For immediate release: January 14, 2009 (09-012)

Contacts:
Carolyn Cox, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-3162
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ Boil water advisories ended today for several western Washington water systems affected by flooding.

In Lewis County, a boil water advisory ended for the 1,988 people served by the City of Morton’s water system. The Department of Health issued the advisory last week because the city had to switch to a backup well after its river water intake was damaged.

In Clallam County, a boil water advisory for the 2,200 people served by Crescent Water Association was lifted after tests showed the water is safe to drink. The advisory was issued as a precaution Thursday because the association’s water treatment plant had lost its capacity to treat water due to flooding. The water system uses treated water from the Lyre River.

In Pacific County, a boil water advisory was lifted for about 50 homes in the Baleville area of South Bend. The advisory for most of South Bend ended Sunday. It was issued Thursday after an 80-foot section of water main was destroyed, cutting off the water supply.

In Whatcom County, an advisory ended for 100 people served by Acme Water District No. 18. The advisory had been in effect since Jan. 7, when a water main broke.

All or part of seven water systems in Pacific, Lewis, Whatcom, King, Snohomish, Kittitas, and Yakima Counties remain under flood-related water advisories. More than 1,800 people are still under health advisories. Full water service has been restored to about 7,400 people.

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