Wasco County approves annexation of ~448 acres into Pine Grove Water District

Wasco County commissioners on May 6 approved Resolution 26‑007 to annex approximately 448 acres into the Pine Grove Water District, a move the district said will formally incorporate acreage already receiving district service and help secure water‑supply and fire‑protection improvements.

County Counsel Kristen Campbell said the annexation was initiated by district resolution and that the county clerk certified signatures representing 100 percent of property owners in the territory. Gloria Miller, representing the Pine Grove Water District, told the board the annexation includes land where Well No. 3 will be developed; completion of the well remains contingent on Oregon Health Authority approval to transfer water rights and operations from Well No. 2.

Miller said the district’s current single well (drilled in 1980) yields 31–43 gallons per minute versus the original 89 gpm and cannot be taken offline for refurbishment without a secondary source. The district said the new well is critical for daily service and to support fire hydrant operations; under current conditions, hydrants may be shut off 24 hours into an emergency and responders rely on tenders.

The board approved the annexation unanimously but attached a condition of finality: the County Surveyor must certify a consolidated metes‑and‑bounds perimeter description before the county files the annexation with the Oregon Department of Revenue and other agencies, per ORS filing requirements.

Commissioners and district representatives said the annexation will also allow five currently unserved properties to receive meters when infrastructure capacity allows.