The Flow: Summer 2025 Edition
Our summer newsletter is now available! This edition includes helpful information about how to get rebates on sprinkler timers and toilets, how to tap into utility discounts, what your utility district is doing to ensure long-term stability, and who has been recognized as NUD's All Stars. Happy reading!
NUD Commissioners Appoint Ethan Maiefski as General Manager
New General Manager Has 25 Years of Experience with the District
The Northshore Utility District (NUD) Board of Commissioners appointed Ethan Maiefski as General Manager as of May 6, 2025. Maiefski has been with NUD for 25 years. The Board of Commissioners chose Maiefski from among more than 47 applicants through a months-long recruitment process that included three rounds of interviews.
“I am very pleased with the unanimous decision of the Board to appoint Ethan Maiefski as our new General Manager,” said Board President Tom Mortimer. “As a NUD employee for the past 25 years, Ethan excelled in his past roles as Maintenance & Operations Director and Assistant General Manager. Given Ethan’s outstanding professional experience, the Board and NUD employees have great confidence in Ethan’s leadership and know the District is in good hands going forward.”
Maiefski started his career with NUD as a seasonal employee in 1999. He has been promoted through every position in the Maintenance & Operations division including Director. In 2023, Maiefski was promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager. He is known as a leader who invests in his teams, providing professional development opportunities and mentorship as well as technical expertise of the industry.
“I’m grateful for the many opportunities that the District has provided,” said Maiefski. “Clean water is critical for survival. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing our customers can depend on us day in and day out to deliver vital services.”
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and management of District operations. In addition to work culture improvements, the District has recently undergone a budget and rate realignment to ensure future stability. Maiefski will be continuing to build on the organization’s strengths with a focus on consistency and empowering all employees to share ideas for improvement.
Media Contact:
JoDean Sharp, Human Resources Manager
Northshore Utility District
jsharp@nud.net | (425) 521-3740
2025 Rate Notification
Northshore Utility District (NUD) is committed to providing reliable water and sewer services now and for decades to come. However, a recent analysis revealed that NUD’s current rates do not fully cover the actual cost of providing services.
Wholesale water supply and sewage treatment costs account for 74% of our annual budget. Outside of these costs, numerous other factors are considered when evaluating revenue needs to provide safe and reliable services. These include analyzing costs related to personnel, security, technology, fuel, power, communications, construction, insurance, and local municipal fees. If rates do not cover these costs, the District is at risk of operating at a deficit and/ or failing to provide reliable services.
At its April 21, 2025 meeting, the NUD Board of Commissioners took several actions to better align rates with the cost of delivering services such as:
- Discontinuing the 5% early pay discount to offset higher rate increases
- Minimizing increases to water rates by 4.5% and only increasing sewer rates by 5.8% (a pass-through increase from King County) to achieve full cost recovery and maintain a capital reserve
- Revising the current Low-Income Discount Program and expanding access to customers
This decision was reached after conducting open public hearings on April 7 and April 21, 2025. The 2025 Rate Resolution was adopted and will be applied to all utility bills sent after April 21, 2025, regardless of when service is rendered. NUD strives to keep rates as low as possible. However, these adjustments to the rate structure are necessary to ensure continued service reliability.
Letters have been sent to NUD customers. Click here to download a copy of the letter..
Rate payers are the owners of this utility, and as your elected Board of Commissioners, we take great pride in representing you. We are focused on being an effective governing body that establishes policies to ensure high quality drinking water and sewer services are provided in an affordable, sustainable manner.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss District policies or the future direction of the District with you. Find contact information for the Board of Commissioners here.
The Flow: Spring 2025 Edition
Our spring newsletter is now available! Meet NUD's information technology team, learn how to diagnose and fix a water pressure problem, and find tips for water-smart gardening. Happy reading!
The Flow: Fall 2024 Edition
Our fall newsletter is now available! Meet NUD's newest leadership team members, learn how to protect your pipes from freezing, and read about what Rep. Duerr is doing for sewer and water districts. Happy reading!
The Flow: Summer 2024 Edition
Our summer newsletter is now available! Meet NUD's Administrative Team, learn how NUD is staying ahead of lead and copper laws, and more. Happy reading!
2024 Rate Notification
Savvy Gardening Classes and Weekly Watering Advice
Weekly Watering Advice
SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 1: Rate Adjustment & Rate Resolution Hearing
A special meeting and public hearing regarding the rate adjustment & rate resolution (first reading) will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024. The special meeting will take place during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in-person and remote. To participate in the meeting remotely, please contact Brenda Smith at bsmith@nud.net before 2:00 p.m. on April 1, 2024.
The Flow: Check Out the First Issue of 2024!
Our first newsletter of 2024 is out! Did you know there are things you can do this spring to make your yard more water efficient in the summer? Also: meet our engineering department, and learn all about water and wastewater utilities. Did you know there are more than 140,000 public water systems in the U.S.?! Happy reading!