The water system was originated by an irrigation district around 1896. The water system was then transferred to a land development company. The original source of water supply for Clarkston and the surrounding area was Asotin Creek, the headgate for the source, which is located 12 miles south of Clarkston. Water flowed by gravity to the Clarkston area through an open ditch ("Old Vineland Ditch"). In 1907, a 48-inch wood stave transmission main was installed to replace the open ditch. The new transmission main included irrigation service to a district known as Clarkston Heights.

In the 1920’s, a small pumping station (Snake River Pump Station No.1) was installed to pump Snake River water to Pomeroy Gulch Reservoir. This pump station was installed because of frequent interruptions and breaks in the wooden transmission line from Asotin Creek. The water system’s properties were transferred through a number of ownerships until 1930 when the Washington Water Power Company (WWP) acquired them. At the time of takeover by WWP, the water system consisted of an intake, the Asotin Creek wood stave transmission line, the Pomeroy Gulch Reservoir (surface storage), Snake River Pump Station No. 1, and system distribution mains. In about 1931, WWP installed another pumping station on the Snake River about 2 miles south of the existing pump station. This became Snake River Pump Station No. 2. With few water system modifications, the demands placed on the system were adequately met until about 1948.

Through a series of events WWP was required to build a filtration plant due to the quality of water being transmitted from Asotin Creek. During 1951, a 3-million-gallon-per-day (mgd) water filtration plant was completed. The plant site was located just below the old Pomeroy Gulch Reservoir and served filtered water to the area within the city limits of Clarkston. At this time WWP relied on the Asotin Creek source, as well as the two pumping stations located on the Snake River. Two separate sources were providing irrigation water and domestic water. In the late 1950’s, WWP was required to also serve domestic water to those users outside the city limits.

Because of the demands placed on the domestic water system, WWP drilled Well No.1 during 1956 and placed it into service during 1957. During this time they also acquired an existing well (Well No. 2) and placed it into service in 1957. During 1958 WWP began exploring underground water as a supply source. WWP was then committed to developing a combination of well and river supply system for Clarkston and the surrounding area. Once this system was developed the Asotin Creek supply system was abandoned.

WWP completed a six-well system during 1961. A seventh well was added in 1977. In early 1983, the water system was purchased from WWP by General Waterworks Corporation (GWC). Clarkston General Water Supply, Inc. (CGWS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GWC, was formed to operate the system.

During the private ownership by CGWS, water rates increased dramatically. This led to the formation of a group of private citizens (Utility Consumers, Inc.). This group and many other private citizens were instrumental in placing the issue of formation of the PUD on the ballot.

In November of 1984, a public utility district was formed by the citizens of Asotin County. The PUD, which protested the cost of water service from CGWS, was created with the intended purpose of acquiring ownership of the water system through condemnation. After two years of court proceedings, Public Utility District No. 1 of Asotin County began operation in April of 1987.