The Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District serves as a vital utility provider for the residents of Naples, managing essential water and sewer infrastructure for the region. According to the district's own history page, the entity was formed in 1974 under title 17, chapter 6 of the Utah Code. While the district was created by Uintah County, its mission is to furnish water and sewer service to the unincorporated area located outside Vernal City, a mission that includes the incorporated Naples City.
The roots of the local water infrastructure date back further than the district's official formation. The district's history notes that the original water system was built in 1962 by the Bureau of Reclamation as a component of the Central Utah Water Steinaker Project. Prior to that 1962 construction, water lines were already being put in by Naples and Glines. The district began operating and servicing the area outside the city in 1982, an area that was previously formally operated by Vernal City and Naples City.
Managing these expansive networks requires significant infrastructure. The district's service area covers a large geographic footprint, spanning from 3300 north to 5800 south and 3500 west to 3500 east. This creates a service area measuring 9 miles by 7 miles. To maintain this area, the district utilizes just over 160 miles of potable water line. The scale of the operation is reflected in its connection counts; the district currently maintains over 5,000 water connections and over 3,400 sewer connections. The sewer system itself was established in 1982 as part of an EPA project. Historically, Ashley Valley Water & Sewer, Vernal City, and Maeser Water Improvement District collaborated to build lagoons and a joint sewer lagoon system, though this was later replaced by an oxidation ditch treatment plant.
Governance of the district is managed by a board of trustees. One such trustee is Dean Baker, whose term expires in 2028. According to the district's website, Baker was born and raised in Naples and possesses a long history of community service within the basin. His background includes serving his hometown as mayor for 20 years and serving on the city council. Baker joined the board to bring his municipal experience to the district and to represent the smaller towns located outside of Vernal. In addition to his role as a trustee, Baker sits on the Vernal Chamber of Commerce, the Uintah Water Conservancy District board, and the Utah Public Community Impact Board. He also previously represented Uintah and Duchesne Counties with the Utah League of Cities and Towns. This breadth of municipal experience is described as invaluable to the board when it comes to facilitating relationships with local cities and towns.
What this means for Naples
For the residents of Naples, the Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District provides the essential infrastructure required for daily life. By managing thousands of connections and hundreds of miles of lines, the district ensures that water and sewer services reach the community. Through board members with deep local roots, the district maintains necessary connections with surrounding municipal governments.
