Clean Water

The quality and quantity of our island waters are managed by the Clean Water Utility, in conjunction with the County Health Department, local water providers, and conscientious private citizens. Learn about the projects and programs being implemented to protect - surface water, stormwater, ground water, marine waters - which combined make up our one water, clean water.

Good pool habitat Wachter 4 looking upstream
Project 2
camas San Juan Island

Surface Water

Stormwater

Ground Water

Planning, Projects, and Budget Overview

Oversight

The Clean Water Advisory Committee reviews and guides the activities of the Clean Water Utility and water-related Health Department programs. Members of the committee represent a diversity of interests and Island representation.  

Check here for the current CWAC meeting schedule and for meeting agendas and minutes since August 2023.  You can find agendas and minutes prior to August 2023 here.

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTION

San Juan County aims to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality by supporting stormwater management practices. When water infiltrates into the soil, it is filtered and replenishes our aquifer or flows into our local waterways. As climate changes, more frequent, higher intensity storms and flooding events will occur. These rainfall events overwhelm the capacity of our stormwater infrastructure causing localized flooding, increased erosion, and flushing of contaminants into local waterways. 

San Juan County's Department of Environmental Stewardship is continually evaluating its projects and management strategies to ensure climate risks are addressed, including but not limited to: