Eastsound Water Users Association will be conducting a water main and fire hydrant flushing program in the village core from Oct. 23 to 25.
This work is scheduled to coincide with the Orcas Ferry Terminal construction to minimize visitor impacts and is being initiated in response to several recent unanticipated “cloudy water” events. This effort will improve water quality, reduce the potential reoccurrence of recent issues and confirm area fire flow capacity. Temporary signs will be placed on streets prior to and during the water main flushing program. EWUA is undertaking this initiative after 8 p.m. each evening to minimize any possible disruption. The following observations may be associated with this flushing effort: off colored water; reduced water pressure; cones blocking off parking spaces at specific hydrants; flushing water running in the streets; hydrants left slightly open to clear the water lines after flushing.
If you notice color in your water, it is best to flush your service line for a few minutes from an outside hose bib, and to avoid using hot water until the color has cleared. They also suggest that residents refrain from doing laundry on the nights of the scheduled flushing. There is no public health risk associated with off-colored water.
If you have any questions or if you experience any persistent water quality problems as a result of this maintenance program, call EWUA’s General Manager Paul Kamin at 376-2127 or pkamin@rockisland.com.
EWUA secures water rights
The Washington Department of Ecology has approved three Eastsound Water Users Association’s water rights applications. Each are linked to previously developed groundwater wells within Eastsound in areas north of Mt. Baker Rd. The applications were for 18 gallons per minute, 87 gpm, and 150 gpm, for a combined award of 255 gal per minute. These awards roughly double EWUA groundwater rights and will provide more than 700 new connections.
These new water rights are not only important to future members. Groundwater is the most affordable water source on Orcas, requiring less treatment and storage; and fewer chemical additions. (This is compared to surface water or desalination.) By maximizing the use of groundwater, EWUA will help control rates for existing members.
EWUA says its new water rights increase the importance of protecting groundwater supply from possible contamination.
“The fact that Orcas development is focused directly on top of the Eastsound Aquifer is a challenging situation that requires responsible actions from utilities, the county government, developers, and Orcas residents,” Kamin said.
