FAQs • Centralia, WA • CivicEngage

Why should I have to pay for Stormwater Management?: The Stormwater fee pays for the required stormwater management program. Each property owner in the City pays their fair share to plan, construct, maintain, test for pollutants, and operate the city-wide stormwater system. The stormwater drainage system includes curbs/gutters, underground pipes, swales, drainage right-of-ways, canals, retention ponds, lakes, and waterways. Everyone who lives in the City of Centralia benefits when the stormwater system is well managed. The entire system is constructed and maintained for the benefit of all Centralia residents. You may not have a problem on your property or in your neighborhood, but the runoff from your property and your neighbors' property contributes to the City's overall stormwater system.

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Public Works

1. Why should I have to pay for Stormwater Management?: The Stormwater fee pays for the required stormwater management program. Each property owner in the City pays their fair share to plan, construct, maintain, test for pollutants, and operate the city-wide stormwater system. The stormwater drainage system includes curbs/gutters, underground pipes, swales, drainage right-of-ways, canals, retention ponds, lakes, and waterways. Everyone who lives in the City of Centralia benefits when the stormwater system is well managed. The entire system is constructed and maintained for the benefit of all Centralia residents. You may not have a problem on your property or in your neighborhood, but the runoff from your property and your neighbors' property contributes to the City's overall stormwater system.

2. How do I report a pot hole or other unsafe street condition?: Please call Public Works at 360-330-7512.

3. How do I get utilities for an existing home or commercial business?: Learn about adding utilities for homes and businesses on the Utility Customer Service Center page.

4. How do I get utilities for a new construction?: Visit the Public Works Applications and Permits page to learn how to add utilities for new construction.

5. How do I read my water meter?: Please call Centralia Public Works at 360-330-7512 for assistance in reading your meter.

6. Can I have my water tested?: For information on water testing, contact the Water Quality Specialist by calling Public Works at 360-330-7512.

7. Who do I contact if I need to have the power to my house disconnected for electrical work being done inside the house?: Contact Centralia City Light or call 360-330-7512 and request that someone be scheduled to come to your house to disconnect the power. A City Light representative will disconnect the power to your electrical meter base.

Please note that any internal electrical work requiring this kind of disconnection will also require a Labor and Industries Permit. Do not disconnect power, remove the meter or meter seal yourself. If this is done by anyone other than a qualified City Light representative, the account owner will be billed for meter tampering. In addition, disconnecting power, removing a meter, and/or tampering with meter seals without proper training and protective equipment is dangerous and violates state law RCW 80.28.240 and CMC 13.04.165.

8. How do I obtain a right of way permit?: View the Right-of-Way Permit (PDF).