The Ochoco West Water & Sanitary Authority (OWWSA) is a dedicated special district committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services to the Ochoco West community. Situated northwest of Prineville, Oregon, we serve approximately 500 residents through a network of 240 water connections and 180 sanitary sewer connections.

Our History

Our roots in the community date back to the 1970s, when the original Ochoco West Water and Sanitary Districts were first incorporated to bring essential utilities to rural homeowners in this unincorporated area of Crook County. In 2009, these two districts dissolved to form the unified Ochoco West Water and Sanitary Authority, streamlining operations to better serve our neighbors.

Governance & Community Leadership

As a local government body, OWWSA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. These positions are filled by community members who are elected every four years. This ensures that the management of our most precious resources—our water and infrastructure—remains in the hands of the people who live here.

Our board and staff work diligently to ensure all operations meet or exceed state and federal regulations, providing peace of mind for every household we serve.

Our Services

• Water Management: We manage the community’s domestic water supply, emphasizing conservation and infrastructure health to ensure consistent service.
• Sanitary Sewer: We operate the local sewer system for serviced properties, while providing guidance for areas that utilize independent septic systems.
• Emergency Planning: We maintain robust Emergency Action Plans to protect our community’s infrastructure and safety during unforeseen events.

Transparency & Engagement

We believe that an informed community is a strong one. OWWSA is dedicated to operating with transparency. We encourage residents to:

• Attend our Regular Board Meetings and workshops.
• Review our annual Consumer Confidence Reports regarding water quality.
• Participate in community elections to help shape the future of our local utilities.