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The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD) celebrated 50 years of service this week.

Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner highlighted the celebration as he presented a proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 20 Palm Beach County Water Utilities Day.

PBCWUD was formed in the fall of 1969 when the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) realized the need to provide safe drinking water to the unincorporated portions of the county. In its September 1969 meeting, the BCC voted to purchase three privately owned water utilities in the east central portions of the county.

From those humble beginnings, PBCWUD has grown to the third-largest water utility department in the state of Florida. The department currently serves nearly 600,000 Palm Beach County residents as PBCWUD's service area stretches from Boca Raton to the Acreage and as far west as the Glades.

"Our department's 50 years of service is a testament to the dedication our staff displays daily," said PBCWUD Director Jim Stiles. "Our employees take pride in fulfilling our mission of providing the 'Best Water, Best Service and Best Environmental Stewardship' to the residents of our county."

To find the most up-to-date information concerning the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department water distribution and wastewater collection systems, follow the department on Facebook and Twitter @PBCWUD.