Kitsap County Sewer District 7, often referred to as Fort Ward Sewer, has completed a transition in which its sewer/wastewater assets and operations were transferred to Kitsap Public Utility District.

As part of this transition, KPUD is now the agency responsible for all sewer/wastewater services previously provided by KCSD7, with the district expected to formally dissolve in the coming months, per a news release. This transfer is the result of more than a year of collaboration between KCSD7 and KPUD, with both agencies working together to ensure a smooth, well-planned transition.

Since its formation in 1964, the KCSD7 has received multiple awards for Outstanding Performance from the Washington State Department of Ecology, the release says.

“Generations of elected commissioners, staff, and operators built a system the community can be proud of,” said KCSD7 Commissioner Sarah Lee. “Through careful planning and cooperation, KPUD is prepared to carry that legacy forward.”

KPUD is already the community’s drinking water purveyor, and combining water and sewer services under one utility allows for operational efficiencies, streamlined customer service, and a coordinated approach to managing critical infrastructure, per the release.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to provide additional services to this community and for the confidence shown by the KCSD7 commissioners,” said Angela Bennink, KPUD general manager. “Over the past year, our teams have worked closely together to ensure this transition honors the district’s decades of dedicated public service while providing seamless, reliable service for the community.”