Hillsboro Residents Face Steep Water Rate Hikes to Fund Data Center Growth

Clean Water Services proposes 105% rate increases over 5 years, drawing criticism over conflicts of interest and subsidies for big tech

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a shattered water meter and crumpled utility bill, representing the financial burden of rising water costs on local families.A shattered water meter and crumpled utility bill symbolize the financial strain facing Hillsboro residents as their water rates skyrocket to fund data center expansion.Hillsboro Today

The Washington County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Board of Directors for Clean Water Services (CWS), is set to vote on a financial plan that would trigger a 21% annual increase (105% in 5 years) in local fixed charges for customers in unincorporated Washington County and several surrounding cities. Critics argue the rate hikes are designed to fund a billion-dollar capital budget and subsidize the infrastructure needs of data centers, rather than address the actual costs of serving residential customers.

Why it matters

The proposed rate increases would significantly impact the cost of living for thousands of local families, at a time when the regional economy has contracted and many residents are already struggling. There are also concerns that CWS is prioritizing the needs of data centers and industrial customers over the financial wellbeing of households.

The details

The rate increases are based on a 'Cost of Service Study' conducted by Bartle Wells Associates, a firm whose lead consultant Kim Boehler is the spouse of former CWS Operations Manager Logan Olds. Critics argue this 'interpersonal capture' has resulted in a study that justifies CWS's plans to nearly double its capital spending to $130 million annually, while reclassifying infrastructure for data centers as 'regional' assets to be paid for by all customers. The proposed 4% increase for 'regional' rates contrasts sharply with the 21% annual hikes targeted at 'local' residential customers.

  • On April 14, 2026, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will vote on the CWS financial plan.
  • Over the past 20 years, CWS has implemented a series of rate increases that have steadily raised utility costs for local residents.

The players

Clean Water Services (CWS)

The water utility agency serving Washington County, Oregon, including the cities of Hillsboro, Beaverton, and others.

Washington County Board of Commissioners

The governing body that also serves as the Board of Directors for CWS.

Bartle Wells Associates

The California-based consulting firm that conducted the 'Cost of Service Study' used to justify the proposed rate increases.

Kim Boehler

The lead consultant from Bartle Wells Associates who is the spouse of a former CWS operations manager.

Logan Olds

The former CWS operations manager who is the spouse of the lead consultant from Bartle Wells Associates.

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What’s next

Residents are urged to send emails to the Washington County Board of Commissioners and testify at the public hearing on April 14 to voice their opposition to the proposed rate increases.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about conflicts of interest, lack of independent oversight, and the prioritization of data center infrastructure over the financial needs of local families in the CWS rate-setting process. It raises questions about the transparency and accountability of public utility agencies when making decisions that significantly impact the cost of living for their customers.