The Union River: A Vital Water Source
In the early 1920s, approximately 2,200 acres of land were acquired by the city around the Union River and Gorst Creek drainages for which water rights were filed.
In 1938, a fire swept through the mostly logged off land in the upper Union River drainage. It took 2 weeks and the efforts of large crews and equipment to bring the fire under control. Both natural seeding and hand planting of seedlings contributed to the reforestation of this area. The Water Utility's Forestry division continues to plant approximately 30,000 trees annually to reforest harvested areas and natural stands that would benefit from greater tree cover. The Water Utility derives income from the harvest of second growth timber to support capital improvements within the water system.
Demands of a Swelling Population
With the onset of World War II, the population of Bremerton increased from 10,000 to 80,000 in just a few years, dramatically increasing the demand for water and other public works services. Wells were drilled near Anderson Creek to supplement the water supply. This aquifer continues to be an important groundwater source for Bremerton.
The first wastewater treatment plant was completed in 1939, and was located near what is now Lions Park. Although it was state-of-the-art for its time, it was a "primary" plant - the only treatment provided was removal of floating solids and sediment before being discharged to Puget Sound. A second wastewater treatment plant was built in West Bremerton in 1950. In 1983, a secondary treatment plant was built on this site, replacing the 2 older plants. This plant has received the "Outstanding Treatment Plant Award" by the Washington State Department of Ecology for the past several years.
A New Dam
In the 1950s, the Union River became more fully developed as a reliable water supply. Because of its elevation, water could be delivered by gravity, thus saving power costs. Construction of Casad Dam began in 1955. The dam was named after water superintendent C.C. Casad, who worked in Bremerton's Public Works for over 40 years. The reservoir can hold 1.4 billion gallons of water, and Bremerton now owns and protects 98% of the 3,000 acre watershed. The Water Utility continues to acquire lands that protect and support our water supply in the Union River watershed. The water quality and management of this surface source is so exceptional that Bremerton is one of only a few surface suppliers in the country not required to build a water filtration plant.