Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Water Resources Protection Program

The Water Resources Protection Ordinance provides the tools Vancouver needs to protect the rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater, which are important to our community and high quality of life. The Ordinance requires everyone to follow minimum standards that help protect the “critical” aquifers underlying the entire city. It also establishes greater standards of compliance for businesses and industries that manage hazardous materials; creates Special Protection Areas around the City’s water stations as an additional safeguard; and provides cooperative, cost-effective solutions through technical assistance, education and public outreach.

Printer-friendly format of the Water Resources Protection Ordinance

Adobe Acrobat Required

Visit the Water Resource Protection Program's GIS Atlas

With our new GIS Atlas mapping system, you can view water resources information on maps you create. You can also see the local businesses, industries and neighborhoods that the City's Water Resources Protection team has visited.

Report a Spill or Illicit Discharge

Spills of oil or hazardous materials must be reported. Do not rinse the spill away.

If you see or know of an illicit discharge or accidental spill of something toxic onto the ground, into a stream or into a storm water drain, please note the location, substance and all other details. Then call or e-mail the resources below. You may request that your personal information be kept confidential. If you are unsure as to whether the materials are hazardous, please call so we can investigate the concern.

Please note: A spill of any size that enters a stormwater drain may cause harm to surface or ground water. Spills MUST be reported to the Washington Department of Ecology.

Washington Department of Ecology:

Spill Line: (360) 407-6300

Oil Spills (Toll Free): 1-800-OILS-911

City of Vancouver Water Resources Protection

Phone: (360) 487-7130 

City of Vancouver Operations Center: (360) 696-8177

City of Vancouver After Hours/Emergencies Hotline: (After 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or weekends): (360) 693-9302

Storm Drain/Catch Basin Protections

Did you know what flows down the storm drain could also pollute our streams, rivers and wetlands? Please, only rain down the drain! Here's how you can help protect your community's water resources:

• Use a commercial car wash that filters and recycles water to wash your vehicles.
• If you must wash your car at home, keep soapy water out of the street to prevent soap, grime and other runoff from going down the drain where they can cause harm to aquatic life and resources. 
• Keep your vehicles maintained and tuned to avoid contamination due to leaking oil and grease.
• Pick up after pets.
• Get involved with Vancouver's Stenciling Program. You can help protect your natural water resources and wildlife by painting friendly reminders near storm drains. The City of Vancouver will provide paints, stencils and other supplies to neighborhoods, education groups or other volunteers. For information on stencils, please contact the Water Resource Protection team by phone (360) 487-7130 or by email.

Other Materials & Information

In addition to the useful links, left, here are some related materials and brochures aimed at helping protect the community's water resources.

Classified Facility Guidance Brochure

Paint Brochure

Grate Mate Brochure