Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the water system user agreement requirement taking effect in September. You can find more information and resources at kitsappublichealth.org/GroupB.
What are Group B water systems?
Typically, they are small, community water systems that serve between three and 14 residential connections. In the past, they were referred to as “Class IV” water systems. There are approximately 850 Group B water systems in Kitsap County, providing water to more than 4,000 households.
Why is the Health District implementing this requirement?
The Health District has legal responsibility to perform public Group B water system administration, which includes data collection and records maintenance; responses to public complaints, inquiries and records requests; and technical assistance for Group B water systems. Recorded water user agreements help water systems better manage themselves, stay in compliance, and ensure a reliable supply of drinking water.
How do I know if I already have a user agreement on file?
Review your water system records, the Health District’s water system file, and finally, check what documents have been recorded to your property title. The Kitsap County Auditor’s public record search is useful tool for a recorded document search.
Find more information at:
kitsappublichealth.org/GroupB
How does my water system develop a user agreement?
The users/owners of the water system should meet to discuss how the system is owned and managed. The language in the ordinance is broad so that each system can develop the agreement that best represents their ownership and management arrangements.
The Health District will develop a template, but the required elements are limited and can have a variety of forms. A user agreement should address ownership and management of the system, including items like how repairs are funded, who has access to the wellhouse, how the user group will make decisions, etc. As with any civil agreement, it is recommended you consult an attorney when you develop the agreement for your water system.
What does our water system do after we develop an agreement?
The user’s agreement must be recorded with the Kitsap County Auditor so that it can be associated with every property served by the water system. Submit a copy of your recorded user’s agreement to the Health District for inclusion in your water system file.
How do I find more information?
Visit the Health District’s webpage at kitsappublichealth.org/GroupB. You can call the Health District’s Drinking Water Program at (360) 728-2235.
