​​​​​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wahkiakum PUD Completes Consolidation and Assumes Ownership of Cathlamet Water and Wastewater Systems.
 

February 10, 2026 — Questions About Stormwater

 

What is stormwater?

• According to the Town of Cathlamet’s website, this system includes pipes, ditches, catch basins, and other facilities that manage rainwater, reduce flooding, and protect water quality.

Why am I being billed by the Town of Cathlamet for stormwater?

• The Town of Cathlamet still owns and maintains the Cathlamet stormwater system.

• According to the Town of Cathlamet’s website the new Storm and Surface Water Utility funds the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Town’s stormwater drainage system.

Why didn’t the PUD take ownership of the stormwater system in Cathlamet?

• Washington State Department of Ecology recognizes stormwater and wastewater (sewer) systems as two independent, permitted systems.

• Stormwater systems are typically managed by city planners who oversee roads, parking lots, and building construction.

 

The PUD does not own the Cathlamet stormwater system and does not receive any revenue to operate the stormwater system. Please contact the Town of Cathlamet at 360-795-3203 or visit their website at https://www.townofcathlamet.com/stormwater-service for inquiries or concerns with the stormwater system or billings.

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​January 2, 2026 — Wahkiakum Public Utility District (PUD) has officially completed the consolidation of water and wastewater services with the Town of Cathlamet and has assumed full ownership and operational responsibility of the Town’s water and wastewater systems, effective January 2, 2026.

The consolidation marks the culmination of a collaborative effort between Wahkiakum PUD and the Town of Cathlamet to ensure the long-term reliability, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability of essential utility services for the community.

“With this transition, Wahkiakum PUD is committed to maintaining safe, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services for Cathlamet residents and businesses,” said Dan Kay, General Manager of Wahkiakum PUD. “This consolidation allows us to leverage regional expertise, access to funding, and long-term planning to better serve the community.”

Under the consolidation agreement, Wahkiakum PUD now owns and operates the water and wastewater infrastructure previously managed by the Town of Cathlamet. Customers will continue to receive uninterrupted service, and the PUD will oversee system operations, maintenance, capital improvements, and regulatory compliance moving forward.

The PUD would like to express our thanks to the Town of Cathlamet Council, Mayor, staff and Town Attorney in assisting with the January 2, 2026 closing timeframe.

For more information about the consolidation or utility services, customers are encouraged to contact Wahkiakum PUD directly at 360.795.3266 or cs@wahkiakumpud.org.

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Background

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Past and current water system plans, a 2016 Consolidation Study and the current 2024 Consolidation Study all show that the Town of Cathlamet (the Town) water and wastewater systems need significant financial resources and physical repair to bring them up to standards. System rehabilitation funding through the Washington State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is “provided for larger, well-run systems to acquire and upgrade struggling or failing systems.”

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In August of 2023, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) solicited grant applications for consolidation feasibility studies, formerly known as Restructuring Assessments. These studies are used by the DOH to identify struggling and troubled water systems. Wahkiakum County PUD (the PUD) applied for the grant with the Town consent and acknowledgment and a grant was awarded to the PUD. Gray and Osborne, the engineering firm of record for both the PUD and the Town, was awarded the task of preparing the study due to their intimate knowledge of both water systems and that they work for both entities.

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Gray and Osborne performed a Consolidation Study in 2016, and the results recommended that consolidation was feasible. That study stated an analysis of the wastewater system should be included, so it was added to the scope of the 2024 study. During the process, Gray and Osborne submitted data requests to the PUD and to the Town and used the data provided to develop the Consolidation Study. 

 

On August 1, 2025, Wahkiakum PUD assumed full responsibility for the operation, maintenance, billing and customer service functions of the Cathlamet Water and Wastewater Systems.

 

On November 17, 2025, the Town of Cathlamet assigned, transferred, and delivered to the Wahkiakum County Public Utility District No. 1 ("PUD") all of the Town's right, title, and interest in and to all assets of its water system, designated by the Washington State Department of Health as System ID No. J 1850D, and its wastewater treatment facility and sewer collection system, operating under Washington State Department of Ecology Permit Nos. WAG641009 and WA0022667 (collectively, the "Town System").

 

The final Cathlamet Water System and Cathlamet Wastewater System Asset Transfer and Improvement Agreement was finalized on January 2, 2026. The Asset Transfer and Improvement Agreement completed the consolidation process.