Frequently Asked Questions
What are operating permit fees?
All Group A public water systems are required to have an operating permit. We collect operating permit fees to support programs that help protect public health.
Why is the state changing the fees?
State law requires all Group A public water systems to apply for an annual operating permit, which includes an annual fee.
We completed a financial assessment and determined that the current fees are not generating sufficient revenue to cover operating costs over the biennium. Operating permit fees have not increased since 2014. Considering the program's financial forecast, we updated the fees to address existing program deficits, increased program expenses, and reduction in funding from the General Fund State (GFS) account, and cost-of-living adjustments made in the 2025-2027 state budget (ESSB 5167).
How much will I pay?
In 2026, the fee structure includes a new $110 base fee for all systems and increases the per-connection fee.
In 2027, the fee structure includes a $200 base fee and $1.50 per connection fee for all systems, regardless of size.
| Classification | 2026 | 2027 |
| Base fee for all water systems | $110 | $200 |
| Per-connection fee | ||
| 14 or fewer services | $1.43 | $1.50 |
| 15 - 99 services | $1.38 | $1.50 |
| 100 - 499 services | $1.32 | $1.50 |
| 500 - 999 services | $1.27 | $1.50 |
| 1,000 - 9,999 services | $1.21 | $1.50 |
| 10,000 - 95,000 services | $1.16 | $1.50 |
| 95,001 or more services | $110,000 per year | $1.50 |
| SMA | Use the per connection fee amount above to calculate the fee based on total number of all service connection owned plus a $110 base fee. | Use the per connection fee amount above to calculate the fee based on total number of all service connection owned plus a $200 base fee. |
| Late Fee Late Fee (we charge a late fee 70 days after we mail the renewal application). | Add 10% to applicable fee or $27.50, whichever is greater. | Add 10% to applicable fee or $50, whichever is greater. |
What about satellite management agencies?
The fee structure provides a break to satellite management agencies (SMAs) for the systems they own. An SMA would only be charged a base fee to cover all the systems it owns, plus a per-connection fee based on the total number of connections for all systems.
Systems managed but not owned by an SMA will pay the same fees as individual systems.
How is the department reducing the impact of the fee increase?
We know this is a bad economic time to raise fees. To help ease the impact, fees will increase by just 10 percent in 2026 to the full fee in 2027 to allow water systems time to budget for this increase.
How do I know how many service connections my system will be billed for?
Check our main page for details about counting service connections.
What if my water system information is incorrect?
Operating permit fees are calculated using numbers reported by your water system on the WFI. When you get your yearly WFI, you need to review your information and update it. If you have WFI questions, contact wfi@doh.wa.gov.
Why do systems with more connections pay a lower per-connection fee?
We spend most of our time on smaller systems that have higher rates of compliance problems. The larger water systems, in general, have their own staff and need less technical assistance and program support, yet they have been shouldering much of the burden of paying for the program. The new fee structure provides a more balanced approach by requiring a share of costs come from every water system, including slightly higher rates for smaller systems. The tiered rate structure reflects this.
My invoice shows a fee for water system certification. What's that?
By law, each water system that is required to have a certified operator must pay a yearly operator certification system fee. If there is no fee listed, you are not required to have a certified operator.
The law requires that the fees collected fully support the operator certification program. These fees cannot be used for anything else. Your fee covers your water system's share of the costs; operators pay the rest. SMAs are charged one fee based on their total service connections and equivalents.