For immediate release: December 31, 2007 (07-227)

Contacts:
Brian Boye, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-6778
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ The water advisory for the "Y Bar S Water System" near Enumclaw has ended. Iliad Water Inc. notified its customers on Saturday afternoon that they could resume drinking their tap water without first boiling it.

The water advisory was issued December 13 for the 105 households served by the water system after E. coli bacteria were found in a routine drinking water sample. Follow-up tests of the water confirmed the contamination.

The Office of Drinking Water has been working closely with "Y Bar S" managers. To correct the problem the water company installed chlorination equipment at two locations and provided continuous disinfection to the water system. The combination of disinfection and the recent test results means the water meets safe drinking water standards.

Recent work on the system by the company has led to some customer calls about air bubbles in the water that go away quickly. Chlorinating the water and flushing the system may cause iron and manganese levels to be higher than normal, which may cause water discoloration and staining. Neither of these conditions poses a health concern.

This advisory was only for "Y Bar S Water System" customers. It didn’t affect people who receive their drinking water from the City of Enumclaw.

Customers with concerns may contact the system operator, Iliad Water Inc., 800-928-3750.

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