Lake Forest Park candidates tour LFP well field

The well field's large water tank
Photo by Maris Abelson

By Maris Abelson

Candidates for Lake Forest Park City Council and Mayor toured the LFP Water District well field on Wednesday. The site is the source of drinking water for about 2,400 residents in Lake Forest Park and available for firefighting purposes.

Alan Kerley, the water district’s general manager, led the group around the recently completed pump house equipped with a reinforced roof which can withstand falling trees.

He described the function and provenance of the wells and tanks, emphasizing the district’s focus on preserving landmark trees, removing invasive plants, and restoring native ones. He then took everyone on a stroll along the upper pedestrian trail that skirts the well field.

Water district manager Alan Kerley discusses the history of the well field.
Photo by Dan Benson

Water District Commission members Dave Hammond, Eli Zehner, and Bill Donahue provided additional information about the history of the water system.

“We have a heck of a good water district, and they have really educated people that care about the environment,” said Paula Goode, candidate for Council Position 6.

Lorri Bodi, who is running unopposed for Position 2 said, "The District team does an impressive job conserving our water resources, our trees, our wetlands, and our wildlife. And the water they supply to our community is untreated, pure, and award-winning.”

For Ellyn Saunders, a long-time LFP resident and candidate for Position 4, it was a first opportunity to view the well field. “I knew that they were up here, but I had no idea how magnificent this is, how fortunate we are to have such pure water, and the work that goes into it,” she said.

Hiking the Upper Train
Photo by Sally Yamasaki

LFP Mayoral candidate Tom French (who had recently toured the well field with fellow councilmember Tracy Furutani), looks forward to a continued close-working relationship with the water board and district management.

Learn about the LFP Water District at its website