Increase is designed to fund capital infrastructure investments

VANCOUVER – The Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners approved new rates for residential and commercial water utility customers. Driven by a 20-year strategic plan, the changes will support significant systemwide infrastructure improvements needed to meet future demand in Clark County. 

Following review and consideration of recommendations based on a water system cost-of-service analysis, commissioners adopted a rate design that better balances how service costs are recovered between customer classes and incentivizes conservation in drier parts of the year.  

Clark Public Utilities water rates are currently the lowest in the region and will remain among the lowest following the approved increase. After adjustments in both 2026 and 2027 are in effect, monthly bills are projected to increase by $4 to $13 for residential customers and by $3 to $50 for non-residential customers.  

Residential rates, which include single and multi-family services, base charges will increase from the current rate of $9 per month up to $16.20 in 2026 and will increase to $18.95 in 2027. Block 1 consumption rates per cubic foot will decrease from $0.0185 to $0.018 in 2026 then rise to $0.019 in 2027. The board approved the changes 2-1, with Commissioners Sherry Erickson and Nancy Barnes voting yes and Commissioner Jane Van Dyke voting against.  

Non-residential rates, which include commercial, industrial and municipal customers, base charges will increase from the current rate of $16.10 per month to $19.32 in 2026 and $23.18 in 2027. The current non-residential tiered consumption rate structure will be replaced with flat seasonal rates. Consumption rates per cubic foot for the peak season of June – September will be $0.032 in 2026 and $0.035 in 2027. Rates for the off-peak season of October – May will be $0.025 in 2026 and $0.0275 in 2027. The board approved these changes unanimously.  

Over the next four years, Clark Public Utilities will invest $146.6 million to expand and modernize the water utility system from source to meter. By 2029, daily water production capacity will increase by 6.2 million gallons, and 3.88 million gallons of water storage capacity will be added. 

About Clark Public Utilities 

Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 242,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 42,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas and to the cities of Ridgefield and Battle Ground. 

More information is available at (360) 992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.