Editor’s Note: There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Clean Water Services, as an agency, has been out of control and has had money management issues as well as significant internal issues, including ethical and financial problems. And inside information provided to the Herald by many in the CWS ranks indicates that a wide range of issues still abound. We will be covering those issues, from claims of nepotism and “new positions” being created at will for management favorites to Millions being wasted on consultants who do nothing; we are hearing it all. And most of all, a proposed 20% annual rate increase? Next week, CWS staff plan to implement a 20% per-year rate increase for the next 5 years for what they call the “local customers”. That is, customers in unincorporated Washington County, King City, Durham, and some other places. You all need to read this proposed budget and proposed pricing of services: https://washingtoncounty.civicweb.net/document/326968/Adopt%20Cost%20of%20Services%20Allocation%20Methodology.pdf?handle=FCCE7F07B67E4E23A069AB3BBB17DE22
Into this mess steps Rahim Harji, someone who has been an asset to the City of Hillsboro in my estimation. It is my hope that Rahim will listen, have a whistleblower open-door system, and use his fresh eyes to sort out what is happening across this massive agency that holds a monopoly on all storm water and most of the Sanitary Sewer systems in Washington County. A budget pushing a billion dollars ($752,169,700) is no joke.
We also hope that Clean Water Services will comply with Public Information Requests – something they have not done in the past, which has led the Herald to work with the Washington County DA’s office to access information. We hope we do not have to continue to do that under Rahim’s leadership. We congratulate him on his hard work over many years to put himself in a position to attain such an important and powerful role!
Press Release
Washington County, Oregon—The Clean Water Services (CWS) Board of Directors will take action on
The Board launched its national recruitment in January 2026, working with management consulting firm Raftelis to identify
“We are thrilled to welcome Rahim to Clean Water Services,” said CWS Board Vice Chair Jerry Willey. “His extensive background in wastewater, stormwater, and public infrastructure, combined with his leadership experience managing large public works organizations, made him stand out in a strong field of candidates. Rahim has worked alongside CWS through his role with the City of Hillsboro, and he brings a strong understanding of this region, its communities, and the expectations our ratepayers have for this agency. With his collaborative approach and track record of results, we have confidence in Rahim to lead CWS into its next chapter.”
Harji said he looks forward to hitting the ground running.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Hillsboro for the last six years and I am looking forward to joining the Clean Water Services team to build on the foundation this agency has established,” Harji said. “Throughout the recruitment process, I was struck by how clearly the Board had defined its priorities, and by the dedication I saw in CWS staff. I had the privilege of meeting many employees and was impressed by their passion for their work, and the candidness of what they were looking for in their next leader. I am eager to work alongside them and the agency’s many partners in service of the people of Washington County and the Tualatin River.”
Willey also recognized the contributions of Interim General Manager Rick Shanley, who has led CWS since June 2025.
“Rick Shanley stepped into an incredibly important role at a critical moment for this agency, and he has led with steadiness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to CWS and its mission,” Willey said. “The Board is grateful for everything Rick has done to keep this organization stable and moving forward. We are pleased that he will support a smooth transition for Rahim and for our staff.”
About Rahim Harji
Rahim Harji brings more than two decades of public sector experience to Clean Water Services, with a career that spans engineering, public works management, and municipal executive leadership.
Harji currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Hillsboro, Oregon — a role he has held since 2023. He joined the City in 2020 as Assistant City Manager. In his time with Hillsboro, Harji has overseen a broad portfolio of city services and has worked closely with regional partners, including Clean Water Services, on infrastructure planning and community investment.
Prior to joining the City of Hillsboro, Harji spent eight years with Pinellas County, Florida, where he held a number of roles, including Senior Engineer, Stormwater and Vegetation Division Director, Public Works Director, and Assistant County Administrator. In his role as Assistant County Administrator, he oversaw several large departments that provided water, sanitary sewer, transportation, reclaimed water, environmental management, solid waste, and parks services. His work in Pinellas County also included emergency management and resilience planning, giving him firsthand experience preparing critical infrastructure systems for long-term climate and operational challenges.
Harji began his career as a Staff Engineer at Brown & Cullen, Inc. and subsequently served as a Civil Engineer for Alachua County and as an Engineer IV for the City of Gainesville.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University and an Executive Master of Public Administration from Portland State University. He is an International City/County Management Association
About Clean Water Services
Clean Water Services is a county services district organized under Oregon Revised Statute 451. CWS works with Washington County and 12 partner cities to provide sewer and stormwater services in the urban areas of the Tualatin River Watershed to more than 610,000 customers and businesses. The conveyance and treatment of wastewater by CWS produces billions of gallons of clean water that are returned to the sensitive Tualatin River. CWS employs more than 450 people, who are committed to successful, uninterrupted operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year that protect public health and the environment. The CWS Board of Directors is made up of elected officials who also serve as Washington County Commissioners.
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