Camano Water Association provides a variety of convenient options for paying your water bill, ensuring that every member can choose a method that works best for them. For a detailed explanation of each option and step-by-step instructions, please visit the “Pay Your Water Bill” page. We aim to make the billing process as simple and accessible as possible for all of our customers.
For a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to check for a leak and the process to implement the leak adjustment to your bill, please visit the “Got a Leak” page. We aim to make handling the unexpected as simple as possible for all of our customers.
Camano Water Association is one of over 300 water systems operating on Camano Island, and it serves the Country Club service area. This area is located on the east side of the island, roughly halfway down its length. It includes the Cavalero Estates and Cavalero Hills neighborhoods, extending south to East Mountain View Road and west to Lawson Road. The association plays an important role in providing reliable water service to these communities. To view a detailed map of the service area, click the button below.
Check out the interactive GIS (Geographic Information System) map to explore Camano Island’s water system areas and boundaries. The map shows data from 2007 and began receiving updates in 2017 using information from the Planning and Health Departments. These updates help keep the data accurate for planning, development, and public health.
It’s a useful tool for residents, developers, and researchers alike. Click the button to view the map and explore the latest information.
Great question! It is common practice for most water associations on the island to incorporate a base fee. We utilize the base fee in lieu of an assessment. We currently haven’t had to collect any assessments, which in turn is a little easier on the wallets of our members. Even at our current 2025 rates, our base fee would amount to $588.00 annually. That is significantly less than most assessments that neighboring water associations collect.
For nearly 50 years, CWA charged very little for water consumption. This became an issue once infrastructure needed replacing due to either being old or new mandates from the Department of Health and Department of Ecology. We strongly believe in public health and safety and therefore have to stay in compliance to the other government agencies (OGAs).
The base fee also goes towards our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Capital Improvement can be either mandated requests from OGAs or improvements we are wanting to make to improve our water systems efficacy.
Please see our current CIP list below!
For more information regarding CIP funding, read this!
This question is unfortunately one you will need to give us a call to get more precise coordinates. If you still have your “Welcome Packet” from the office, the coordinates are written there.
Here is a quick little video that briefly describes how Saltwater Intrusion works.
For more in depth information, read our “The Growing Threat of Saltwater Intrusion” post.
Good News! At our most recent PFAS testing, both samples came back with “non-detect’. Our water quality is in good standing!
Understanding PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They are commonly found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
Why Are PFAS a Concern?
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Over time, they accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, leading to potential health risks. Studies suggest that exposure to certain PFAS may be linked to health issues such as liver damage, immune system effects, and increased cholesterol levels.1, 2
How Are PFAS Managed?
Governments and environmental agencies are working to regulate PFAS use and reduce contamination. Efforts include stricter manufacturing guidelines, improved water filtration technologies, and ongoing research into safer alternatives. 1, 2
Resources
CWA does an annual flushing of our system in early March. This process typically lasts a couple days. The purpose behind flushing our system is clear any sediment and buildup inside the pipes that can collect throughout the year and ultimately reduce the amount of ‘brown colored water’ calls. Our treatment plant and our pipes throughout the system have screens to collect most sediment and the flushing helps to clean out the debris so the water remains the best quality possible as well as maintaining pressure.
CWA Easements Easements are necessary to provide water service to customers. It takes thousands of feet of pipe to provide water to homes and businesses served by Camano Water Association (CWA). Some of our water pipes are within street rights-of-way, but most of our water pipes are located within dedicated easements at the back of your property, or sometimes in your side yards. Easements provide for our system pipes, lines, and meters, so we can deliver safe, clean water to our customers.
Our easements and related usage rights may have been negotiated with you directly, or with a prior owner of your property, or were established when your parcel was originally platted by the developer. In accordance with easement agreements and development plats, CWA is allowed to access, construct, operate and maintain our water system infrastructure and equipment, and manage trees and vegetation within our easements. Of concern are encroachments into easements that impair CWA operations, maintenance, water service delivery, or future water system improvements. Encroachments typically are usage of the easement, by property owners, that are not compatible with CWA easement rights and usage. Keeping easements clear of encroachments and obstructions is a shared responsibility of CWA and the property owner.
Why are easement encroachments a problem?
CWA designs and constructs our water systems to meet federal, state and industry safety, health, and operating guidelines. Anything that obstructs or creates inadequate clearance from our water lines may cause damage to the pipes and appurtenances or impede access to and maintenance of our water system.
If there is not enough clearance between a structure and a water pipe, the structure can prevent our ability to maintain, repair or replace system components, especially in the event of damage or failure.
What uses are compatible with water pipes and lines?
Property owners may make any use of their property so long that does not interfere with CWA’s easement rights and uses or create hazards for CWA facilities including pipes, lines, equipment, and appurtenances.
Generally, driveways, lawns, ground cover plantings, gardens, small shrubs, fences, and animal pens are examples of uses that are compatible with CWA’s easement rights and our facilities and infrastructure. If you are considering other uses, please contact CWA.
CWA – CIS FAQs – CWA Easements_July_2023
What are possible easement encroachments?
There are many uses that may not be compatible with CWA’s easement rights and uses, the more common of which are:
- Trees • Large Shrubs • Raised Planters • Fountains & Water Features
- Buildings • Retention Ponds • Structures • Houses • Sheds
- Covered Patios • Playground Equipment • Game Courts (Tennis, Basketball, etc.)
- Excavations • Retaining Walls • Rockeries • Decks • Some Fences • Firepits
- Swimming Pools • Flammable and Stored Materials • Changes to Original Grade
Additional incompatible uses are any activities that change the land or property surface grade such as digging, excavation, or filling within the easement area. For more about trees and plants in easements, see our Plants and Water Lines Information Sheet.
How do I know if there is an easement encroachment on my property (either constructed by me or a prior owner)?
Please contact CWA. We will talk with you and if necessary, investigate the situation. We will work directly with you to explore what options may be available to resolve any encroachment. Bear in mind that encroachment removals are typically the property owner’s responsibility, as are any incurred costs.
Where can I learn more about easements on my property?
A title report for your property will usually identify any utility easements that are on your property but only if they are recorded of record. You can obtain a copy of any easement mentioned in your title report from your county clerk’s or recorder’s office. If you are unable to obtain a copy of a utility easement, please contact CWA for assistance.
What if I want to use an easement or do something in it?
Any property owner’s use of CWA’s easements must be reviewed and approved by the CWA Board of Directors, and other entities (other utilities, government agencies, homeowner associations). If you have questions about what you, as a homeowner or property owner, may or may not do or propose to do in our easements? Please contact CWA.
How do I ask for permission to make improvements in an easement?
Fill out a CWA Use Consent Request form. Have more questions or need more information? Contact the Camano Water Association at (360) 387-9136 or email us at info@camanowater.com.
