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Is Federal Way Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, August 2, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Federal Way?

Yes, Federal Way's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Federal Way has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Federal Way's water utility, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Lakehaven Water and Sewer District water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Federal Way Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Federal Way tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Federal Way's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Federal Way Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Lakehaven Water and Sewer District for Federal Way in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

Is there Lead in Federal Way Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Federal Way water system, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0037 mg/L of lead in Federal Way water. This is 24.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Federal Way contained more lead.

While Federal Way water testing may have found 0.0037 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Federal Way Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be no military bases near Federal Way with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Federal Way has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Federal Way Water - Frequently Asked Questions

DO YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS?
If you have any of the following connected to your water system... Washington State law may require that you have a “Cross Connection Control” (backflow prevention) device. Keeping our water safe is a two-way street. We rely on you, our customers to be aware of any cross-connection to the water system that you may have on your property, and to protect those connections with a backflow prevention device that is tested annually to ensure the safety of our drinking water.
WHAT IS A CROSS CONNECTION?
A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance to be exposed to a potable drinking water supply. For homeowners, these commonly include irrigation systems, private fire sprinkler systems, boiler systems, hot tubs/pools, and ponds or water features. The purpose of a cross-connection (backflow prevention assembly) device is to provide “cross- connection control”, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your drinking water – a serious health hazard. This device is not foolproof. Even the best backflow prevention assemblies can fail due to freezing temperatures, debris, improper installation and unapproved plumbing connections. For this reason and in accordance with WA State Administrative Code (WAC) 246.290.490, the state’s Department of Health requires a certified backflow assembly tester test these devices annually.
HOW DO I CONTACT FEDERAL WAY CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Federal Way water provider, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, please use the information below.
By Mail: PO BOX 4249
FEDERAL WAY, WA, 98063
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR LAKEHAVEN WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Lakehaven Water and Sewer District account to pay their Federal Way water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Lakehaven Water and Sewer District bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Federal Way water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Federal Way water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP FEDERAL WAY WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Federal Way means you will often need to put the water in your name with Lakehaven Water and Sewer District. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Federal Way means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Lakehaven Water and Sewer District. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Federal Way tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 9% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 31% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 91% Very High
  • Water Quality 69% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Federal Way, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Federal Way Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Federal Way's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 Water Quality Report

July 2021 Volume 23

In This Report

Water Quality Overview

Where Your Water Comes From

Water Supply Security

Water Quality Treatments, Topics and Testing

2020 Water Quality Monitoring Results

Water Main Flushing

Cross Connection Control

Water Use Efficiency

Your Water Utility District

Committed to the Continued Delivery of Safe,

Reliable and High-Quality Drinking Water

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District (Water System ID No. 419979) is pleased to again report that your drinking water continues to exceed all federal and state standards and is safe to drink. Each year we provide an updated water quality report that summarizes where our drinking water comes from, and how it is tested, treated, monitored, and protected in accordance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) during the previous year (2020).

Our goal is to provide our customers with high quality drinking water and maintain an excellent record of compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations. In 2020, we flushed approximately 100 miles of waterlines, performed over 2,400 regulatory bacteriological water sample tests, maintained a Cross-Connection Control (CCC) program and handled over 550 water quality customer inquiries.

In an effort to continue to protect the safety of our water sources, the District successfully completed its federal mandated Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) efforts to meet its compliance with the requirements of the 2018 American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA).

In 2020, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District Board of Commissioners established a new 2020-2025 Water Use Efficiency Goal to maintain annual average water demands at a minimum of 5.0% below the estimated low demand projections given in the current District’s Water System Plan. The District will continue with its existing conservation efforts to help meet this goal.

Last summer, Lakehaven crews replaced approximately 2,000 mechanical meters with new AMR meters as part of the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) program. Upon project completion (2024), all meters (approximately 35,000) within our service area, will have been replaced with AMR meters.

The staff at Lakehaven Water & Sewer District takes great pride in supplying our customers with safe, pure and reliable drinking water and encourage our customers to review this report and join us in appreciating the vital role water plays in all of our lives.

For additional information on District operations and updates, you are welcome to visit our website at www.lakehaven.org.

Sincerely,

Tim Osborne, P.E., WDM IV Water Operations Manager 253-946-5410 tosborne@lakehaven.org

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Multiple Water Sources

Lakehaven’s water supply comes from two sources:

The Regional Water Supply System(“RWSS”) is from the protected Green River watershed that originates in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in South King County. The RWSS at times may include water pumped from wells located on the North Fork of the Green River, also within the protected watershed. Water from the Green River watershed is diverted below Howard Hanson Dam to the new Green River Filtration Facility (where it is

treated and filtered) and then into a 34-mile long pipeline built by a partnership between Lakehaven Water & Sewer District, the City of Tacoma, City of Kent, and Covington Water District.

Lakehaven also has 25 active wells located within its water district boundary. These wells pump from three aquifer producing geologic layers, confined locally deep below the Federal Way area, and are dependent on local precipitation to recharge and store water.

The drinking water from the RWSS is an interruptible source of water for Lakehaven and is intended to supplement our groundwater supply. RWSS water availability can be interrupted due to drought conditions, low river flow volumes in the Green River, or other water quality issues. Lakehaven will continue to utilize water from the RWSS as it is available to better manage our water resources and help reduce the demand on our existing groundwater system.

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L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

312TH ST

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1ST

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

Mirror Lake

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEDERAL WAY

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

UNINC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

ST

 

Pierce

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

SW

320TH ST

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

S

320TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUBURN W

 

PC

 

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

King

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

County

 

 

 

Lake Jeane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

SWC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

North

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake

 

¦?

S

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Geneva

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S 348TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNINC KC

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

2

SW 356TH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

Killarney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALGONA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

S 360TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

Five Mile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TACOMA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENCHANTED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H¿?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

æ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

?À

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

`"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNINC PC

 

 

F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trout Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PACIFIC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PKWY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILTON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDGEWOODO

IT

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIFE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J

V

 

 

 

D

UNINC PC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

SDK 6/4/2021

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District Water Service Area

2

3,475,185,000

 

2,465,973,000

Gallons from the Regional Water

 

Gallons of water produced for

 

Supply System (RWSS)

 

 

Lakehaven Water & Sewer

 

1,009,212,000

District in 2020

 

Gallons from District Wells

473

 

 

Miles of water main

 

 

in service

 

 

31,249

 

9,495,041

Total metered

Gallons produced on an

connections

average day (in 2020)

7,037,000

 

18,582,000

Gallons produced on

Gallons produced on

2020’s lowest demand day

2020’s highest demand day

(1/10/2020)

 

(7/27/2020)

Green River Watershed

Lakehaven Water Facts

Sources

RWSS

Regional Water Supply System (Surface Water)

GRFF

Green River Filtration Facility (filtration/treatment)

25 Wells

(Ground Water) Filtration/Treatment on-site

3,475,185 Billion Gallons

of Water Produced

Storage

12 Tanks

Above-ground tanks store water used for drinking water, sanitation, irrigation, food processing and fire suppression

31 Million Gallons

Total Water Storage Capacity

3 Booster Stations

19 Pressure Zones

(Two Primary Zones)

Distribution

120,000 Customers

Water Customers Served (approx.)

31,249 Meters

Total Metered Connections

473 Miles

Water Main in Service

11,859 Valves

Distribution System Valves

4,410 Hydrants

Active Fire Hydrants

52 PRV’s

Pressure Reducing Valves

3

Keeping Your Water Safe

Water System Security

To assure that your drinking water supply remains safe and secure, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District (“District”) facilities are equipped with intrusion security systems to protect them from unauthorized entry, vandalism and more. Water facility security systems alert staff 24/7 of any alarms in order to keep our drinking water supply safe and secure. In 2020, the District completed its Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to meet its compliance with the requirements of the 2018 American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). The purpose of the RRA and ERP was to review the District’s current water system security procedures and equipment, and identify areas for improvements to help the District in responding to emergencies and natural hazards.

Wellhead Protection Program

Preventing pollution is the first priority in protecting public health and our groundwater supply. The District’s Wellhead Protection Program intends to identify potential areas where surface water can more readily contribute to the storage of water in our underground aquifer systems and affect the quality of water pumped from our wells. Through this program, the District continues to develop appropriate management plans to protect our water quality should a surface contaminant spill occur. In 2020, Lakehaven staff completed a biennial land use inventory update of our Wellhead Protection Areas and a review of potential contaminate sources in accordance with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC-290-135). Staff also updated the District’s Hazardous Material Spill – Incident Response Plan.

For more information on the Wellhead Protection Program or to report spills, water pollution or contamination, call Darlene LeMaster, Water Operations Analyst at 253-946-5442.

Testing Your Water

If you wish to have the tap water in your home tested, please contact a state certified lab such as Water Management Laboratories, 1515 80th St. E., Tacoma, (253) 531-3121 or Spectra Analytical Inc. 2221 Ross Way, Tacoma (253) 272-4850 to test your water.

4

Water Quality Treatments

Arsenic

Arsenic is a regulated primary inorganic contaminant found in waters of Western Washington and is typically present due to natural weathering and dissolution of arsenic bearing rocks and minerals.

Only two of the District’s 25 wells produce groundwater with a concentration of arsenic that slightly exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion. When these wells operate, both have special water treatment systems that reduce the arsenic concentration to very low levels that meet safe drinking water standards.

During 2020, the water produced from these wells represented only 0.3% of all our drinking water. Nevertheless, when operating these wells, the treated water could still contain some very low “harmless” levels of naturally present arsenic.

Iron and Manganese

The EPA classifies high concentrations of naturally occurring iron and manganese in drinking water as secondary inorganic contaminants. In drinking water, iron and manganese can cause aesthetic issues such as taste, odor, or staining of plumbing fixtures when concentrations exceed the MCL. Because

of this, groundwater pumped from fourteen District wells receives treatment for the removal of iron and manganese by oxidation/filtration before the water enters into our distribution system.

Chlorine Disinfection

As an important component of our water treatment program, the Washington State Department of Health requires the addition of chlorine to our drinking water as a disinfectant to make sure that our water remains biologically safe for our customers to use.

Lakehaven uses chlorine gas to disinfect its water sources and we continually monitor the concentrations so that we do not exceed federal safe drinking water levels (maximum residual disinfection level is 4.0 ppm). The free chlorine residuals in

our system ranges between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 ppm. During 2020, the average chlorine concentration in our drinking water was 0.91 parts per million (ppm). Just as water is essential to life, chlorine is considered essential to maintaining a safe water supply.

This is one of the District’s water filtration plants that removes natural occurring minerals (arsenic, iron and manganese) and adjusts the pH of the groundwater pumped from nearby wells.

u

5

Water Quality Treatments, continued

pH Adjustment with Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda) is added to the water supply to raise pH levels. By raising the pH levels (ie: less acidic), the water becomes less corrosive on plumbing and reduces the amount of lead and copper that can dissolve into drinking water.

Fluoride

The Regional Water Supply System (RWSS) is a partnership with the Cities of Tacoma, Kent and Covington. This supply is surface water from the Green River Watershed and is disinfected with chlorine, fluoridated and pH- adjusted with sodium hydroxide. In addition, ozone is used to control taste and odor. This report includes the RWSS’s water quality data in our system.

Fluoride is a natural element found in the earth’s crust and is commonly found in various concentrations in raw water supplies (both surface and groundwater) and at low levels, fluoride has been known to prevent dental cavities.

The natural fluoride levels in Lakehaven Water & Sewer District’s groundwater is considered lower than optimal for helping to prevent dental decay. The drinking water received from the Regional Water Supply System (RWSS) is treated with fluoride by the City of Tacoma. RWSS water contains fluoride concentrations equal to the US Public Health Service (USPHS) suggested range in drinking water of about

0.70 part per million (ppm). However, blending the District’s groundwater supplies with the RWSS supply can dilute of fluoride in some locations below the desirable therapeutic range. Lakehaven staff who monitor fluoride levels in our distribution system reported the highest level detected and average concentration in 2020 was 0.93 ppm and 0.47 ppm respectively.

If you have children on fluoride supplemental treatment, you may want to consult with your dentist or pediatrician about the variable fluoride concentrations that may be present in your drinking water. More information on fluoride can be found at the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs.

6

Other Water Quality Topics

Important Information for Your Health

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic organism found in open surface water supplies that, when ingested, can result in diarrhea, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Water quality monitoring by Tacoma Water show levels of cryptosporidium remains low in the Green River water supply (The District’s “RWSS” water source) and Tacoma has not experienced any health issues with this organism. Federal and state regulations require us to treat Green River Water (RWSS) for Cryptosporidium. We remove any cryptosporidium that may be present effectively with filtration.

Water Hardness

Lakehaven’s wells (ground water) vary greatly in hardness. Hard water may cause scale buildup in cooking pans, sinks, and water heaters, and may require using more soap to form a lather. Many newer dishwashers, home filtration systems, coffee makers have settings to adjust for water hardness.

A water’s hardness is dependent upon the levels of two naturally occurring soluble minerals – calcium and magnesium. Of the wells utilized in 2020, water hardness ranged from 26 mg/L to 130 mg/L. The year’s average calcium/magnesium level was 88.1 mg/L (moderately hard). Blending the District’s groundwater supply (wells) with the RWSS (surface water) lessened the water hardness. The flow-weighted average of the two sources for 2020 was 31.9 mg/L (slightly hard).

WATER HARDNESS SCALE

Grains/Gal

mg/L & ppm

Classification

 

 

 

Less than 1

Less than 17.1

Soft

 

 

 

1 – 3.5

17.14 - 60

Slightly Hard

 

 

 

3.5 - 7

60 - 120

Moderately Hard

 

 

 

7 - 10

120 - 180

Hard

 

 

 

Over 10

Over 180

Very Hard

 

 

 

u

7

Lead in Drinking Water

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in private plumbing components. Lakehaven has never installed lead goosenecks on any water service lines or used lead piping in our distribution system. The District is consistent with regulatory guidelines (EPA Lead

  • Copper Rule) and controls the corrosiveness of our water supply (corrosion control occurs primarily by controlling the pH of the water supply).

Even though our source water has not been found to have detectable levels of lead, private plumbing installed in residences built from 1983 to 1986 with copper pipe and lead solder are considered by the EPA to have a higher risk for lead and copper leaching. These homes are used by the District to test tap water samples for regulatory testing and reporting. The District’s local corrosion control treatment methods show that lead and copper contamination is abated in the identified high-risk residences that were constructed during this time period. The reliability of

these corrosion control methods has been confirmed by many years of water quality monitoring.

Anyone with lead solder and copper plumbing who still have concerns about lead or other metals in their drinking water, can further reduce their chance of exposure by flushing standing (stagnant) water in their pipes before using it. Typically, the best way to tell if the water from outside the house has reached your tap is to flush long enough to feel a colder, stable temperature difference during this short flushing period (usually 45 seconds to one minute).

You can used this flushed water for watering plants, washing dishes or general cleaning. Only use water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula.

The most common problem is brass or chrome plated brass faucets and fixtures that can leach lead into water, especially hot water. Until seven years ago, the legal limit for “lead free” pipes was up to 8% lead. As of January 1, 2014, all newly installed water faucets, fixtures, pipes, and fittings must meet new lead-free requirements, which reduce the amount

of lead allowed to 0.25%. These requirements do not apply to existing fixtures, such as those found in many older homes.

Lead and Copper Sampling

If your home was built between 1983 and 1986 and you’d like to participate in our regulatory testing process, please contact John Vindivich, Water Operations Operator III at jvindivich@lakehaven.org. The next EPA Lead and Copper Testing and Reporting will occur in 2022. Additional information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

8

2020 Water Quality Monitoring Results

There is no such thing as naturally pure water. In nature, all water contains some impurities. As water flows in streams, sits in lakes, and filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground, it dissolves or absorbs the substances that it touches.

Some of these substances are harmless. In fact, some people prefer mineral water precisely because minerals (which are chemical substances) give water an appealing taste. However, at certain levels minerals, just like man-made chemicals, are considered contaminants that can make water unpalatable or even unsafe. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be

expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects

can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District tests our drinking water for 35 regulated and unregulated inorganic contaminants (IOCs) and 16 synthetic organic contaminants (SOCs). The chemicals shown in the summary table of this report were the only regulated IOCs detected

in samples collected during tests performed in the past five years. There have been no SOC’s detected in our drinking water.

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District tests for other substances and microscopic organisms in our drinking water for which no mandatory testing standards have been set. Many substances and microscopic organisms found in water may be a concern if they occur at high concentrations. Because of this, the District has been monitoring heterotrophic bacteria in our drinking water for many years. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC test) measures a broad group of microorganisms

u

9

2020 Water Quality Monitoring Results, continued

that are commonly found in drinking water as a tool to track the concentration of these “background” microorganisms in our distribution system. The EPA has determined that a well- operated water system with a well-maintained distribution system should have HPC populations

of less than 500 colonies per milliliter (ml). A sample with a count higher than 500 Colony- Forming Units (CFU) per milliliter is considered undesirable and should be investigated to determine the cause. During 2020, the District sampled and tested our drinking water throughout the distribution system for HPCs using a state certified laboratory and government approved techniques. The highest concentration of these heterotrophic microorganisms detected in our water system was 56 CFUs per milliliter. To make

sure these organisms remain in low concentrations, testing will continue as will our communication with our customers.

The following tables show the results of water quality analyses on “treated” (water quality treatments) source water during 2020. Every regulated contaminant that was “detected” in our drinking water, even in the most miniscule traces, is listed in the table along with unregulated, secondary, and physical and chemical parameters. A host of additional substances were tested in 2020, but because they were not detected they are not shown on the table.

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District is pleased to report that there were no EPA or State drinking water violations for the District in the year 2020. Additional information on all data can be obtained by contacting Tim Osborne, Water Operations Manager, at

  1. 946-5410, or Darlene LeMaster, Water Operations Analyst at (253) 946-5442.

Washington State Department of Health Monitoring Waivers

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District applied for and received special monitoring waivers for certain targeted wells for 2020 from the Washington State Department of Health. These special monitoring waivers were granted for the purpose of reducing unnecessary sampling and testing of raw groundwater for analysis of organic and inorganic chemicals and the more common insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides. The District received these waivers because previous laboratory tests show no detection of these contaminants and groundwater from these wells has a very low susceptibility to contamination.

10

2020 Water Quality Tables

EPA's ALLOWABLE LIMITS

 

LWSD Groundwater

 

(RWSS) Green River &

 

 

 

 

 

North Fork Wells

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated

Units

MCL (6)

MCLG

Range of Level

Highest Detection

Year

Range of Level

Highest

Year

Major Sources

Violation

Substance

 

 

 

Detected

 

Tested

Detected

Detection

Tested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPA Regulated Primary Inorganic Analytes and other State Regulated Inorganic Contaminants at the Source

 

 

Arsenic

ppm

0.01

0

0.0015 – 0.0088

0.0088

2020

NA

NA

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beryllium

ppm

0.004

0.004

ND - 0.0003

0.0003

2019

NA

NA

 

Discharge from electrical &

NO

 

aerospace industries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corrosion of galvanized pipes

 

Cadmium

ppm

0.1

0.005

ND - 0.001

0.001

2019

NA

NA

 

and/or erosion of natural

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

deposits

 

Fluoride (2)

ppm

4

4

0.06 – 0.93

0.93

2020

0.60 - 0.96

0.96

2020

Erosion of Natural Deposits -

NO

Treatment Additive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate

ppm

10

10

<0.2 – 2.23

2.23

2020

ND - 0.26

0.26

2020

Runoff From Fertilizer Use,

NO

Septic Systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selenium

ppm

0.05

0.05

ND - 0.002

0.002

2019

NA

NA

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gros Alpha

pCi/L

15

0

ND - <3.0

<3

2020

NA

NA

 

Decay of Natural Deposits

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radium 228

pCi/L

5

0

0.069 - 0.693

0.693

2020

NA

NA

 

Decay of Natural Deposits

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asbestos

MFL

7

NA

0 - 0.117

0.117

2019

NA

NA

 

Asbestos Water Pipe

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloroform

ppb

not regulated

 

NA

NA

 

0-1.5

1.5

2020

Disinfection interaction,

NO

 

 

Industrial contamination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese

ppm

0.05

NA

ND - 0.066

0.066

2019

NA

NA

2020

Natural Element

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity (5)

 

0.1 = Goal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NTU

<1.0 = Standard;

NA

0.77 - 8.79

8.79

2019

0.019 - 0.062

0.062

2020

Natural Erosion

NO

 

 

>5.0 = Filtration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definitions

AL = Action Level (The concentration which if exceeded triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow) CFU/ml = Colony-forming units per milliliter

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water)

MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (The level of a contaminant in drinking water which there is no known or expected risk to health) MFL = Millions of Fibers per Liter (measurement used for asbestos)

MRDL = Maximm Residual Disinfectant Level (The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water)

MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (The level of a drinking water disinfectant below when there is no known or expected risk to health) MRL = Minimum Reporting Level (The smallest measured concentration of a substance that ca be reliably measured.

NA = Not applicable

ND = Not detected at a level greater than or equal to the minimum reporting level NR = Not regulated (Not currently subject to EPA regulations)

NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water looks)

pCi/L = Piconcuries per liter of air (method to measure speed of decay in radon) One pCi is equal to one-trillionth of a Curie ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (μg/1)

ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/1) u

11

2020 Water Quality Tables, continued

EPA Regulated in Lakehaven's Distribution System (3)

Regulated

 

Highest Running

 

 

Running Annual

Year

Major Sources in

 

Units

Annual Average

MCLG

Range of Level Detected

Violation

Substance

Average

Tested

Drinking Water

 

Allowed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acid

ppb

60

NA

0.0 – 15

9

2020

Chlorine Disinfection

NO

By-product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

ppb

80

NA

2.6 – 20

12.4

2020

Chlorine Disinfection

NO

Trihalomethane

By-product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring in Lakehaven's Distribution System (UCMR4 )(1)

Regulated

Units

MRL

MCLG

Range of Level Detected

Highest Detection

Year

Major Sources in

Violation

Substance

Tested

Drinking Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyanotoxins

ppb

0.03

NR

ND

ND

2020

Surface water toxic algae

NR

blooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Regulated at the Consumers Tap

(From Distribution System/Targeted High Risk Residential Units)

Regulated

Units

MRL

MCLG

Range of Level Detected

Highest Detection

Year

Major Sources in

Violation

Substance

Tested

Drinking Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead (4)

ppb

15

0

ND – All sites below AL

3.7

2019

Household Plumbing

NO

 

 

 

 

 

(90th Percentile)

 

 

 

Copper (4)

ppm

1.3

1.3

ND – All sites below AL

0.35

2019

Household Plumbing

NO

 

 

 

 

 

(90th Percentile)

 

 

 

Other Microbiological & Disinfection Standards In Lakehaven’s Distribution System

Regulated

Units

MRL

MCLG

Range of Level Detected

Highest Detection

Year

Major Sources in

Violation

Substance

Tested

Drinking Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heterotrophic Plate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range of bacteria

 

Count

CFU/ml

NR

NR

0 - 56

56

2020

naturally present in the

NR

(HPC Bacteria) (7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

environment

 

Total Coliform

 

>5% (Monthly

 

 

 

 

Bacteria naturally

 

- - -

Samples Are

0

ND

ND

2020

present throughout the

NO

Bacteria(8)

 

 

Positive)

 

 

 

 

environment

 

Free Chlorine

ppm

4

4

0.74 – 1.07

1.07

2020

Treatment to control

NO

Residual

(MRDLG)

(MRDL)

0.91 (Average)

bacteria

 

 

 

 

Water Quality Monitoring Results Footnotes

  1. The fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4) was published on December 20, 2016. UCMR4 requires monitoring for 30 chemical contaminants (cyanotoxins, metals, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, alcohols, and semivolatile organic chemicals) between 2018 and 2020 using analytical methods developed by EPA and consensus organizations. EPA announced the proposed fifth Unregulated Contaminant
    Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) for Public Water Systems for 2022. The proposed
    UCMR 5 requires monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
    (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water. UCMR 5 proposal includes monitoring for six PFAS that were part of UCMR 3. The proposal would require pre-sampling preparations in 2022, sample collection from 2023-2025, and reporting of final results through 2026. UCMR provides a basis for future regulatory actions to protect public health.
  2. Fluoride from source water samples measures the level of fluoride as a natural mineral deposit (Lakehaven Groundwater). Fluoride for distribution system is a measurement of added fluoride as a treatment of the drinking water (RWSS Green River & North Fork)
  3. The distribution system is a blend of both groundwater (from wells) and/or surface water (from the RWSS Green River & North Fork).
  4. The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a treatment technique rule. Instead

of setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead or copper, the rule requires public water systems to take certain actions to minimize lead and copper in drinking water. These actions reduce water corrosivity and prevent

the leaching of these metals from the premise plumbing and drinking water distribution system components. If those actions are not sufficient, the rule prescribes water quality parameter monitoring, corrosion control treatment, source water monitoring and treatment, of service lines and public education. Utilities must ensure that water from the customer’s tap does not exceed the “action level” for lead (15 ppb) in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled.

  1. Turbidity and Nickel are EPA regulated secondary analytes. They do not pose a health risk but may impair taste, odor and/or clarity of drinking water.
  2. Concentrations of EPA regulated analytes may not exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).
  3. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC test) measures a broad group of micro-organisms that are commonly found in drinking water as a tool to track the concentration of these microorganisms in our distribution system. The EPA has determined that a well-operated water system with a well-maintained distribution system should have HPC populations of less than 500 colonies per milliliter (ml). A sample with a count higher than 500 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) per milliliter is considered undesirable and should be investigated to determine the cause.
  4. During 2020, 2,434 water samples were collected and tested for bacteriological contamination at sample stations in the distribution system, water storage tanks, source wells, and the RWSS. Of the 2,434 water samples collected, none tested positive for coliform bacteria.

12

Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

12-Month Performance Reporting Period: January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020

In 2003, the Washington State Legislature passed ESSHB 1338, better known as the Municipal Water Law (MWL), to address the increasing demand on our state’s water resources. This law establishes that all municipal water suppliers (MWS) must use water more efficiently in exchange for water right certainty and flexibility to help them meet future demand. The Water Use Efficiency Rule is part of this law and requires municipal water suppliers to report their goals and progress each year.

The WUE rule requires water systems to engage their customers and interested public in a public forum setting when establishing their water efficiency goals. It ensures customers and the public can provide input on the decisions made by the governing body. It also helps the public understand the need to use water more efficiently and to educate them on how they can help the water system achieve conservation goals.

2020 Distribution System Leakage Summary

Total Water Produced and Purchased..............................…3,475,185,000 gallons

Authorized Consumption……………….............................…3,197,327,138 gallons

Distribution System Leakage……………....................…..……277,857,862 gallons

Distribution System Leakage Percent….........….................……………………8.0%

Percent 3-Year Rolling Average........................................…………….…....…7.0%

Water Main Flushing

Distribution system flushing is one of the most powerful tools Lakehaven Water & Sewer District uses to maintain good water quality in the distribution system. Annual flushing of District water mains scours and removes mineral scale, silt and trapped stagnant water that can contribute to customer complaints of poor water quality.

In 2020, Water Operations Maintenance staff flushed over 100 miles of water main within our service district. The simple operation of “Unidirectional Flushing” involves flushing isolated sections of water mains in one direction beginning at a source

like a well site or a storage tank and continuing the operation downstream of each water main section until all of the system is completely flushed.

The District’s goal is to flush the entire water service area every three years. Staff sends out notification letters to those customers due for main flushing.

The letters also contain helpful information and contact information for the Water Operations Department. Signs are posted at the streets that will be flushed during the next week of scheduled flushing. For more information on water main flushing, please visit our website http://www. lakehaven.org/168/water-quality.

Dechlorinating diffusers are attached to the fire hydrant during main flushing.

13

Do You Have One of These in Your Home or Business?

If you have any of the following connected to your water system...

  • Fire Sprinkler System
  • Lawn/Garden Irrigation System
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Decorative Fountain/Water Feature

Washington State law may require that you have a “Cross Connection Control” (backflow prevention) device.

Help Us Keep Your Water Safe with Cross Connection Control

Keeping our water safe is a two-way street. We rely on you, our customers to be aware of any cross-connection to the water system that you may have on your property, and to protect those connections with a backflow prevention device that is tested annually to ensure the safety of our drinking water.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance to be exposed to a potable drinking water supply. For homeowners, these commonly include irrigation systems, private fire sprinkler systems, boiler systems, hot tubs/pools, and ponds or water features.

The purpose of a cross-connection (backflow prevention assembly) device is to provide “cross- connection control”, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your drinking water – a serious health hazard. This device is not foolproof. Even the best backflow prevention assemblies can fail due to freezing temperatures, debris, improper installation and unapproved plumbing connections. For this reason and in accordance with WA State Administrative Code (WAC) 246.290.490, the state’s Department of Health requires a certified backflow assembly tester test these devices annually.

Staff maintains

  1. database of Backflow
    Prevention Assemblies that have been installed throughout our
    district, which enables us to monitor their testing and send customers an annual reminder when their backflow test is due. If you have any questions regarding cross connection control, need information on your testing due date or need a list of registered testers, please visit our website www.lakehaven. org/ 315/Cross-Connection-Control-Backflow-Preven or contact: Chris Zoepfl, Cross-Connection Control Manager at (253) 946-5427.

14

Your Water Utility District

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District is governed by a five member, elected Board of Commissioners and has a staff of approximately 110 employees. The General Manager oversees all water, sewer, engineering and field operations, and administers day-to-day operation of the utility. The District’s General Counsel oversees all legal, administrative and financial functions of the District. Both managerial positions report directly to the Board of Commissioners.

Regular Board Meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at: Lakehaven Center, 31531—1st Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003.

2020 Board of Commissioners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Nowicki

Len Englund

Don Miller

Peter Sanchez

Laura Belvin

President

 

Vice-President

 

Secretary

 

Commissioner

Commissioner

Staff

John Bowman, P.E., General Manager

Steve Pritchett, General Counsel

Tim Osborne, P.E., Water Operations Manager Tom Zawacki, Assistant Water Operations Manager Darlene LeMaster, Water Operations Analyst Chris Zoepfl, Cross-Connection Control Manager John Vindivich, Water Operations Operator III - Lead Ruben Reyes, Water Operator Maintenance Person III - Lead

Other Links

Lakehaven Water & Sewer District Water Operations Department (253) 946-5442

or http://www.lakehaven.org/168/water-quality

Washington State Department of Health

www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)

  1. 426-4791 or www.epa.gov/safewater

2021 Conservation Calendar Poster Contest Winner

Judy M. – Rainier View Elementary

15

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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