Wash. Rev. Code » Title 36 · Chapter 36.94
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 36.94.150 (2026)

Lien for delinquent charges

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) All counties operating a system of sewerage and/or water shall have a lien for delinquent connection charges and charges for the availability of sewerage and/or water service, together with interest fixed by resolution at eight percent per annum from the date due until paid. Penalties of not more than ten percent of the amount due may be imposed in case of failure to pay the charges at times fixed by resolution. The lien shall be for all charges, interest, penalties, and lien recording and release fees, and shall attach to the premises to which the services were available. The lien shall be superior to all other liens and encumbrances, except general taxes and local and special assessments of the county.
(2) The county department established in RCW 36.94.120 shall certify periodically the delinquencies to the auditor of the county at which time the lien shall attach.
(3) In lieu of the procedure provided in subsection (2) of this section, a county may, by resolution or ordinance, adopt the alternative procedure applicable to cities and towns set forth in RCW 35.67.210, 35.67.215, and 35.67.290.
(4) Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the superior court of the county where the property is located. Costs associated with the foreclosure of the lien, including but not limited to advertising, title report, and personnel costs, shall be added to the lien upon filing of the foreclosure action. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by statute, the court may allow the county a reasonable attorney's fee. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens.
[ 2015 c 41 s 1; 1997 c 393 s 9; 1975 1st ex.s. c 188 s 3; 1967 c 72 s 15.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 1995–2016 · leading case: Worden v. Smith, 314 P.3d 1125 (Wash. Ct. App. 2013).
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Worden v. Smith, 314 P.3d 1125 (Wash. Ct. App. 2013). “See RCW 36.94.150 (county lien for delinquent charges).”
Pierce Cnty. v. O'Neill, 890 P.2d 504 (Wash. Ct. App. 1995). · cites it 16× “However, it does claim it was authorized to charge foreclosure costs by virtue of (A) RCW 36.94.150 and (B) Pierce County Code (PCC) 13.”
Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Appellant, v. Michael E. Bauman Et Al., Respondents, 195 Wash. App. 763 (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). “” Former RCW 36.94.150 (1997) grants a county a lien for unpaid water service charges and provides for foreclosure of that lien “in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens.”
Seven Sales, LLC v. Otterbien, 356 P.3d 248 (Wash. Ct. App. 2015). “Seven Sales also argues that the application process after a tax foreclosure sale is “not authorized by law” because it requires Otterbein to apply for the surplus before she can claim an ownership interest in the surplus funds.”
Brian A. Worden, et ux v. James M. Smith (Wash. Ct. App. 2013). “See RCW 36.94.150 (county lien for delinquent charges).”
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