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For immediate release: December 3, 2007 (07-211)
Winter storms take toll on water systems
OLYMPIA ¾ Heavy winter weather is creating havoc for some water systems in Western Washington — among them the City of Montesano, where a 1.4 million-gallon water reservoir was heavily damaged by falling trees.
The state Department of Health issued a boil water advisory this morning for the 4,700 people served by Montesano’s water system. The entire community was without power after gale-force winds pounded the area.
The city’s water reservoir was heavily damaged. The roof and part of the structure fell into the water, creating the potential for contaminants to enter the water supply. For updates, residents should call City Hall at 360-249-3021.
“We want our residents to know that we’re doing everything we can to protect the water supply and repair the damage,” said Dick Stone, mayor of Montesano. “In the meantime, we want our customers to be safe, so we’re asking them to use bottled or boiled water until they hear from us that the tap water is again safe to drink. If they can’t boil their water, they can treat it with household bleach.”
Other water systems in Grays Harbor County, including Grays Harbor Water District 2 Central Park near Aberdeen, are experiencing problems. Power outages and other weather-related problems have made it difficult for some system operators to notify customers that boil water advisories have been posted. If your water system is out of water or the water quality is in question, the health department recommends that you use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. Before drinking the water, boil it for three to five minutes and let it cool.
Elsewhere in Southwest Washington, communities were experiencing water losses:
· The Tahuya River Valley Water District, off North Shore Road west of Belfair in northwest Mason County, has no water. A bridge is out, the water main collapsed and firefighters are evacuating residents. The reservoir has drained, and water district staff is unable to get in and start repairs. The system serves about 370 people.
· The Town of Pe Ell faces a water shortage because a water transmission line was destroyed when a bridge washed out. The pumping station for the community’s back-up water source is not accessible because of high water. All roads into the community were closed today. The 1,300 people served by the water system are being told to conserve water because there’s a limited supply in the town’s reservoir.
· The town of Ryderwood had no water this morning because of a broken water main. The community water system, which serves about 450 people, issued a boil water advisory to its customers.
If you’re experiencing a power outage, you can disinfect water with a few drops of household bleach. Use 10 drops per gallon of water, or one teaspoon for 10 gallons. Don’t use scented or “color-safe” bleaches. Let the treated water stand 30 minutes before use.
In addition to the toll on public water systems, high water can contaminate private wells. If you get your water from a private well, the state Department of Health encourages you to keep a close eye on the well. If it floods, assume the water is contaminated with disease-causing bacteria and parasites and switch to bottled or boiled water.
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