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| You are here: DOH Home » News Releases Home » 05-148 |
For immediate release: November 17, 2005 (05-148)
Contacts:
Scott Decker, Office of
Drinking Water 360-236-3162, (pgr) 360-971-3228
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
Betty Vance, Valley Water District 253-841-9698
Boil water advisory lifted for Valley Water District
OLYMPIA ¾ The Valley Water District has lifted a boil-water advisory issued Monday after vandalism was discovered at a storage tank reservoir serving homes near Graham on the Country / El Dorado Estates water system. Two sets of samples were collected and analyzed; results show the water is safe to drink.
Approximately 400 customers of the water system were advised on November 14 to boil their water or use bottled water while the operator, Valley Water District, shut down the reservoir. The water system storage facilities were shut down and the boil water notice issued as a precaution.
"The water system made a good decision, even if it meant inconveniencing the customers. Protecting the public’s health is our highest priority," said Bob James, manager of the Department of Health’s regional drinking water office in Kent.
Unfortunately, the Valley Water District is not the only water system that’s been hit by vandals. In fact, vandalism is fairly common at water utilities, especially in rural communities and in areas that are not easily seen by people. Typically, vandals climb the reservoir ladder for kicks or to spray graffiti. Other times, they’re looking for items of value. "Vandalism is an ongoing concern that we take very seriously," said Scott Decker, security coordinator for the state office of drinking water.
Washington has not experienced intentional contamination of a drinking water system, nor has the rate of vandalism increased lately. However, any time security at a water system is breached, the highest precautions must be taken to protect public health. Vandalism becomes costly for the water system when the reservoir must be drained, refilled, and tested. It is inconvenient to customers, adds to the cost of water, and poses a potential threat to public health.
The Department of Health encourages water systems and local law enforcement agencies to work together to investigate all incidents of vandalism that could affect their system.
The public can help by contacting their water system and local police if they see unusual activity around water tanks or reservoirs, or evidence of tampering such as broken locks. Never approach suspicious activity, but instead contact law enforcement and the utility.
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