Clean Water Fee

Background 

The Clean Water division is responsible for protecting and restoring water quality in streams, rivers and lakes in Clark County. To do this, we manage stormwater, which is the water that runs off of streets, parking lots and buildings when it rains. Stormwater runoff is the number one way that pollution enters waterways. Activities of each person living and working in Clark County affects the health of nearby waterbodies. 

To manage stormwater runoff, Clean Water builds, operates, and maintains drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding on roads and to remove harmful pollution before it enters rivers and lakes. 

We also collect water quality data, provide education and outreach opportunities for schools and residents and offer technical assistance for privately-owned stormwater facilities to prevent pollution. Privately-owned facilities are usually the responsibility of businesses or homeowners associations.  

New services coming in 2024 

To comply with new federal and state requirements, Clean Water is preparing to update service offerings starting in the summer of 2024. To financially support these new services, Clean Water is completing a clean water fees study to determine how Clark County’s existing clean water fees need to change. The last time clean water fees were studied was in 2014. Clean water fees are paid by property owners as part of their property taxes.  

How does Clark County's fee compare to other communities locally and regionally?  

Clark County has a Phase I NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit which requires the county to implement a variety of projects and programs to protect and restore water quality in rivers, lakes and streams. To financially support these activities, municipalities typically collect a clean water fee. Today, Clark County has the lowest fee compared to other permitted counties and cities in Western Washington.  

How is the clean water fee calculated?  

In general, the clean water fee is calculated based on the total cost to implement clean water services that are provided. This fee is charged differently for single family residential, multi-family residential, and non-residential lots. For residential lots, the clean water fee is based on the number of housing units on the property. Currently, properties in rural areas of the county have a lower clean water fees than properties in the urban growth area. For non-residential properties, the clean water fee is based on the quantity of impervious (or hard) surfaces on the property. Hard surfaces may include pavement, buildings, roofs or graveled surfaces. The fee is assessed for every unit of hard surface on a property; every 3,500 square feet of hard surface is one unit.  Owners of roads and railroads also pay a clean water fees.  

If you have questions about how fees are calculated, please contact Clean Water at 564.397.4345 or email cleanwater@clark.wa.gov. 

Where can I find my clean water fee?  

To view your current clean water fee, go to the  Property Information Center and enter your address or parcel number. Click on the Taxes tab and look at the line for Clean Water Program under Tax Statement Items. View our Frequented asked questions fact sheetmore information. 

How is my clean water fee billed?  

Clean water fees are included in annual property tax statements. Fees of more than $50 can be paid in two installments. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2252. 

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