Contra Costa County will pursue a countywide parcel tax of $12 to $22 per house per year to raise money to help meet more stringent federal clean water and stormwater runoff regulations.

The board of supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to participate in the election with the county's 19 cities in a partnership called the Contra Costa Clean Water Program. The cities and county are members, and each agency already pays a share based on population.

But experts estimate the coalition will be short $14 million in the next five years in its work to reduce pollution in water that runs off parking lots, buildings and other urban structures.

Property owners will receive ballots in the mail in February, and voting will continue until April 6.