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.
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.
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.
