Author: Mitch Allen
DW Now — May 2024
The latest issue of DOH/ODW’s bimonthly newsletter is out with information on the Lead Service Line Inventory Submittal process, Drinking Water Week Winners and more. Check it out at DW Now. Continue reading DW Now — May 2024
Webinar—Technical Assistance for Lead
If you’re looking for some technical assistance for your lead compliance efforts on your water system, the EPA is offering this 90 minute webinar on May 21st from 11 to 12:30 pm PT. The webinar begins with on overview of … Continue reading Webinar—Technical Assistance for Lead
Cleaning & Disinfecting Water Storage Tanks
A popular topic at the March Group B Meetup was about cleaning and/or disinfecting non-pressurized water storage tanks. Specifically, how often should the tank be cleaned and what’s the recommended way to clean it? Time between cleaning varies based on water quality. It is reasonable that more frequent cleaning will be required when there is more manganese and iron in the water. As a general statement, a period of 2 to 5 years is a reasonable range for time between cleanings. The attached guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health describes a best practice method for cleaning and disinfecting a … Continue reading Cleaning & Disinfecting Water Storage Tanks
Water on Whidbey — April 2024
2024 Water System Operator Workshop
Just 2 days to register for the American Water Works Association’s 2024 Water System Workshop. This in-person workshop will cover several topics related to water systems in NW Washington, specifically San Juan County and other small utilities. Speakers will discuss … Continue reading 2024 Water System Operator Workshop
As WA tackles PFAS pollution, some worry about ‘piecemeal’ approach
State-mandated testing revealed a San Juan Island community was drinking toxic water. But who is responsible for paying for a new water source? The question is one public officials are grappling with as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are found in … Continue reading As WA tackles PFAS pollution, some worry about ‘piecemeal’ approach
Warnings of a “wave of lawsuits” as PFAS exemption debated
Representatives of US water and waste systems told US lawmakers this week that hundreds of such operations across the nation could face unintended and overwhelming liabilities unless they are exempted from a proposal that would designate two types of per- … Continue reading Warnings of a “wave of lawsuits” as PFAS exemption debated
The dangers of PFAS
Even well-meaning officials often provide inadequate or misleading information, putting communities at higher risk. When the simple blue-and-white postcard arrived in January 2023, Sarah Ferris missed it. The mailer, sent by the city of Vancouver, Washington, told 270,000 municipal water users … Continue reading The dangers of PFAS
Funding for PFAS
A letter to Ecology John Lovie posted on an effort led by Toxic-Free Future to put focus on addressing concerns over a lack of funding and coordination which have limited Department of Ecology’s efforts to help communities impacted by PFAS … Continue reading Funding for PFAS
A Day with DOH
Alexis Medina from the DOH Office of Drinking Water presented at the Q1 Member’s Meeting, recapping the annual A Day with DOH hosted by PNW/AWWA on March 20, 2024. Alexis summarized each of the topics which you can review at … Continue reading A Day with DOH
Group B Meetup — RECAP
Thank you to all who attended the WIWSA Group B Meetup last week (March 14, 2024). We had about 24 attendees (from 17 water systems) with a great discussion on the common issues that we are experiencing with our Group … Continue reading Group B Meetup — RECAP
WIWSA Member Meeting March 2024—Agenda
Meeting invitations are emailed to all newsletter subscribers. If you’re not already subscribed, you can subscribe here. Continue reading WIWSA Member Meeting March 2024—Agenda
WIWSA Member Meeting December 2023—Minutes
New Forever Chemical Rules Could Escalate Water Bills, US Cities Warn
With the EPA’s first-ever regulation of PFAS chemicals in the water supply expected soon, local officials say they need more funding to comply. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-13/regulation-of-pfas-chemicals-in-water-supply-strains-city-budgets Continue reading New Forever Chemical Rules Could Escalate Water Bills, US Cities Warn