Foundations of the District
The Woodfin Sanitary District was created in 1923, followed by the establishment of the Woodfin Water District in 1927. Together these two precursor districts laid the groundwork for today’s water system.
Our History
The Woodfin Sanitary District was established in 1923 to provide sewer service to the Beaver Lake and Woodfin area, followed by the creation of the Woodfin Water District in 1927 to supply drinking water. In 1931, the two were consolidated into the Woodfin Sanitary Water & Sewer District.
Over nearly a century, the District has grown to serve approximately 10,000 residents across three municipalities and portions of Buncombe County. In 1991, its sewer infrastructure was transferred to the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County for ongoing operation and maintenance.
1923 - 1927
1931
Official Formation
In the years that followed, the State of North Carolina merged these early districts into a single municipal corporation, defining an initial service area stretching from Beaver Lake to the French Broad River and from Riverside Drive and Broadway north to Reynolds Mountain.
Citizen Times Photo
Scenes from the Woodfin Watershed
Photo documents early site conditions and infrastructure efforts that support future water system improvements during preparatory work for the construction of a new dam.
Citizen Times Photo
Scenes from the Woodfin Watershed
John Moore, the district warden, is pictured standing on the catch basin during early preparatory work in the Woodfin watershed prior to dam construction.
1930s - 1980s
Early Infrastructure & Gradual System Expansion
Began with a single creek intake in the Beech community and one reservoir atop Reynolds Mountain and, over several decades, expanded to include an impoundment dam, a modern water treatment plant, additional storage reservoirs, and interconnections with the City of Asheville for supplemental and emergency water supply.
1963
Completion of Impoundment Dam
Bronze commemorative plaque marking construction of the Impoundment Dam in 1963 by the Woodfin Sanitary Water & Sewer District, listing the Board of Trustees and recognizing Asheville Contracting Co. 1963
1990 - 1995
Regional Sewer Consolidation
The District transferred its sewer infrastructure to the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County (MSD), gained a three-year rotating representative seat on the MSD governing board, and began providing ongoing billing and collection services for MSD.
1996 - Present Day
Service Area Growth & Operational Development
While corporate boundaries remain unchanged, the District expanded water service into North and West Buncombe County, the towns of Woodfin and Weaverville, areas within the City of Asheville, and the Reems Creek area, while continuing to strengthen interconnections with Asheville to support a larger, more reliable water distribution network.
Current District Operations
Today, the District serves nearly 10,000 residents across 24 square miles and maintains approximately 100 miles of water mains. Average daily usage is about one million gallons, with roughly 25% of demand supplied through finished water purchased from the City of Asheville.
The District is governed by a three-member Board of Trustees elected to concurrent two-year terms. The Board appoints an Executive Director responsible for daily operations and policy implementation.
In addition to water services, the District manages recycling-fee billing for the Town of Weaverville for District customers.
Our Mission & Values
We are committed to providing high-quality drinking water to our community in a fair, efficient, and responsible manner. We carefully manage our infrastructure and resources to ensure long-term reliability, sustainability, and service excellence.
Guided by our Board of Trustees, we operate with transparency and accountability while maintaining a dependable water supply for today’s customers and proactively planning for the needs of a growing service area.
Board of Trustees
Gordon Maybury, Chair
Appointed in 2023 to fill a Board vacancy and elected later that year, Gordon Maybury brings more than 40 years of senior management experience in retail, manufacturing, and service operations. He retired in 2020 from AWP, a national highway traffic safety company, and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Gordon relocated to Asheville in 2011 and moved to Woodfin in 2016. He and his wife, Cathleen, have been married for over four decades and are proud parents and grandparents. He is committed to supporting responsible leadership and long-term stability for the District.
Larry Hopkins, Vice-Chair
Elected in 2023, Larry Hopkins is an Army veteran with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Queens University. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the chemical industry to his role on the Board.
Larry retired and moved to Woodfin in 2018 and resides in the Asheville Terraces at Reynolds Village. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren.
Carter James, Secretary
Carter James has been a proud Woodfin resident for the past three years and has called the Appalachian Mountains home for more than 15. He is the co-owner of Flour Café in downtown Asheville and Easy Tiger Sports Bar. Carter attended Appalachian State University, where he studied Sustainable Development and Education before pursuing a career in the culinary industry.
Over the past decade, he has managed kitchens and built strong experience in community engagement, budgeting, and project management. He brings these skills to his role on the Woodfin Water Board of Trustees, where he is committed to supporting responsible growth and serving the community.
Administrative Team
Seth Eckard, Executive Director
Seth Eckard has served as Executive Director of the Woodfin Sanitary Water & Sewer District since 2024, bringing more than 14 years of municipal management experience. Previously, he served as Town Manager of Valdese and Town Administrator of Sawmills, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar budgets and led major water, sewer, and public works initiatives from planning through implementation.
At Woodfin, Seth leads long-term efforts to strengthen system resiliency, modernize infrastructure, and improve customer service. His work includes advancing key capital projects, securing state and federal funding, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene all with a focus on transparency, operational excellence, and reliable service for future generations.
Joseph Martin, Finance Officer
Dr. Martin served as the District’s Executive Director from 2004 to 2024 and now continues to support the organization in a contracted role as Finance Officer. During his two decades of leadership, he helped guide the District through significant operational growth, infrastructure improvements, and financial stewardship efforts that strengthened long-term stability and service reliability.
A U.S. Navy veteran of the First Gulf War, Dr. Martin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from East Tennessee State University, as well as a Doctorate of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. His background in public administration and municipal leadership continues to provide valuable experience and continuity for the District’s financial oversight.
Meeting Info
The Board of Trustees meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:00 PM at the District offices, unless otherwise announced. Meetings may also be viewed remotely at the scheduled date and time using the link below.
Our Resident “Green Team”
We like to keep things local, sustainable, and a little fun – which is why our water plant is home to Masie Grace, Millie May, and Mama Mia.
These hardworking ladies handle vegetation control the natural way, keeping the grounds tidy and the staff entertained. Whether they’re on break (again) or showing off their latest headbutt technique, they prove good stewardship comes with plenty of personality.
