Cherokee Metro District voters recalled two board members Tuesday in an off-cycle election.

Board members Steve Hasbrouck and Linda Keleher lost their seats on the five-member board following a recall campaign that centered largely on water hardness concerns. Early results showed about 1,000 residents voted “yes” to recall Hasbrouck and Keleher in separate questions. Keleher’s recall was opposed by about 460 voters and Hasbrouck’s recall was opposed by about 500 voters.

Jeremy Atkinson and Kim Wilson who ran together pulled high numbers of votes and are expected to replace the two recalled board members.

Atkinson received about 780 votes in the race to replace Hasbrouck, far more than any other candidate, unofficial results show.

Wilson received about 820 votes in the race to replace Keleher, also a clear majority.

The two will finish out Hasbrouck’s and Keleher’s terms through May 2025.

Atkinson and Wilson helped organized the recall election over water quality concerns in the district that provides ground water to customers on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs. Voters seemed to endorse Atkinson and Wilson’s promises to pursue solutions to the high mineral content in the water that can wear out appliances faster than softer water.

“It was a clear message sent by the customers and the voters that they want change,” Atkinson said.

Hasbrouck and Keleher both maintained the water quality is fine.

Former board members Dennis Daniels, Jan Cederberg and Dave Mattes also competed for the two seats running mainly on experience.

The other candidates, Ginger Weber, Kristin Hunter, Noah Hunter, Clayton Nelson and Laurie Nelson also appeared on the ballot, but did not run high-profile campaigns. They attracted small percentages of the vote.

In addition to facing criticism over water hardness, the district must address forever chemicals found in its well water. New water treatment to remove the chemicals will likely cost tens of millions. A new treatment plant to remove minerals would also take significant investment.

Atkinson would like to see the district pursue solutions that would address both and achieve any economies of scale that are possible.

Wilson expected to bring her experience working in finance for the Department of Defense to the board and plans to take a hard look at the district’s finances.

“I am hoping we can find a way forward to help everybody,” she said.