Island County property owners may be surprised when they see an extra  charge listed on their property tax statements due to arrive in the mail this week.

The county’s new Clean Water Utility fee will be included. Property owners living in residential zones, which include most of the county, will see a charge of $39.13 per year.

For people living on land zoned agricultural, the rate is $29.95 per year, according to a news release from Island County Public Works.

Land inside the city limits of Langley, Coupeville and Oak Harbor is exempt, as is government property, forest and timberlands, and the Marshall Drainage Utility in the Clinton area.

On Dec. 20, 2010 the Board of Island County Commissioners created a Clean Water Utility to address concerns about surface and groundwater quality and quantity in Island County.

A parcel may be eligible for a reduction in the rate, if it is in a sewer or storm water district. Parcels in a sewer district receive a 13-percent reduction in their rate. Parcels in a diking or drainage district receive a 42-percent reduction in their rate.

In addition, certain parcels can be eligible for credits on the rate.  Property owners who qualify for a senior citizen/disabled person low income tax credit receive a 50 percent reduction in their bill.

Commercial properties have several credits available.

Anyone with a question about their bill or who believes there is some error, may request a review of the bill from the Island County Public Works Department at 360-679-7331 or visit www.islandcounty.net/publicworks/clean_water_utility/.