14,
1973, (Revised, February 1975).
•
164 Minutes, Ashland City Council, July 21, 1948; Ordinance Nos. 1085, 1086, 1087,
August 3, 1948; A.D. Harvey and S.C. Watkins, "Final Report Construction of •
Water Filtration Plant and Canyon Reservoir for the City of Ashland Oregon,
October 1949. •
165 Minutes, Ashland City Council, .April 15, 1952.
166 James M. Montgomery, Consulting Engineers Inc., "City of Ashland, Oregon Water
Resources Management Plan and Facility Study," 1977. •
167 Minutes, Ashland City Council, November 22, 1955. •
•
168 Ashland, Daily Tidings December 22, 1955. •
•
169 Marjorie O'Harra, Ashland: The First 130 Years, Jacksonville, Oregon: Southern •
Oregon Historical Society, 1981, 161-162. •
171 Alsing, 3. •
•
172 Ibid., 7. •
•
173 Minutes, Ashland City Council, February 3, 1960.
•
174 Ashland Daily Tidings, December 21, 1960, 1:2. •
•
•
•
58 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• 15 Ibid., September 30, 1961, 1:1-2.
•
• 16 "City Superintendent's Water Report," June 23, 1962.
•
• 177 Alsing, 3.
•
• 178 Ibid., 2. The firm of Cornell, Howland, Hayes and Merryfield, completed the
• 1961 report.
•
• t79 Ashland Daily Tidings, December 21, 1964; December 24, 1964.
•
• 180 Ibid., January 27, 1966.
•
• 181 Ashland Daily Tidings, June 14, 1966, 1:3; June 22, 1966 8:1.
• 182 Ibid., August 16, 1966, 1:5
•
• 183 Ashland Daily Tidings, September 2, 1966, 1:1-2; September 27, 1966, 1:2.
• Isa Ibid., August 13, 1969, 1:2-3.
•
• 185 Ibid., September 19, 1970 1:1-2.
•
• 186 Ibid., October 24, 1970 1:1.
•
• 187 Ibid., August 3, 1971, 1:5-6.
•
• '8s Ibid., July 17, 1972, 1:1.
•
189 Ibid., March 8, 1973, 4:1; 10; March 10, 1973, 1:8.
190 Alsing, 10.
• 191 Ashland Daily Tidings, July 2, 1973, 1:6; September 12, 1973 2:4; November 14,
• 1973, 3:1-5.
•
• 192 mid., January 17, 1974.
•
• 193 .Ibid., January 16, 1974; January 18, 1974; January 19, 1974.
•
• 194 Ibid., January 16, 1975.
•
• 195 Ibid., July 17, 1975, 3:34.
•
• 196 mid., May 1, 1976, 16:1.
•
•
• 59
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
197 Ibid., January 19, 1977, 1:1-6; February 8, 1977 1:1; February 12, 1977, 3:5;
February 23, 1977, 1:1-6. •
198 James M. Montgomery, Consulting Engineers, Inc., 1977.
199 Ibid. •
•
200 Ashland Daily Tidings, March 30, 1977, 1:3 May 18, 1977, 3:3-5. •
•
201 Ibid., June 22, 1977, 2:2-4. •
•
202 Ibid., July 12, 1977, 1:5-6. •
•
203 Ibid. July 25, 1977, 1:6.
•
204 Ibid., 4:1-2. •
•
205 mid., July 27, 1977, 1:5-6. •
•
206 Ibid., December 19, 1978, 2: 3-6.
207 Ibid., August 21, 1979, 1:5-6. •
•
208 Ibid., August 24, 1979, 1:1; April 10, 1979, 1:1-6. •
•
209 Ibid., June 14, 1980, 4:1-2. •
•
210 Ibid., August 20, 1980, 3:3-6; August 25, 1980, 1:1; October 11, 1980 1:5-6;
November 6, 1980, 1: 4-6. •
211 Ibid., February 27,-1981, 3:3; March 24, 1981, 3:2-6. •
•
212 Ibid., March 24, 1981, 1:4; April 1, 1981, 1:1-6. •
•
213 Ibid., April 5, 1982, 1:1-6; May 19, 1982, 3:2-5. The unofficial vote was set at
2,154 to 1569.
•
214 Ibid., April 21, 1983, 1:1-2; May 18, 1983, 1:6; July 8, 1983, 1:4-6; January 16, •
1986, 1:4-6.
•
215 R.W. Beck and Associates, Water Supply Report, 1989. •
•
216 mid.
217 Dick Wanderscheid, Steve Hall and John McLaughlin, Memo to Mayor and City •
Council, December 14, 1994. •
•
•
60 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• 218 "Water Report, Bear Creek Valley 2050 Municipal Water Supply Plan," 1997, 31
•
• 219 Paula Brown, Memo to Ashland City Council, December 10, 1997; Ashland Daily
• Tidings, January 22, 1998.
•
• 220 Medford Mail Tribune, January 28, 1998
•
• 221 Ibid., February 1, 1998.
•
• 222 Ibid., August, 20, 1998.
•
•
•
•
•
•
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• 61
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• BIBELIOGRAPHY
•
•
• Alsing, Allen A. Interview, August 25, 1998; September 1, 1998.
•
• Alsing, Allen A. "City of Ashland Water Facilities and Resources," 1973, (Revised,
• 1975).
•
• Ashland Daily Tidings, Various Issues
•
• Ashland Tidings, Various Issues
•
• Ashland Weekly Tidings, Various Issues
•
• "Bear Creek Valley "2050" Municipal Water Supply Plan, Phase I: A Report on the
• Municipal and Industrial Water Requirements of the Bear Creek Valley," 1997.
•
• Beck, R.W. and Associates, "City of Ashland Water Supply Report," 1989.
Biegel, E.C. "Report to the City Council," October 3, 1945.
• Biegel, E.C. "City Water Superintendent's Report," 1962.
•
Brown, Paula. Interview, May 11, 1998.
• Cornell, Howland, Hayes and Merryfield. "A Report on an Engineering Study of Water
Treatment Plant Expansion," City of Ashland Oregon, 1961.
• Harvey, A.D. "Report of Investigation for Additional Water Supply, City of Ashland,
• Oregon, 1946.
•
Harvey, A.D. and Watkins, S.G. "Final Report, Construction of Water Filtration Plant
• and Canyon Reservoir for City of Ashland, Oregon," 1949.
•
• Henny, D.C. "Extracts from a Report on Measures to Relieve Water Shortage in Ashland
• City Water Supply," October, 1920.
•
• Henny, D.C. "Report to Ashland City Council on Water Works Improvements," 1927.
•
• Henshaw, Fred F. "Report on Sources of Additional Water Supply for Ashland, Oregon,"
• 1924.
•
• Malone, C.A. "City Water Appraisal," 1926
•
• McKissick, Stuart. "Report on Possibilities of Water Storage in Ashland Canyon," 1925.
•
•
• 62
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Montgomery, James M. Consulting Engineers, Inc., "City of Ashland Oregon: Water
Resources Management Plan and Facility Study," 1977. •
Roberts, W.J. "Report on Water System," Ashland, Oregon, 1910.
Walker, F.H. Memo to City of Ashland Water Committee, 1912. •
•
Walker, F.H. "A General Report on the Possibilities of Increasing the Water Supply of •
the City of Ashland, 1923. •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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