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Dear Public Water System Operators and Owners,
Thank you for your continued work and efforts to ensure safe and reliable water through this storm event. There has been a nationally declared state of emergency for our state due to flooding and storm related impacts. We are monitoring ongoing impacts from this storm across the state.
Earlier we sent out information regarding “Recommended Actions During Flood Events”. That information continues to be important and is repeated at the end of this email.
With the National Emergency Declaration, remember to keep copies of all of your receipts and timecards for any response to the emergency. This may be important later for any potential recompense.
We added considerations and recommendations for systems who experienced impacts from the storm and are returning to routine operations.
Recommended Actions for Returning to Routine Operations
If the storm event has impacted your water system, you may need to consider additional actions to return your system to routine operations.
- Inspect the water system. Consider using a template such as the Office of Drinking Water Sanitary Survey Checklist 331-487 (Word). Make sure the source, treatment, storage, and distribution system components are secure and in good condition so contaminants cannot enter the system.
- Inform your customers of activities that will cause or continue disruptions to routine services including pressure or taste and odor impacts.
- Consider flushing your well and/or disinfecting per AWWA C654
- Consider flushing your distribution system following your system’s flushing plan.
- Take investigative coliform samples of your sources and at representative locations in your distribution system (consider using the locations identified in your coliform monitoring program).
- Take additional water quality samples if you suspect your system was exposed to chemicals because of the storm event.
Remember that emergency events stress the capacity of all groups involved in producing safe drinking water. We have been working with accredited labs to help prepare for the additional workload, but you should be prepared for longer than usual processing times as labs work to provide high quality analysis.
Power Outages
This storm caused power outages across the state. This is something that many of you are already familiar with and should be part of all of your emergency response plans. If you have a generator, you are likely able to maintain treatment and pressure. If you’re running low on fuel and are having difficulty getting re-fueled, contact your local emergency response center for support.
If your system loses pressure, please contact your ODW coliform contact—see our staff contacts by county webpage. They can help you with boil water notifications and appropriate sampling to return to normal service.
Recommended Actions During Flooding Events
Assess system impacts immediately. If your wellhead, source facilities, treatment components, pump house, or any portion of the distribution system becomes inundated, or if your system experiences low or no pressure, prepare to issue a boil water advisory. Collect coliform samples as soon as it is safe to access the affected areas.
- Maintain adequate disinfection. Systems utilizing chlorine should consider increasing disinfectant residuals during flooding. Sudden decreases in residual may indicate contamination or intrusion.
- Increase operational monitoring. Observe and document any changes in pressure, turbidity, taste, odor, or other water quality indicators. Adjust system operations as needed.
- Conduct additional sampling. Collect investigative coliform samples during and after flooding to confirm water safety and to support decision making regarding public notification and system restoration.
Who to Contact for Assistance
If your system has been impacted by flooding or if you anticipate operational challenges, please contact the Office of Drinking Water for technical assistance and coordination.
After Hours, Weekends, and Holidays
Office of Drinking Water Emergency Hotline, 360-236-3100 or 1-877 481 4901
You may also need to coordinate with your local health jurisdiction, county or tribal emergency management, and the Washington Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WAWARN) for mutual aid and operational support.
Additional Resources
Thank you for your continued commitment to providing safe and reliable drinking water to your communities during severe weather conditions. Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance
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