 |
| Cross Connection Control |
| |
|
| Drinking Water |
| |
|
| Waste Water |
| |
|
| Water Quality |
| |
|
|
| |
What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a potable water line and any pipe, vessel, or machine containing a non-potable fluid or has the possibility of containing a non-potable fluid, solid or gas, that could enter the water system by backflow. |
|
What special equipment is required for an irrigation system?
Irrigation systems require special equipment to prevent contaminated water from siphoning back (backflow) into plumbing and city water systems. Irrigation systems not protected by approved backflow prevention devices endanger the health of a household, neighborhood and community. All irrigation systems must be equipped with a State Health Department-approved backflow prevention assembly, that has been properly installed and meets the plumbing code. |
|
|
| |
Why do we use Chlorine in our drinking water?
Disinfection of Drinking Water is A Critical Public Health Need. If left untreated, drinking water supplies (primarily from surface water sources) will cause waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. The cholera epidemic in Latin America presents a clear example of the constant threat from waterborne disease. "The cholera epidemic in Latin America was fostered, at least in part, by the misconception that DBPs pose a greater risk to public health than pathogens. The epidemic which began in January 1991 and has now spread to all but one Latin American country, has caused 1.3 million illnesses and almost 12,000 deaths." Horst Otterstetter, Pan American Health Organization and Gunther Craun, Journal AWWA Sept. 1997 In developing countries, where nearly half the population drinks contaminated water, diarrheal diseases kill over 3 million children annually. |
|
How much drinking water does the Judy Reservoir Treatment Plant process each day?
The Judy Reservoir Treatment plant processes approximately 10,000,000 gallons of water each day; enough to fill 53 swimming pools measuring 100' long by 50' wide by 5' deep. |
|
|
| |
What kind of waste water projects is the PUD involved in or planning for the future?
No projects approved yet by Commission. PUD continues to track surface water quality concerns along the Similk Bay shoreline and remains available to provide sewer improvements if that is found to be the preferred solution. |
|
|
| |
Why Have I Noticed an Earthy Odor To My Tap Water?
The Problem: At times, water customers of the District will detect an "earthy" odor in their tap water during random spring and summer seasons. The water industry and academic field have identified this phenomenon as a common occurrence, even in large bodies of water like Lake Michigan. Water quality professionals have identified this odor as a byproduct from certain algae which can flourish in lakes and open reservoirs. Some people can detect the characteristic odor of this compound at levels that are undetectable in laboratory tests. The resulting odor (caused by "MIB" and/or "geosmin") does not appear in the District's water every year, rather it may go undetected for two or perhaps even five years. On the other hand, the City of Seattle experiences this condition every summer and for long durations. During certain years, based on water temperature and previous environmental conditions, algae can appear which generate the odor. Depending on the amount found in the water, not all consumers notice this slight change in taste, but typically those who do, consume two liters of tap water daily. For them, this condition is obvious, while for others, there is no change. For District customers, these earthy or musty odor events are temporary in nature, usually disappearing entirely when the temperature of Judy Reservoir changes. It may take a few weeks to pass through such an event. The byproduct that causes the odor is not harmful, nor will it affect normal water usage. History: The District's water filtration plant draws water from Judy Reservoir east of Clear Lake which is supplied from four streams which are located within the Cultus Mountains east of Mount Vernon. Prior to construction of the water treatment plant, the District typically dosed Judy Reservoir with copper sulfate which readily kills most algae and upsets the natural food chain of the algae population. After the filtration plant went online, it was decided to discontinue the use of this chemical and thereby allow the algal community to flourish naturally. The filtration process now removes all algae (minus the characteristic odor) prior to delivery to Skagit Valley. Remedy: The City of Seattle's website recommends that their customers draw fresh, cold water into a clean container and store it in a refrigerator to minimize the taste characteristics. They also recommend adding a few drops of fresh lemon juice to mask the odor. The District has few options available to them of eliminating these sporadic appearances. Drastic modifications to the water filtration plant would require the addition of ozone and/or activated carbon treatment. Either approach would require significant expense and environmental considerations. Other avenues will be explored. Please feel free to contact the District if you require further information regarding the quality of your water. |
|
What is that black stuff in my toilet bowl?
The District has been asked this question often over the years. It is not uncommon for a dark growth to appear at the toilet bowl rim. It travels very fast and can grow above and below the normal water level of the bowl. Fortunately, it is easily removed. What is it? It stands to reason that bathrooms are often excellent breeding grounds for molds and mildew. There is little air circulation, plenty of moisture, and a continuous supply of opportunistic bacteria in the air. Could it be coming from the water? It is not likely, since the water entering the home is presently being disinfected with 3 different types of disinfectant at the water filtration plant. We test for bacteria in the mains on a continual basis. Water is delivered through a pressurized piping system which furnishes a continuous supply of chlorinated water. Once this water is exposed to the atmosphere, especially under ideal conditions like in a bathroom, many opportunistic organisms can flourish. Because the District must use a milder form of chlorine in its system, this condition is more likely to occur. The growth rate could be reduced if the amount of chlorine added at the water treatment plant was increased. If straight chlorine (a stronger form) were used within the distribution system, that would help too. However, the District's form of disinfectant has been selected in order to reduce long term health risks which are associated with the stronger method of chlorination. What can I do to control this growth? We have found that adding a teaspoon of fresh bleach to the toilet tank as it is filling is an easy way to interrupt the growth inside the toilet bowl. Doing this once a week may be enough. An easier way is to purchase a toilet tank product which is dropped into the toilet tank. It should contain chlorine and is about the size of a hockey puck. Of course, cleaning the toilet bowl before the growth first appears is the old fashioned, but effective, way to assure a clean looking bowl. This condition will be further aggravated if the customer removes chlorine from the drinking water by way of a household carbon filter. It is impossible for the District to guarantee water quality once the water leaves the pressurized plumbing system especially in toilets, showers and sinks.
|
|
What is PUD doing about lead in drinking water?
The District has contracted with a water quality consultant, as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, to reduce the aggressiveness of your water. Changes at the filter plant have been completed and a significant decrease in lead levels has taken place. Not all homes are lead free, so flushing is still necessary if you want to reduce your risks. |
|
Is there lead in PUD's water?
Most faucets are made from brass which contain lead. This often is the most significant source of lead in your drinking water. Laboratory tests have consistently shown the District's filtered water to be free from lead, none can be detected. However, many homes have been plumbed with copper pipes which are held together with lead solder. Since the District's water is very soft (filtered rainwater and snow-melt) it is "hungry" for all metals including lead. When water sits overnight in contact with the lead, it pulls lead into the water. That is why it is important to flush this water down the drain before drawing water for consumption. Most faucets are made from brass which contain lead. |
|
What is that pink stuff I find around the edge of the shower?
At certain times, a bright pink substance can be found in dark moist areas around the home. In particular, this substance can be observed in toilet bowls, shower stalls, sinks and even in the dog's water bowl. This substance has been observed in many homes, even prior to construction of the water treatment plant in 1990. Customers in the Pacific Northwest have noted this occurrence for decades. Experts have concluded that this substance is the result of moisture, mold, yeast and bacteria. The bacteria is normally found in the air. This substance flourishes on moisture, dust and soap (phosphate and fat). The conditions for its survival are minimal and the compound may even feed upon itself. The solution for this situation is to keep the surfaces free from the pink substance by continual cleaning. A chlorinous compound is best, but you may not want to use abrasive compounds on fiberglass. A couple tablespoons of fresh bleach can be periodically added to the toilet tank and flushed into the bowl itself. As the tank refills, bleach can be added at that time, too. The porous walls of the toilet tank can harbor many opportunistic organisms. Cleaning or flushing with chlorine bleach will not necessarily eliminate the problem, but it should help control the problem. This condition may be further aggravated if the customer removes chlorine from the drinking water by way of a carbon filter as it enters the home. It is impossible for the District to assure water quality once the water leaves the pressurized plumbing system - especially in toilets, showers and sinks.
|
|
What are those white particles on my faucet screen?
Over the years there have been numerous complaints from customers who have noticed tiny eggshell-like particles that clog faucet strainers or aerators. This type of problem originates inside certain hot water tanks which have been equipped with a faulty device called a "dip tube". The dip tube delivers incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank where it can be heated. At the same time it drives the hot water in the upper portion of the tank to the open hot water faucet. Problems begin when the tube breaks off and floats inside the tank, it then begins to slowly deteriorate while giving off tiny white or lightly colored debris, similar to crushed eggshells. This material clogs faucet strainers and can even show up in clothes dryers. Many of the manufacturers of water heaters have addressed this problem. Some manufacturers have paid for the installation of a new float tube, but there's no guarantee that this policy will continue indefinitely. The best recommendation is to contact the manufacturer to establish what they are willing to do for you. In many cases the water heater is in good condition, but the dip tube is defective. The following manufacturers are aware of the problem and will discuss what remedies are available to you, if any: 1. O. A. Smith Corporation..........................(800) 527-1953
2. Bradford White Corporation...................(800) 334-3393
3. Rheem Manufacturing............................(800) 432-8373
4. State Industries........................................(800) 365-0024
5. American Water Heater Company........(800) 999-9515 It is also important that the debris be removed from the strainers from throughout your house including your dishwasher and washing machine. It is unlikely that the manufacturers will be willing to assist you to this level. It is not a simple matter for the typical homeowner to clean or replace the filter on dishwashers. If your water heater manufacturer is willing to help with this additional task, it would be a good idea to pursue this with them. We have received no reports of clogged dishwasher filters. There were numerous class action lawsuits undertaken earlier, however, the time period for filing has now expired. If Skagit PUD can be of further assistance, please contact us at 360-424-7104.
|
|
How can I have my water tested for lead?
Edge Analytical (757-1400) is the only certified lab in Skagit County. Typically they charge $16 per test. The containers for the test can be picked up at our office on Freeway Drive, or you can fill a clean one quart jar if "unofficial" results are desired. The money for testing must be sent directly to Edge Analytical. Call us if you wish to have us deliver your sample to Edge Analytical on our next trip to their lab in Burlington. Edge Analytical's address is 1151 Knudsen Road, north of Bayview Airport. Please advise the District of the results which will be added to our customer data base. |
|
Is copper a risk?
Of the many samples which the District tested in the ongoing Lead & Copper Testing program, every sample tested below the "action level" of 1.3 parts per million. The average is approximately 30% of the action level, which is very good. |
|
How can I reduce my risks from lead?
It is recommended to flush your cold water faucet if it has not been used for more than 30 minutes. We have concluded that most lead is coming from brass faucets. Brass can contain up to 8 percent lead. Use only water from the cold water faucet when drawing water for cooking or consumption. Never use water from the hot water tap to make formula for your baby. Periodically remove your faucet aerator and clean the screen with an old toothbruh and soap. Make sure you rinse well after you replace it. Have a professional check your electrical ground rod connection for a secure connection. It is usually located near your electric meter. A poor ground to your electrical system can cause high lead and copper levels. |
|
Why should I "flush" my faucet?
By flushing the faucet, you are removing the water that could contain a high content of lead. When your faucet has been idle for moe than 1/2 hour, simply turn on the cold water tap and run a medium stream of water for approximately 30 seconds. Much of the lead will be gone in 5 seconds. Fill a clean container and keep it in your refrigerator for drinking water. The "flushed" water can be used for watering plants or washing. Just do not use it for consumption or cooking. |
|
Where can I get more information about lead?
The District will be happy to mail you an information packet on lead in drinking water. It includes other sources of lead exposure, so you may find this useful. Less than 20 percent of your exposure to lead comes from drinking water. The February 1993 issue of Consumer Reports features lead in drinking water. Call Greg Peterka for more information at 360-424-7104. There is also information availavle at the Washington State Department of Health Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov |
Home
Employment