Surface Water FAQ
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What is the best source of water for a public
drinking water system?
Without extensive treatment provisions, the use
of a properly constructed well that taps a protected groundwater
aquifer is the safest source of drinking water. A connection
with another public water system that meets all drinking water
standards is also a good option. Water that is open to the
atmosphere and vulnerable to surface water runoff is not safe to
drink without complete treatment. Sources at risk include lakes,
rivers, streams and improperly constructed springs. Shallow or
poorly constructed wells may also be unsafe.
Why do surface water sources need special
treatment to make them safe?
Surface water sources are open to contamination
from human and animal waste and other pollution. Consequently,
they are particularly susceptible to contamination by organisms
such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious
illness and disease. Two parasites that cause waterborne illness
are Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Giardia is the cause of an
illness commonly known as "back packer's disease."
Cryptosporidium is the organism
that caused over 400,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin in 1993.
What special requirements are surface water
systems subject to?
Public water systems with surface water sources
are subject to extensive federal and state requirements to
protect public health. Both Group A and Group B surface water
sources are subject to requirements identified in Part 6 of
Chapter 246-290 WAC. This regulation complies with the federal
Surface Water Treatment Rule and includes filtration,
disinfection, operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
What treatment is required for surface water
sources?
Studies of waterborne disease outbreaks have
shown that properly designed and operated treatment systems,
which include both filtration and disinfection, are effective in
preventing waterborne illness.
If surface water is not adequately treated, what
is a public water system's responsibility to inform the people
who drink it?
Everyone who might use the water needs to be
told that it is not safe to drink. The system must give written
notice to every user and repeat it every three months. All new
users must be informed immediately.
Where can I get help to upgrade my system?
Department of Health staff are available to
answer questions and provide further technical assistance on
surface water issues. Surface water treatment systems must be
designed by a licensed professional engineer with specific
experience in this type of water treatment. (See "More
information and assistance" below.)
Once I get the necessary treatment installed,
how can I make sure the system runs properly?
To be effective, a treatment system must be
properly operated and maintained. State certification for this
type of operation and maintenance is required. In some areas of
the state there are also certified operators available to
perform these services under contract.
More information and assistance
Office of Drinking Water's Regional Offices:
- Eastern Region, Spokane Valley: (509)
329-2117
- Northwest Region, Kent:
(253) 395-6765
- Southwest Region, Tumwater:
(360) 236-3034
Office of Drinking Water toll-free number: (800) 521-0323
Operator Certification Program: 1-800-525-2536 - Information on
available training, how to become a certified operator, and
certified contract operators.
Drinking
Water website: Provides access to publications on Cryptosporidium and other contaminants, information on how to hire an engineer,
and many other resources. Also includes links to other sites
such as the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the
American Water Works Association.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791
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