Layer 1

Is Spokane Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 26, 2022
+

Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Spokane?

Yes, Spokane's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Spokane 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, Spokane's water utility, City of Spokane, 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 City of Spokane 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 Spokane Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Spokane 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 Spokane's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Spokane Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Spokane for Spokane in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

Is there Lead in Spokane Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Spokane water system, City of Spokane, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0014 mg/L of lead in Spokane water. This is 9.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Spokane contained more lead.

While Spokane water testing may have found 0.0014 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 Spokane 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 at least one military base - AASF #2 - WA - near Spokane 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 Spokane 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.

Spokane Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?
All of the water in Spokane comes from an underground aquifer-the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP)aquifer, which was designated a sole source aquifer in 1978. The Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer was created by Ice Age floods that deposited a thick layer of boulders and gravel. This rock and gravel layer is now filled with water and extends 370 square miles from Pend Oreille Lake in Idaho to just past the western edge of the City of Spokane. It ranges in surface depth from a few feet in some areas to as much as 500 feet in others. The stunning view inside Spokane’s first well.
HOW DO I CONTACT SPOKANE CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Spokane water provider, City of Spokane, please use the information below.
By Mail: 914 E North Foothills Dr
Spokane, WA, 99207-2794
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF SPOKANE
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Spokane account to pay their Spokane water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Spokane 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 Spokane 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 Spokane 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 SPOKANE WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Spokane means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Spokane. 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 Spokane means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Spokane. 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

Is Spokane Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.5 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Spokane tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 8% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 24% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 93% Very High
  • Water Quality 76% High

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

Related FAQS

Spokane 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 Spokane's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020

WATER QUALITY REPORT

CITY OF SPOKANE WATER DEPARTMENT

1

CONTENTS

 

Water Filling Station

3

Hydrant Permit Program

3

Water Supply Source

4

Water Use Efficiency

4

Distribution System Loss

5

Potential Sources of Contamination

6

2020 Test Results

7

Customer Resources

8

SPOKANE’S

WATER SYSTEM

Devoted To Water Quality

The Spokane Water Department proudly serves high-quality water to more than 250,000 people in the City of Spokane and many surrounding suburbs. Since 1884, we have expertly planned, developed and operated a system that provides clean, safe, great-tasting water. We are one of Washington’s oldest and the third largest water utility — with

a total water service area of approximately 156 square miles.

The natural environment is our lifeline, and we help protect it by promoting wise water use. This year we are asking our customers to try a new irrigation method- watering their landscape on odd or even days of the week. Not only does this save water and money but it also improves the health of the vegetation. Watering deep and infrequently encourages plant roots to grow deeper in

the soil profile and become more resilient to weather extremes- high winds, drought, and high temperatures.

We take our water quality very seriously. Last year we collected more than 2,000 samples to ensure our water is as clean and safe as possible. In line with years past, your drinking water meets or exceeds all water quality standards. We are extremely proud to provide you reliable, high- quality drinking water. This couldn’t happen without our essential employees who keep it flowing, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2

Eagle Ridge II water storage tank. Picture by Ivan Kushnerchuk.

WATER FILLING STATION

This year, the City of Spokane has opened its very first filling station! Users can fill anything from a 55 gallon drum to a 5,000 gallon water truck with high quality Spokane water. To access the water in the fill station, you’ll need a City of Spokane Utility account and assigned PIN from our Utility Billing Department. For questions or to set-up an account, please call: 3-1-1.

4821 W Garden Springs Rd

Spokane, WA 99223

Garden Springs Filling Station with overhead port for large tank trucks.

HYDRANT PERMIT PROGRAM

Did you know that anyone who opens a City hydrant is required to use an assembly cage? The use of this cage ensures that safe, reliable water is available for all customers and that nothing can enter our water system.

In July 2019 a commercial hydroseed vehicle using water illegally from a

fire hydrant in Northeast Spokane allowed some contamination to

backflow into the City’s water system. A health advisory to not drink or cook with water in the isolated area was issued while Water Department staff were hard at work remedying the situation: distributing water bottles, testing water samples, replacing water meters, flushing and chlorinating the areas affected.

This costly contamination event prompted an updated hydrant permit program and policies to enhance hydrant security and protect Spokane’s water supply. The program requires the use of City backflow devices and measured consumption by meter. Permits issued are assigned to specified hydrants and non- compliance can result in fines.

A Hydrant Assemble Cage prevents water from reentering our system.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

 

If you see someone using a City fire hydrant without an

 

assembly cage, please call 625-7800 to report or take a

Cross Connection Control Specialists demonstrate proper use of a City hydrant.

photo and email to waterinfo@spokanecity.org.

 

3

WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?

All of the water in Spokane comes from an underground aquifer-the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP)aquifer, which was designated a sole source aquifer in 1978.

The Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer was created by Ice Age floods that deposited a thick layer of boulders and gravel. This rock and gravel layer is now filled with water and extends 370 square miles from Pend Oreille Lake in Idaho to just past the western edge of the City of Spokane. It ranges in surface depth from a few feet in some areas to as much as 500 feet in others.

The stunning view inside Spokane’s first well.

We are working and living over our drinking water source. Since our water is beneath us, it is important that we follow good stewardship practices and not pour anything on the ground or in storm drains that we would not want to drink.

 

 

 

 

SE

S

 

 

 

 

WORKING

 

 

 

I

P

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K

 

AT

E

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON OUR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATER

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

WISDOM

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

R

R

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

E

CT &

 

O

 

 

Conserving water just

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

makes sense; why waste what you don’t need? Saving water makes it possible to use our existing water supplies more efficiently, ensure enough water is available to meet your needs as well as the needs of our growing community without costly infrastructure additions.

The Washington State Department of Health requires municipal water suppliers to establish a water conservation goal and report on this annually. In 2020, the Spokane City Council passed the Conservation Master Plan and approved the following updated goals:

Reduce seasonal peak demand (May-September) by 15% and lower the base (indoor water consumption) by 5% over the next ten years.

With these goals, we are focusing efforts on customer irrigation education, turf replacement and water efficient equipment upgrades.

CUSTOMER REBATES

We are now offering rebates for residential, multi-family and commercial customers ranging from toilets to irrigation controllers. All you need to do is purchase the pre-approved device, then submit—

SPOKANE’S WATER SYSTEM

The City of Spokane has seven wells located throughout the City to draw drinking water directly from the aquifer. The water from the aquifer is pure enough to be pumped directly from the ground and sent to customers without any treatment. We simply add chlorine to the water to ensure that purity is maintained throughout the distribution system.

To pump the water up to storage tanks and reservoirs, booster stations are located throughout the city. These stations contain large pumps and motors to help move the well water from lower elevations to the tanks at higher elevations within the distribution system. Water at a higher elevation in a tank provides water pressure to the homes below it.

SPOKANE RIVER

1.

4

AQUIFER

a receipt and photo of the installed product to receive credit back on your utility account.

REDUCING PEAK DEMAND

Outdoor watering of lawns and gardens makes up approximately 83% of average home water use in Spokane. You can dramatically reduce your outdoor water use by cutting back on irrigation and

planting more drought tolerant landscaping.

If you’re used to running your sprinklers every day, a great way to save water and money is by following an odd & even watering schedule. This strategy encourages roots to grow deeply in the soil - the best way to keep your landscape healthy and green.

Repair crew uncovers water main break on 1963 cast-iron main at 45th & Crestline.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM LOSS

The Washington State Water Use Efficiency Rule (WUE) requires that each water system calculate the water system loss due to leakage. The calculations determine the volume of water that cannot be attributed to delivery to a customer and is assumed to be lost to the ground.

To comply with the WUE standard for Distribution System Loss (DSL), a water system must have a three-year running average of less than 10%. The DSL for the City of Spokane Water System for 2020 is 13% and the three- year average is 13%, which means the City has not met the DSL standard.

2018-2020 Distribution System Loss

 

2018

2019

2020

Average

DSL, percent

11.5%

14.46%

13.45%

13.13%

DSL, volume

2,731,378

3,321,717

3,104,976

3,052,690

(gallons x 1,000)

 

 

 

 

More than 1,000 miles of water mains are located throughout the City. Water reaches your house directly from service lines running off smaller mains. To meet customers’ needs; the City

has over 100 million gallons of water stored in reservoirs. The amount of water stored in a given tank depends on both the water demand for that area as well as the fire protection requirements.

Throughout the year, hundreds of water quality tests are performed; water mains, valves and meters are repaired and replaced, and water department personnel continually search for leaks and problems to ensure you the highest quality drinking water possible. Expertly trained operators monitor the distribution system from a 24-hour control center.

3.

2.

To learnmore about our water source,

visit: spokaneaquifer.org

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF WATER CONTAMINATION

is known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin dam- age and circulatory problems. Informa- tion on arsenic in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to min- imize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

LEAD

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, espe- cially for pregnant women and young children.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. In 2018, the City of Spokane completed the removal of all known lead service lines in our water system. The City is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materi- als installed prior to regulatory changes in home plumbing components.

When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the po- tential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from

Sources of Water

Sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material, and can pick up substances from the presence of animals or from the presence of human activity.

Potential Contaminants

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Adminis- tration regulations establish the limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contam- inants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.

More information about contaminants can be obtained by visiting the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Website: epa.gov/safewater

People Who May be

More at Risk

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compro- mised persons such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk for in- fection. These people should seek advice from their health care providers.

The US EPA - Center for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by crypto- sporidium and other microbial contam- inants are available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) and website: epa.gov/safewater

ARSENIC

City of Spokane drinking water currently meets EPA’s revised drinking water stan- dard for arsenic. However, it does con- tain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drink- ing water.

EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which

the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800- 426-4791, or at epa.gov/safewater/lead.

RADON

Radon is a naturally occurring radioac- tive gas that is common in the Spokane area. During 2020, the City conducted tests from two source wells for

Radon -222. The single highest result was 540 pCi/L and the lowest was 440 pCi/L. Exposure to excessive amounts of radon may increase cancer risk. The EPA has proposed a MCL of 300pCi/L, which has not been finalized.

Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon entering the home through tap water would, in most cases, typically be 1–2 % of the radon in indoor air. Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer and/or drinking water containing radon also may cause increased risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon in your home, you can purchase a test kit. Test- ing is inexpensive and easy, many radon test kits can be found online or in home improvement stores.

For more information concerning ra- don in your home, call the EPA’s Radon Hotline (1-800-55-RADON) or visit epa. gov/radon/radon-hotlines-and-infor- mation-resources.

6

CITY OF SPOKANE WATER QUALITY RESULTS FOR 2020

Spokane’s drinking water meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water quality standards. In 2020, we tested for 35 inorganic parameters with detections in arsenic and nitrate. 64 organic compounds were tested for with none detected. We disinfect our drinking water with chlorine gas, resulting in the generation of low concentrations of disinfection byproducts as summarized below (total Trihalomethanes). Routine testing for microbiological contaminants produced no detections.

DETECTED CONTAMINANTS

The results of monitoring in 2020 are shown in the table below. These results are for parameters regulated by federal and state agencies. For other water quality information, check our website: spokanewater.org or call 509-742-8166.

Contaminant

Units MCLG MCL Average

Range

Possible Source

SOURCE WATER TESTING

Arsenic

µg/L

0

10

(a)

2.6 to 2.8

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards;

Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium

mg/L

2

2

(a)

0.02-0.02

Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge of drilling

waste; Discharge from metal refineries

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate

mg/L

10

10

(a)

0.65to 3.29

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks,

sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Radium 226 & 228 (b)

pCi/L

0

5

(a)

1.5 to 1.5

Erosion of natural deposits

END OF PIPE TESTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Trihalomethanes

µg/L

0

80

3.50

0.70 to 4.01

By-product of drinking water chlorination

LEAD & COPPER

During 2018, the City tested 56 at-risk residences for lead. The single highest result in 2018 was 3.58 ppb. This result for lead is below the 15 ppb Action Level for lead. In 2018, the City completed the removal of all known lead service lines in our water system. Source water is analyzed for lead concurrent with in-home testing; in 2018 the maximum concentration of all the wellls was 0.16 ppb.

Contaminant

Units

MCLG

MCL

90th Percentile

Houses

Possible Source

Exceeding AL

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household WATER TESTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper(c)

 

 

TT,

 

 

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion

mg/L

1.3

0.08 (d)

0

of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preserva-

-tested August 2018

AL=1.3

 

 

 

 

tives

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead(c)

µg/L

0

TT,

1.41(d)

0

Corrosion of household plumbing

-tested August 2018

AL=15

systems; Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Some of the terms and abbreviations contained in this report are unique to the water industry and might not be familiar to all customers. Terms used in the table are explained below.

Action Level (AL) - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

LRAA: Locational Running Annual Average

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the

MCLG as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)

  • The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

ppb: same as ug/L, micrograms per liter, and parts per billion

ppm: same as mg/L, milligrams per liter, and parts per million

Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - a measure of radioactivity.

ND: None Detected

NOTES

  1. Compliance with MCL is determined by single sample results, so no average is used
  2. Gross Alpha results were used in lieu of Radium 226, one half of the detection limit of 1.0 was used for the ND.
  3. Faucet samples were from ‘at risk’ homes (those with lead service lines and those with copper pipes with lead solder joints).
  1. 90% of at risk homes had this concentration

or less of lead/copper

7

Customer Resources

Water Quality

Learn more about water quality online at: SpokaneWater. org or email waterinfo@spokanecity.org

Report urgent concerns, such as water outages, discolored water, leaks, hydrant misuse to the Water Department’s 24-hour radio room at: 509-625-7800

Ask questions about Spokane’s water quality, such as chlorine or hardness at: 509-742-8166

Ask general water quality questions:

Office of Drinking Water Washington DOH Eastern Regional

Office: 509-329-2100

Spokane Regional Health District: 509-324-1560

Department of Ecology Eastern Regional Office:

509-329-3400

Spokane County Water Resources: 509-477-3604

EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791

Conservation & Rebates

Explore tips, assistance, and rebates to help you save water at: WaterWiseSpokane.org or call 509-625-6293

Billing

Manage your account at: MySpokane311.org

Speak with a representative, Monday-Friday (7 am-6 pm) at: 311 or 755-CITY (for calls outside City limits)

Community Participation

The Mayor recommends Water Department policy and rates to the Spokane City Council. The Council meets virtually every Monday, excluding holidays, at 6:00 pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Council sessions are currently held virtually. Go to: my.spokanecity.org/ citycouncil/meetings/ for more information.

Some of our skilled and dedicated workforce. Top: Tapping Inspector

Foreman, Steve McGoldrick. Middle: Dave Reynolds, Meter Test Bench

Operator. Bottom: Leon Hopkins, North Side Repair Crew Foreman.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

Today. Tomorrow.

And Every Single Day After That.

509-625-7800 (24 Hours a Day) Email: waterinfo@spokanecity.org www.SpokaneWater.org

This report contains important information about the drinking water supplied by the City of Spokane. Translate it, or speak with someone who understands it well.

Вэтом отчете содержится важная информация относительно питьевой воды, поставляемой службой города Спокэн. Переведите этот отчет или поговорите с тем, кто его хорошо понимает.

Este contiene información importante acerca del agua potable suministrada por la Ciudad de Spokane. Tradúzcalo, o hable con alguien que lo entiende bien.

Bản phúc trình này chứa đựng những thông tin quan trọng về nước uống được cung cấp bởi City of Spokane. Hãy phiên dịch, hay hỏi thăm người nào hiểu rõ về tài liệu này.

8

Contaminants


City of Spokane

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 227505
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 19

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Radon
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Barium
  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Chlorodifluoromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (total)
  • Molybdenum
  • Selenium
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

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

Spokane Tap Water

If you’re looking for Spokane tap water, you’re not alone. The Spokane area is known for its rich natural beauty and for the excellent health and well-being it offers its residents. Spokane is located in what is known as the Spokane watershed, which sits right in the heart of Washington State’s vast agricultural hinterland. The water that flows into the Spokane River goes over some of the most beautiful rolling hills and mountain ranges in the region. This beautiful water makes for some of the finest potable water globally. It has been a source of pride for the Spokane community for years.

While you’ll find plenty to keep you happy on your way to and from work in Spokane, drinking water shouldn’t be one of them. Because of all of the farming and manufacturing in this gorgeous area, the water supply has always been somewhat short. In some areas, you might have to wait up to 60 minutes for the water to arrive in your kitchen. While you may live in a place where you have a plentiful supply of drinking water, you’re going to have to take a different approach when trying to find good, clean, tasting water to drink. Fortunately, several companies in and around Spokane can help you find exactly what you need.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see the water from a bottle top, you don’t know what you’re missing. You will love the way it tastes after you try one of these systems. They hook up to the tap you’re using and deliver water that has been filtered and purified through various methods, allowing you to choose from a variety of minerals and substances that you wish to add to your water. With so much pride in their product and so much knowledge to share, these companies know their stuff.

Spokane Drinking Water

Have you ever wondered what is in your drinking water in Spokane? Well, you are not alone; quite a several people have this question these days. One of the most important questions that people want to know the answer to is what is all in Spokane’s drinking water? Is it safe to drink? Well, take a look at the city of Spokane’s drinking water map. You will see that there are indeed some significant concentrations of different contaminants in their water supply.

While many cities have their water treatment facilities, these are not always up to par; often, they aren’t powerful enough to remove all the contaminants that have entered the community’s tap water. For example, many towns and cities have spent millions of dollars on new, high-tech purification systems that they claim will rid the water of any harmful bacteria or parasites. However, these systems are still not without flaws. As it turns out, when these high-tech purifiers do not perform as promised, it is often due to corrosion caused by contact with metal such as iron, mercury, and other metals.

If you live in a city like Spokane, you must protect yourself by only drinking water from that municipality. This is especially true if you are a homeowner because when you install an under-the-sink water filter system, you may remove some of the best protection you have for your health. The phrase “you are what you eat” definitely applies to water. Suppose you want to make sure that you and your family are getting only the cleanest water possible. In that case, you may want to think about investing in a multi-stage home water filtration system.

Spokane Water

Spokane water has long been a primary concern and issue for residents, the Spokane government, and Spokane city leaders. There are many things that people are not aware of when it comes to drinking water and how important it is to treat it. It is also a good idea to have a filter for your shower head and your drinking water and use a filtration system for your kitchen sink and your whole house. Filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, or you can look into different options on the Internet for water purification in Spokane.

Filtering your drinking water in Spokane is easy. It can save you a lot of money. Still, if you want to take it a step further and have clean, safe water for all of your family members and pets, then you will need to find a treatment facility close by. You will find that most treatment facilities will treat all of the water in the city and even surrounding areas. Still, there will be times when only a small site needs treatment. Filtering your water is the best solution for dealing with unwanted impurities and chemicals in your water. Even though most treatment centers are pretty good at what they do, you should still have your water tested before using the treated water at home. You never know what may be in your drinking water. It is better to be safe than sorry, and having your water tested can let you find out if you are at risk.

Filters can be installed at your home, or you can look into filtering systems that can be attached to your faucet and even your refrigerator. Filters are not only good for treating your water, but they can also be used to prevent the spread of germs around the home. It is crucial to have your entire family on board with filtering their water so that they can help keep the quality high and keep their body healthy. Filters will provide you with more convenience and peace of mind and make cleaning your pipes easier every day. Having clean, safe water in your home can make life a little easier.

Spokane Water Quality

Have you ever wondered why your Spokane water quality testing kit is so specific on the contaminants that it checks? Your Spokane water quality testing kit can only be as detailed as your needs. If you’re looking for a sample size, you might find too many contaminants to list. To accurately test our water, we need to have at least one sample size within five hundred feet of the water source. This is the standard for any private well. If we don’t have this standard, we’re not taking the proper steps to test our water’s relevant contaminants.

If you’re involved with good drilling or have a well that is older than five years, then you might want to consider purchasing a home water testing system. It’s always wise to buy quality equipment and know that you’re investing in something that will give you great results over time. You don’t want to have to invest money and time into a well again to discover that the water you’re getting is no better or more pure than the day you purchased it.

Spokane is an ideal city for someone new to owning a well or is having issues with their previous well. There is a good chance that your water quality has been excellent, but there could be problems that you aren’t aware of. Spokane is a large city with many different types of people and other needs. We don’t want to waste time or resources testing for things that will not be a problem. That being said, we do want to provide the best quality water to all of the people that live here.

Spokane Bottled Water

Suppose you are considering installing a water dispenser at your home or office. In that case, one of the best things you can do is install a water dispenser in your home’s tap and your office. It is so great to have a bottle of water available to any member of your family or staff on any given day because you will never be without a glass of drinking water for any length of time. In addition to this, you will never run out of drinking water either since water is delivered in bottles throughout the city and to most homes, well, and even businesses. Therefore, having a water bottle on hand is not only a good idea, but it is necessary to keep your water clean. You will also save money by not buying all of those individual bottles of water when you order them from the company. Another great thing about drinking water from a dispenser at your home or office is that you do not need to go to the store to pick up water.

Installing a water dispenser in your home or office is very easy and straightforward to do. Suppose you are going to purchase a water bottle from the Spokane Bottled Water Company. In that case, there are two different options that you can choose from. You can either buy a countertop water dispenser, or you can purchase a refrigerator-style dispenser. The countertop dispenser is an excellent idea for individuals who want to have various water bottles available at their fingertips. However, suppose you do not want to keep track of which particular bottle needs to be refilled. In that case, you will be better served by purchasing a refrigerator-style dispenser.

Whether you decide to buy a countertop or refrigerator-style water dispenser, it is essential to know that the water will be delivered directly to your home or office. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy drinking water straight from the tap in the convenience of your own home or office. The water will be delivered in glass bottles, so you will have to put the cap on them before drinking the water. You will also be able to add water to your container in any preferred manner. This makes the drinking water from a Spokane Bottled Water Company dispenser an excellent choice for individuals that want great-tasting water right at their fingertips.

Spokane Water Utility

If you own a home in Spokane, it is a good idea to have the water utility company you use send out a plumber to your home at least once a year. It might seem trivial to call the plumber back one time but believe me, it’s not! Having your water utility technician come out for a check-up will give you peace of mind knowing that all is working correctly. The plumber can identify any problems immediately so they can be fixed. This alone can help keep you from spending money on high monthly bills. Some people prefer to have their water utility company send out a professional when they have a problem rather than calling the plumber themselves.

There are many reasons why you should have a plumber come out for a check-up with your water utility company. One reason would be if a leak or burst pipe damaged your house, water issues should be taken care of right away because repairing pipes can cost a fortune. If you have a significant, severe leaking, the repair could last for years! Having a professional water utility company come out once every year, you can be sure that no pipes are leaking or bursting and that nothing worse has happened to your home.

You should have a professional water utility company check the pressure of your home’s water supply if you have a sump pump or sump pit. This might seem like a minor issue, but you wouldn’t think so, given how easy they are to damage and destroy. A ruptured sump pump will not only be an inconvenience; it will also end up costing you money because it will require you to purchase a new sump pump or a sump pit. Finally, the piping leading to your sump pump might have been broken, and this requires someone who specializes in plumbing to come out and take a look. Even if the piping isn’t broken, the plumbing might be damaged or corroded. This requires someone who understands plumbing to repair it. Don’t assume that something is just fine because it’s the same color as your plumbing, and you’ve never had a problem before. Call a water utility company to be sure.

Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1