History

At Your Service Since 1889

The Story of McMinnville Water and Light

1889

McMinnville Water and Light is established as a municipal utility. Power and water operations begin with a plant on the South Yamhill River.

1906

The first service reservoir is established. Gravity transmission is used to deliver water to city customers. More service reservoirs will be added in 1918, 1964, and 1995.

1910

The Baker Creek Hydroelectric Plant is established and begins generating power for the City of McMinnville, just after the municipal utility passes its 20th year.

Baker Creek hydroelectric plant built in 1909

1940

After approval by McMinnville voters, power generated by Bonneville Dam of the Columbia River System begins flowing to the city.

1951

BPA establishes the East McMinnville Substation and control house. McMinnville Water & Light will purchase it from BPA in 2000.

Constructed in 1951, the new East McMinnville BPA Substation included a control house.

1977

The Norman R. Scott Water Treatment Plant is established below Link and McGuire Reservoirs, and is named after the city’s mayor. The plant will be expanded in 2010.

1988

A ribbon cutting and celebration is held June 10, 1988 for McMinnville Water and Light’s new facilities and headquarters at 855 NE Marsh Lane.

2004

the Milton Hunt McGuire Dam and Reservoir on the Nestucca River, originally established in 1971 and named to honor MW&L’s first general manager, is raised to increase water storage from 1.2 billion gallons to 3.25 billion gallons.

Link To Full History