Getting Started: MRSC Resources for Water-Sewer Districts
This page, created for the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts (WASWD), provides an overview of the services and resources MRSC provides for water and sewer districts in Washington State, including links to key resources.
Have a Question? Ask MRSC!
Most water-sewer districts in Washington are eligible to use our free Ask MRSC service. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys or policy consultants!!
ASK MRSCThis service is provided through our contracts with WASWD and various insurance risk pools including Enduris, the Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW), and the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA).
Stay Informed with E-Newsletters
Get the latest news, analysis, and training opportunities from MRSC with our e-newsletters. MRSC staff regularly write about a wide variety of local government topics, including new legislation and court decisions, emerging issues, policy guidance, and management tips.
SIGN UPMRSC Website Resources
The MRSC website offers legal and policy guidance on hundreds of local government issues, including helpful explanations, relevant statutes and court decisions, examples of different policy approaches, and recommended resources for further information.
Below are links to some key topics that may be of interest to water-sewer district staff and officials:
- Public Records Act
- Open Public Meetings Act
- Purchasing and Contracting
- Personnel
- Utility Billing
- Water Utilities
- Water Resources and Water Quality
- Sewer Utilities
- Sample Document Library – Search or browse thousands of documents including resolutions, policies, job descriptions, rate schedules, and more
- Knowing the Territory (PDF) – Legal basics for local government officials, including water-sewer commissioners
We also provide guidance and information on a wide variety of other topics, such as:
- Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
- Cybersecurity Resources for Local Governments
- Financial Policies Tool Kit
- Local Government Emergency Planning
- Vacancies in Local Elected Offices
- Surplus Property for Special Purpose Districts
- And much more!
You can use the search bar at the top of our website, browse by topic area, or view all topic pages A-Z.
Training Opportunities
MRSC provides virtual, in-person, and on-demand training on key local government issues including public records, public meetings, procurement, leadership, planning, finance, and more. Our staff members also frequently speak at local government conferences and events. To see our latest offerings, visit our Upcoming Trainings page or sign-up for our training e-newsletter.
Detailed Publications
Our downloadable publications provide an in-depth look at key local government issues such as public records, open public meetings, budgeting, procurement, the roles and legal responsibilities of elected officials, and more.
MRSC Rosters
MRSC Rosters is the only statewide directory that connects public agencies with businesses for small public works projects, consulting opportunities, and goods and services.
Effective July 1, 2024, MRSC Rosters is the official state-designated roster for small public works (construction) projects. See MRSC’s Small Works Roster Manual for more information about contracting for small works projects.
MRSC Rosters also offers a vendor roster (for purchases and purchased service/maintenance contracts) and a consultant roster (for personal services/consulting and professional architecture & engineering services).
MRSC Electronic Bidding
MRSC Electronic Bidding, offered in partnership with Bonfire, allows public agencies to move their bidding processes online – including informal or roster-based procurements as well as formal sealed bids. This allows agencies to reduce their administrative effort, increase bidder participation and satisfaction, and access valuable reporting capabilities.
While the e-bidding program is administered by MRSC Rosters, it is a separate subscription and agencies can sign up for the service even if they do not currently use MRSC Rosters.
About Us
MRSC is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing guidance, analysis, online tools and resources, and professional development to agency staff and elected officials. At MRSC, we believe the most effective local government is a well-informed one, and as cities, counties, and special purpose districts face rapid changes and significant challenges, we are here to help. Learn more about our: