The Aromas Water District was formed in 1959 under Division 12 of the Water Code of the State of California (Stats. 1949, Ch. 274); see more history below. Today we serve 965 connections; to see the area served, click on the District map link on the right. 

The water is taken from several deep-water wells located in Aromas. To learn more information about the water, please click on Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) on the main menu bar, this gives all the water analysis results from each of the wells. 

The Aromas Water District (AWD) is a non-profit, Multi-County, Special District governed by five elected directors residing in the Aromas Water District, each serving a four-year term.  The District operates under California Water Code (WAT) Division 12, County Water Districts [Sec 30000 - 33901]

These directors are elected at large and establish policy and guide the direction of the AWD. 

They always welcome the comments of their constituents. 

The monthly board meetings are open to the public and are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the District office; your comments may be written or addressed in person.

Aromas Water District's History

In 1958, residents of Aromas petitioned the County of San Benito for the formation of a water district. On July 6, 1959, the voters of Aromas approved such a formation and the County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring the district duly formed.

The first Board meeting was held August 12, 1959 in the office of Herrlich Real Estate. Members of the Board at that time were:

President: Leo W. Herrlich

Directors L Seth Bixler, Norman Goodwin, Leroy Strader, Ned Simmons

With this new Board, reconstruction and upgrading of the water system began with the replacement of all the system’s main and laterals, and construction of holding tanks for increased water reserves and fire protection.

This dedication to provide and maintain the best service the District can afford has been passed on to each of its Boards of Directors. This challenge is even now made more difficult with more and more people entering the District because of failure of private wells and development within the area.

Water is life! The responsibility cannot be left only to the Directors, but members of this community, as well, must protect and conserve this valuable resource, not only for ourselves, but for those who follow after us. With the spirit of this community and continued devotion of the Boards, this challenge will be met.

The foregoing was found in the Water District archives, but it is not signed, so we have no way of knowing who wrote it or when it was written. However, the sentiments are remarkably prescient and pertain to the continuing challenges today of Aromas Water District. 

– Aromas Water District Staff, February 2011