Clean Water News & Stories

Clean Water Services Seeks Applicants for Advisory Commission 

Members advise on water resources management policies and programs

Clean Water Services’ Board of Directors is seeking applicants to serve four-year terms on its Clean Water Services Advisory Commission (CWAC). The 15 members of CWAC review major policy issues and programs related to the management of water resources in the Tualatin River Watershed and make recommendations to the Board. The Clean Water Services Board also serves as the Washington County Board of Commissioners.  

Recruitment is open for four positions:  

  • Neighbor District 4: Applicants must live in Washington County Commission District 4, which includes central to western part of the county, taking in large sections of Hillsboro, Aloha, and Cornelius. 
  • Homebuilder/Developer Rep 1: Applicants for this position must own, manage, or work for a home builder or developer that operates within Clean Water Services’ boundaries.   
  • Business Rep 2: The business rep must own or manage a business in the CWS service district other than land development or construction.
  • Environmental Rep 2: Applicants must own, manage, or work for an environmental organization that operates within Clean Water Services’ boundaries

CWAC applications are available online or at the CWS main office at 2550 SW Hillsboro Highway in Hillsboro. People interested in applying for CWAC are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Edwards at 503.681.3600. Application period closes August 31, 2026.

Meetings are generally held in the evening on the second Wednesday of each month and last about two hours. By donating a modest amount of time to work in partnership with elected officials and staff, a community member can add much to the character of Clean Water Services. The voice and viewpoint of a community member can be the turning point in many policy decisions.  

An aerial view of kayakers on the tree-lined Tualatin River.

Everything we do at Clean Water Services aims to protect public health, while enhancing the natural environment of the Tualatin River Watershed. Combining science and nature, we work in partnership with others to safeguard the river’s health and vitality, ensure the economic success of our region, and protect public health for more than 600,000 people in urban Washington County. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is separately managed and financed.

Recently Published

Fireworks: Keep the Spectacle Out of Storm Drains 

We encourage people to have safe and joyous celebrations, but we also want to protect our slow and sensitive Tualatin River, which is a vital resource to our region. The Tualatin River provides drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and recreation. It’s also home to native wildlife like beavers, turtles, salmon, newts, egrets, and more. Keep these critters in mind when you clean up after using fireworks.  
Spent fireworks collect in a debris pile along the curb of a sidewalk.

Clean Water Services Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget

Washington County, Oregon—The Clean Water Services (CWS) Board of Directors voted unanimously on June 9 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and the rates and charges that fund sewer and stormwater services across the Tualatin River Watershed. The adopted budget and rates take effect July 1, 2026, the start of the fiscal year. 
Rock Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility
An aerial image of the Tualatin River with people canoeing.