Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center opened its doors in February 1996, in concert with a new, innovative and advanced Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility nearby. Creation of the Center was also a critical element for the Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail project, encouraging residents to rediscover our waterfront and re-establish the historic connection with the Columbia River.

City of Vancouver officials realized that along with planning and managing water and sewer infrastructure to meet a growing population and increased economic opportunities, the City needed to take a strong leadership role in educating and advancing stewardship of the community’s high quality water resources, an important part of our excellent quality of life in Southwest Washington for residents now and to come.

Over the years, the Water Center has played a key role in boosting awareness about water and welcoming visitors to this unique location along the Columbia River. Our mission: Teach people of all ages how to better care for and make wise decisions about water.

At the Water Center, we maximize fun while educating and promoting stewardship and individual responsibility for conservation and protection of our water resources. We encourage the entire community to get involved!

Funding for construction of this $3.5 million showcase water education facility was provided as a component of the $40 million bond package and utility reserve funds secured for the new treatment plant construction. The Center, a division of the City of Vancouver Public Works Department, receives ongoing funding primarily through Vancouver’s water, sewer and storm water utility revenues, with supplemental support from grants, private donations and community room rental income.

Where Does Your Water Come From?

Aquifers, 100 percent

The City of Vancouver gets all of the water supplied throughout our service area from wells tapping three underground aquifers – Orchards, Troutdale and the Sand-and-Gravel aquifers.

An aquifer is an underground layer of unconsolidated rock or sand that is saturated with usable amounts of water. Aquifers, which store and carry water, form significant natural water supplies. Recharge areas are important to a healthy aquifer. In a recharge area, water is able to seep into the earth and down to the aquifer, helping recharge these vital natural resources.