• Protecting ratepayer resources: Without liability protections, costs from cleanup claims could ultimately fall on utility customers at a time when systems are already investing heavily in infrastructure renewal and regulatory compliance.
• Reinforcing the “polluter pays” principle: The legislation would help ensure that manufacturers responsible for PFAS pollution — not water or wastewater utilities — are accountable for remediation costs.
• Bipartisan momentum: H.R. 1267 has attracted support in both parties, reflecting broad recognition that current CERCLA language was not written with passive receivers like utilities in mind.

• Floodwater Infiltration & Treatment Challenges: Many utilities along rivers and in lowlands are dealing with high turbidity and runoff entering collection and distribution systems. Treatment plants may be facing increased load from silt, debris, and organic material.
• Flooded Facilities & Access Issues: Floodwaters, road closures, and debris flows are impacting access to water and wastewater facilities, pumping stations, and lift stations. Some districts are reporting operational interruptions due to flooding and power outages.
• Wastewater Overflows: Combined sewer and stormwater systems in affected urban areas may be experiencing surcharge conditions or overflows due to the volume of stormwater.
• Emergency Response Coordination: Utilities are working closely with county emergency management and public works to protect facilities, reroute flows, and maintain service where possible.

• Water/wastewater service impacts
• Facility flooding or damage
• Staffing or access issues
• Any mutual aid or resource needs

• Evidence of real conservation gains: Large non-residential users are often overlooked in public WUE discussions. This data shows meaningful demand reduction is already happening — without new mandates.
• Implications for utility planning and rates: Sustained reductions in high-volume commercial demand can affect revenue stability, demand forecasting, capital planning, and wastewater flows.
• Context for WUE reform: As WASWD continues conversations with state partners about Water Use Efficiency oversight and reform, this example reinforces the importance of recognizing existing progress, focusing on results, and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
• Statewide perspective matters: Municipal water systems already deliver significant conservation outcomes while serving nearly all Washingtonians. A balanced, cross-sector approach to water efficiency — including agriculture and other major users — remains critical.

• CDS is a vital tool for districts: Many water systems rely on CDS to advance priority projects, address urgent needs, and close funding gaps — particularly where traditional financing falls short.
• Funding trade-offs exist: Because CDS is carved out of the DWSRF, it can reduce the total funds available for traditional SRF loans and long-term revolving capacity.
• Protecting core program support matters: DWSRF capitalization grants also fund state set-asides that support technical assistance, operator training, compliance support, and public health oversight — services that benefit all water systems.
• Shared advocacy opportunity: The report highlights the importance of working collectively to ensure CDS remains available without unintentionally limiting other essential drinking water work at the state and national level.

• Federal clean water funding and long-term infrastructure needs
• The role and stability of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)
• Regulatory and permitting pressures on wastewater utilities
• Climate resilience, affordability, and workforce challenges

• Expert-led sessions on policy, regulation, and technology shaping the water reuse sector
• Opportunities to connect with utility leaders, regulators, and industry partners
• Optional tours of Los Angeles-area water recycling projects

Retrospective Rating Program Webinar
Led by Tim Lundin, Director of Retro & ReClaim at Archbright, this session provides an in-depth overview of the voluntary Retrospective Rating Program. Learn how participating members can earn refunds on workers' compensation premiums and what to expect from the application process.
 

State Tax Law Changes: Direct and Indirect Impacts on Utilities
Speakers Linda Gallagher and Eric J. Lowell from MRSC offer a high-level review of key 2025 Washington State tax legislation. Topics include service-related sales taxes, storage unit taxation, B&O exposure, fuel tax increases, contractor cost changes, capital gains implications, and procurement considerations. 

Visit our website to watch both webinars at your convenience and stay up to date on these important topics.

Government Relations Committee

January 8, 2026 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Section IV Meeting
(Moved due to holiday)

January 12, 2026 @7:00PM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Membership Committee

January 13, 2026 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Section III Meeting

January 13, 2026 @6:00PM
Location: Bob's Burgers & Brews

Workforce Development Committee

January 14, 2026 @1:30PM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Conference & Training Committee

January 15, 2026 @10:00AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office

Section I & II Meeting

January 22, 2026 @6:00PM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Board of Directors Meeting

January 26, 2026 @10:30AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office

Commissioners Workshop
Presented by WASWD, $120+tax More Information Here

Registration Open! For new commissioners and for those with years of experience, this workshop can help you to understand those responsibilities you face!

Calling All HR Leaders - Registration Now Open for the HR Heroes Summit 2026!
Presented by Archbright, $700. Registration Link

With the launch of the new WASWD HR Group, this is a great opportunity for district HR leaders to learn, connect, and share strategies with peers across the region.

Hosted by Archbright, the HR Heroes Summit 2026 is a full-day event designed to help HR professionals and organizational leaders rise to today's challenges—from compliance and culture to leadership and performance management.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Inspiration celebrating HR leadership and courage.
• Breakout Workshops on compliance, culture, and performance.
• LIVE HR Hotline with Archbright Advisors solving real HR dilemmas.
• Networking Opportunities with peers and consultants.
• Recertification Credits (HRCI & SHRM).

Your Role in Effective Utility Management
Presented by AWWA PNW, $150 - $300. Registration Link

Learn how to more efficiently operate and manage your utility. Topics include level of service goal setting, benchmarking, rates/finance, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory and reliability performance.