For immediate release: September 21, 2007 (07-155)

Contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tom Vance, Skamania PUD water system manager 509-427-5126
Bob Wittenberg, Skamania PUD general manager 509-427-5126

OLYMPIA ¾ Major firefighting efforts in the Columbia River Gorge have taken a toll on local water supplies in the Skamania County community of Underwood.

Firefighting efforts caused the water system to lose pressure in some areas. As a result, the Skamania Public Utility District (PUD) issued a boil-water advisory Friday for the 876 residents served by the Underwood water system.

The pressure loss could potentially allow contaminants to enter the water system. So, customers are being advised to boil their water for three to five minutes before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food until further notice. Customers are also being asked to conserve water.

The state Department of Health recommends anyone in the area, including private well owners, who experiences significant loss of water pressure or power outages also boil their water.

The PUD has been working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that the proper steps are being taken to protect the public’s health.

"We appreciate the public’s understanding and efforts to conserve water as we face this firefighting challenge," said Bob Wittenberg, general manager of the Skamania PUD. "We want our customers to know that we will do everything in our power to restore a safe and reliable water supply as quickly as possible."

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