History of Wise County Water Supply District

Beginning in 1937, the City of Decatur depended upon wells for its water supply. As the  demand for water increased, it became necessary to drill additional wells. Soon more water was being taken out of the aquifer than naturally being put back in. It became evident that  underground waters could not be considered as a suitable source of supply to meet the ever increasing demands for the City of Decatur. 

In the 1950s, Decatur faced a critical need to secure a sustainable water supply beyond its limited  underground resources. Recognizing this urgency, a 1953 engineering report by Homer A.  Hunter Associates recommended tapping into the West Fork of the Trinity River. This led to the  1953 creation of The Wise County Water Supply District by the Texas Legislature. The district  intended to facilitate the project. However, despite these efforts, the district was never organized,  and the initiative stalled. 

Undeterred, the City of Decatur persisted in the 1960s, exploring alternative solutions. Attention  turned to leveraging dams constructed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). In 1963, Rady  and Associates identified a promising site on Catlett Creek—a dam that could potentially meet  the city's water needs. It was finally determined the best source of water to supply the City of  Decatur would come from Lake Bridgeport. Yet again, financial hurdles emerged. Statutory  limitations made it challenging to finance these projects. 

When the Decatur City Council became convinced that it must enlist the aid of some other taxing  agency to finance the new water supply which was estimated to cost more than $1,000,000. Legal counsel, engineers and others reviewed the 1953 law which created the Wise County  Water Supply District and recommended proper procedures for having the law amended and the  district legally activated. 

In 1964 the district was legally organized to address the growing need for a reliable water supply  in the region. The first bond election was held on May 11,1965. The election would authorize the  WCWSD to issue $1,000,000 in Revenue and Tax Water Bonds. By a vote of 321 to 165 citizens  approved of the project. 

The district played a pivotal role in the financing, development and maintenance of water  infrastructure, including the construction of a pump house and a 12-mile-long pipeline that  transports raw water from Lake Bridgeport to the Royce Simpson Water Treatment Plant. This  system has been the backbone of water delivery for the City of Decatur, providing essential  services to residents and businesses within the city limits. 

Over the decades, WCWSD has expanded and upgraded its facilities to meet increasing water  demands, implementing modern water treatment technologies and conservation initiatives. The  district continually works to enhance water quality, reliability, and sustainability to serve the  growing population of the city limits of Decatur efficiently. The primary mission has been to  support the city of Decatur by ensuring access to dependable water resources.

• Who: The Wise County Water Supply District (WCWSD) is responsible for managing  and supplying raw lake water to the city limits of Decatur, Texas. The district operates  with a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing high-quality water  services. 

• What: WCWSD oversees the pumping of raw water from Lake Bridgeport and its  transportation through a 12-mile pipeline to the Royce Simpson Water Treatment Plant.  The district ensures that Decatur residents and businesses receive a safe and reliable  water supply while maintaining infrastructure and implementing conservation efforts. 

• When: The district was established by the Texas Legislature in 1953 and officially  organized in 1964. Since then, it has continuously evolved to meet the needs of the  community. 

• Where: The district operates in Wise County, Texas, specifically supplying water within  the city limits of Decatur. It plays a crucial role in maintaining water distribution systems  and ensuring compliance with state and federal water quality standards. 

• Why: WCWSD was created to meet the growing demand for a sustainable water supply,  ensuring that Decatur has access to clean, safe water for residential, commercial, and  municipal use. The district remains committed to water conservation, environmental  responsibility, and proactive infrastructure development to support future generations.

Governance and Leadership

The Wise County Water Supply District is overseen by a Board of Directors, which is  responsible for setting policies, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and  guiding the strategic direction of the district. The board consists of dedicated community leaders  who work to maintain and improve water services for Decatur residents. Regular board meetings  are held to discuss operational updates, budget allocations, and future projects, ensuring  transparency and accountability in all district activities. 

Over the years, the district has continually adapted to meet the challenges of population growth,  environmental stewardship, and technological advancements. By prioritizing sustainable water  management and community-focused service, the Wise County Water Supply District remains a  cornerstone of Decatur's infrastructure and quality of life. 

The district finds itself at another pivotal moment in its history. Recognizing the need to upgrade a portion of the original pipeline and pump house that has served us so well. The Wise County  Water Supply District is calling for a bond election to determine authorization for issuing bonds  to fund these improvements.