Shady Grove Utility District

Shady Grove Utility District Municipal Water Report Info

Shady Grove Utility District of Jefferson and Sevier Counties, Tennessee was established on October 15, 1963, under the 1937 Utility District Law of Tennessee (Title 7, Chapter 82). The district expanded in July 1965 and again in March 1967.

Initially serving approximately 600 customers across Jefferson and Sevier Counties, today the district provides water to around 7,000 households. The District's Board of Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms, with two commissioners appointed by the Jefferson County Mayor and one by the Sevier County Mayor.

Neither Jefferson nor Sevier Counties maintain financial control over the District's obligations. Operations are funded through water rates established by the District's Board of Commissioners.

The founding Board included Leonard Moore (President), Robert Sams (Treasurer) from Jefferson County, and Newell McCall (Secretary) from Sevier County. These dedicated individuals, alongside Shady Grove Community members, worked tirelessly to establish the district.

W.T. Thomas served as district manager from initial construction through December 1977 and again from April 1980 through December 1994, when Mike Jones assumed the position. Mr. Thomas retired on his 80th birthday on March 3, 1995.

Past board members include R.J. Leeper, Prentis M. Frye, Sr., Loran Whaley, Ralph Whillock, Ed Franklin, and Kent Thomas. The current board consists of Nancy Humbard (President) and John Orr (Secretary/Treasurer) from Jefferson County, with Joe Soward (Vice President) from Sevier County.

The district offices have relocated several times, from their original location in the Rainwater law office on Gay St. in Dandridge, to the historic Vance Building, then to 1248 Gay St. in 1987, before moving to the current facility at 830 Hwy. 139 on February 5, 2001.