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 a four-year term 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:  

  • District 2 Representative: Applicants must live in Washington County Commission District 2, which includes Bethany, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mill, Helvetia, Raleigh Hills, Rock Creek and portions of Beaverton and Hillsboro.  
  • District At-Large Representative: Applicants must live in Washington County.  
  • Agricultural Representative #1: Applicants for this position must own, manage or work for an agricultural business or organization that operates within Clean Water Services’ boundaries
  • Builder/Developer Representative #2: Applicants for this position must own, manage or work for a home builder or developer that operates with Clean Water Services’ boundaries

Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2025. 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. 

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.

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An aerial shot of people kayaking on the Tualatin River in late evening as the sun shines over the trees.

Leave it to Beavers 

There’s a lot we already know about nature’s engineers. Beavers have iron-enriched teeth, which is what makes them strong enough to gnaw wood (and gives them an orange color). Beavers also have a unique way of communicating — by slapping their tails to draw attention to something or even warn of potential danger.  
A beaver in water.
Members of CWAC, the CWS Board, and CWS staff , some holding kayak paddles, stand in two rows by the Tualatin River.