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For immediate release: December 14, 2007 (07-219)
OLYMPIA ¾ Almost all of the storm-stricken water systems in Southwest Washington now have at least limited water service. About 15 systems still have water advisories in effect.
As of today, 21 homes are without water; about 4,600 people are facing boil-water advisories. The numbers have dropped dramatically since December 6, when nearly 3,000 people had no water and almost 11,000 were faced with boil-water or bottled-water advisories. According to reports received today:
· Service has been restored to 15 water systems collectively serving more than 11,500 people; their customers no longer have to boil their water or use bottled water. Some systems are operating under make-do conditions until repairs can be completed; this includes the City of Montesano, where the system’s largest reservoir was badly damaged.
· About 4,600 people served by 15 water systems are still on boil-water advisories. These systems are in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason and Pacific counties.
· Twenty-one homes served by public water systems in Lewis and Mason counties are still without water.
“We know that a lot of people are still enduring hardship, and we hope their lives get easier every day,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “Still, to see this much recovery in this short a time is better news than we could have hoped for.
“This shows the strength and determination of Southwest Washington’s water system operators,” said Selecky. “They’ve worked hard to get things back to normal as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, 20 homes served by the Boistfort Valley Water System in Lewis County don’t have water. The rest of the system, which serves 2,274 customers, remains under a boil-water advisory. And in Mason County, the tiny Carroll Kai Point water system with two full-time residents is out of service. For now, they’re getting water from a neighbor’s private well.
The Department of Health reminds private well owners to have their water tested if the wells are near the areas that flooded or were submerged by rainwater. They should continue to boil their drinking water or use bottled water until tests show their well water is safe to drink.
In addition, customers of damaged systems are being asked to conserve water by limiting water use to essential functions and taking shorter showers until operations return to normal.
“It may seem ironic that we’re asking residents to conserve water when they’re surrounded by it, but some water systems are operating with back-up equipment and they’re struggling to keep up with demand,” said Selecky. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work with system operators to meet the challenges this disaster has caused.”
Information about the status of recovering water systems and advice for flood victims is available on the Department of Health’s Web site (www.doh.wa.gov). A map showing the locations and status of affected water systems is updated by 3:30 p.m. daily during this incident.
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