Water is serious business to Jim Schmaltz, who joined the Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) Board of Directors in February 2020. He represents the East Central Regional Water District, a combination of the two systems formerly known separately as the Traill Rural Water District and the Grand Forks Traill Water District. Jim also holds the Vice President seat of the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association’s Board through February 2021.
Jim says, “I am excited to share my experience with the East Central Water District Board and previously the Traill Rural Water District, as well as the State Rural Water Board to help meet LAWA’s goal of delivery of clean, affordable water to the central and eastern part of the state. I believe the Red River Valley Water Supply is particularly important because it will provide adequate supplies of water to eastern and central parts of the state during drought conditions.”
Jim and his wife Deb are enjoying retirement on their hobby farm. The couple have three sons and 12 grandchildren. In addition to his leadership in North Dakota’s water industry and being a devoted family man, Jim is an experienced horseman. He is a member of the North Dakota Draft Horse Association and has showed, judged, and participated in competitions for many years. In his spare time, he also enjoys fishing, winemaking and collecting coins.