Early water services to the area
In the area of SE Santa Fe County which is now known as the Eldorado area, water engineering services began with windmill-driven wells.  This changed in 1969, when the AMREP Corporation signed an agreement to purchase the Simpson Ranch for development.  Over the next three decades, developer-subsidized community water services were provided by Eldorado Utilities, Inc. (EDU).  Wells were drilled and water lines were added in phases to deliver water to the expanding residential base.  With their development nearing completion, AMREP moved to dispose of EDU by offering the system for sale and in 1994, AMREP removed their subsidization of water sales.

Public acquisition of the system
In 1997, with this certain change coming in water system ownership, property owners of the District created  EAWSD through public election to provide the residents of the District a voice in their water future.  Among the first actions of the Board were to notify AMREP of  the District's interest in the water system and to initiate an engineering study of the water system.

In July 2001, AMREP was given a 42% rate increase and negotiated a sale with a private company.  The District responded by commissioning a financial analysis of the system and conducted a mailed survey, in which 58% of 900 responses from area residents said to proceed with acquisition by the District.  In August 2002, a bond issue was presented to the voters, who approved it, permitting the District to purchase the water system.  

In January 2003, the Board approved the issuance of bonds, and in February, filed to condemn the system.  In September of the following year (2004), a jury trial was held; the jury determined a purchase price of $11.047 million.  As a result, the community of the Eldorado area now fully owns the water system as a public utility ("quasi-municipal") but bears the debt load for the purchase price.

Board actions since system acquisition
Listed below are significant accomplishments since system acquisition:

• The District contracted with CH2M HILL in 2004 for utility operations and maintenance.
• Well 17 construction was completed in 2007 and put online in 2010.
• The District has engaged in ongoing negotiation with Office of State Engineer to verify water rights.
• The District commissioned Glorieta Geoscience, Inc. to complete a hydrologic study to assess our water supply.
• Critical infrastructure needs have been identified and are being addressed as staff and financial resources permit.