South Tahoe Public Utility District Celebrates 75 Years of Service with Community Open House

South Lake Tahoe, CA (September 8, 2025) – South Tahoe Public Utility District is celebrating its 75th anniversary of protecting Lake Tahoe, delivering high-quality drinking water, and providing reliable wastewater services. To mark this milestone, the District will host a 75th Anniversary Open House on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at its headquarters, 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe.

This free, family-friendly event will feature guided tours of the world-renowned wastewater treatment plant, interactive displays about upcoming water and sewer projects, big trucks to explore, and light refreshments.

“For 75 years, the District has put the health of Lake Tahoe and our community first,” said Paul Hughes, General Manager. “From pioneering advanced wastewater treatment in the 1960s to building resilience through fires, droughts, and pandemics, we’re proud of our legacy and excited to share our future with the community we serve.”

Board President Shane Romsos added, “This anniversary is about honoring the generations of staff, community members, and leaders who made bold decisions to protect Tahoe’s waters and secure reliable services. We invite everyone to come celebrate with us, learn more about your water and sewer systems, and see firsthand how we’re preparing for the next 75 years.”

A Legacy of Innovation and Service

• 1950: Concerned about raw sewage being pumped from septic tanks into Lake Tahoe, residents voted overwhelmingly to form STPUD.
• 1960s: Built the world’s first advanced wastewater treatment plant and began exporting all recycled water out of the Tahoe Basin via a pipeline over Luther Pass. Constructed Indian Creek for safe recycled water storage.
• 1970s–1980s: Expanded into drinking water service by purchasing private water companies, bringing high-quality Tahoe Tap to the community.
• 1990s: Earned national recognition, including EPA’s Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year, and played a key role in the first Lake Tahoe Summit. Successfully sued big oil over MTBE groundwater contamination, winning a $69 million settlement to protect Tahoe’s drinking water.
• 2000s–2010s: Became a 100% recycled wastewater operation, expanded fire suppression infrastructure, and led water conservation efforts during historic droughts. Staff kept services running through Angora and Caldor wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2000s–Today: Secured over $39 million in grants and $88 million in low-interest loans for critical water and wastewater infrastructure while earning awards for financial excellence. In 2025, broke ground on a 1-megawatt solar array expected to save ratepayers $8.5 million.

For three-quarters of a century, the District has been dedicated to protecting Lake Tahoe while delivering safe drinking water and reliable wastewater services, no matter the challenge.

For more information or attend the 75th Anniversary Open House, visit www.stpud.us.