Our community currently has an opportunity to help strengthen the water system that keeps our homes and hillsides safe. During the Tunnel 5 Fire, families were evacuated, and water pressure became a critical factor in protecting homes. That experience was powerful reminder of why this project matters.

Skamania County has renewed its request for $600,000 in the 2026 Washington State Capital Budget to help fund the Underwood Water Infrastructure Project. This effort would involve adding a new 250,000-gallon reservoir, updating pipes, and stabilizing pressure on the west side of the mountain, in addition to funding studies for a larger improvement project in the future. Underwood’s current water system is maintained by the Skamania County PUD, and these updates could make a significant difference during droughts or wildfires.

Residents can learn more about the background of this proposal and previous attempts to secure funding in this summary of the Skamania Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on October 14, 2025.

This information update was written by Underwood resident Kate Bertash. Kate is the founder and a contributing editor/writer at The Skamania Dispatch. She’s also an active participant in a variety of local initiatives, like as keeping the Underwood food pantry cleaned and stocked. Any opinions expressed or implied here do not necessarily reflect those of the UPRD or its board members. If you feel there is important information missing from this post, please email us and we’ll gladly include it for public consideration and discussion.