Submitted by the Environmental Resources Division of San Juan County

Join the Environmental Resources Division of San Juan County, at one of three community meetings, to discuss water resources on the islands and the cost of keeping it clean and plentiful.

The Clean Water Utility (aka the Stormwater Utility) was established in 2005, to provide storm and surface water management throughout the County. Today, it has a growing list of capital improvement projects needed to resolve drainage, flooding, and water quality issues. And there are groundwater and fisheries issues that have yet to be addressed.

The county has the lowest “stormwater” fee in the state, and will likely continue to under the proposed fee adjustment – which varies by island and the level of service and improvement needs. Lower and fixed income homeowners will have options for fee relief should they be unable to pay the increase.

To find out more, join us at one of three community meetings, participate in the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/J8ZNQLH by Feb. 4 or contact the Utility Manager Kendra Smith at kendras@sanjuanco.com or 360-370-0532.

Community meetings:

• San Juan Island: 5-7 p.m., Jan. 30, Brickworks, 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor

• Lopez Island: 5-7 p.m., Jan. 31, Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, 204 Village Road.

• Orcas Island: 5-7 p.m., Feb. 2, Orcas Senior Center, 62 Henry Road, Eastsound