Ballard Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Water System Bonds
Residents of Ballard soundly defeat a $71,000 bond proposal for the Wagner steam well water system due to mineral concerns.
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As was predicted by the POST-INTELLIGENCER yesterday, the proposal to bond the city of Ballard for $71,000 for the establishment of the Wagner steam well water system was overwhelmingly defeated on Friday. Of the registered votes, 153 were against the bonds and 36 in favor. Opponents argued there was no immediate necessity for the system except for fire protection, and expressed fears that the water would be too heavily mineralized for industrial or domestic use. Some noted that Ballard might eventually become part of Seattle, making a connection to the Queen Anne water supply a more logical long-term investment.
“An objection against the Wagner system for fire protection is also urged by some, who claim that in a few years Ballard may likely become a part of the city of Seattle.”
Ballard's resistance to independent municipal infrastructure due to fears of annexation into Seattle was a recurring theme in the city's early development. The conflict between local autonomy and the efficiency of a larger, centralized utility grid continues to shape urban planning discussions today.
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