Water Quality

Water Quality Report & Dataclean_tap_water

Water Quality Report: Each year we sample our sources for metals, nutrients, bacteria, and radionuclide chemicals. Only results with detection are listed in our water quality report. The finished water we test for bacteria and disinfection by-products (DBP), the results of naturally occurring organic chemicals reacting with chlorination. The DBP’s test results were all less than 25% of the EPA’s maximum contamination level (MCL). We have also included the EPA’s standards and information about the contaminants that were detectable. A complete listing of all water quality testing and the highest levels ever found in the water system is available at the company office.

We strive to provide you with safe, high quality water that meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. Water quality is tested daily by water company employees and on a regular schedule that includes weekly, annual, and tri-annual analysis by Washington State and EPA certified laboratories.

To see the annual water quality reports for each year click here,

If you would like more information about contaminants, or any other water quality issues, we will be happy to answer your questions. Please call (253) 531-9024 and ask for the Water Programs Manager.

Water Quality Test Data: The data presented is in compliance with the EPA’s format and content requirements. A complete listing of all water quality testing and the highest levels ever found in the water system is available on request at the company office. You can also find this information in our annual water quality report. 

WATER QUALITY DATA REQUIREMENTS: The following is presented in compliance with the EPA’s format and content requirements. Terms and abbreviations used in the following tables:

Minimum Detectable Level (MDA): the level of contaminant in drinking water that can be reliably detected by the laboratory.

Maximum Contamination 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.

Maximum Contamination Level (MCL): the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Action Level (AL): the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

ND: not detectable at testing limit. N/A: not applicable. mfl: million fibers per liter. ppb: parts per billion or micrograms per liter. ppm: parts per million or milligrams per liter. pCi/l: picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation)

About Water Sources and contaminants: The 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 the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic chemical contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

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