Center Overview

About the Water Center

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 Water 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: Inspire connections between healthy water and people through education, exploration and stewardship of the natural world.

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 Water 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.