FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2006

Press Contact:  Jay Eaton, Tumwater Public Works Director (360) 754-4140
Denise Lahmann, Washington State Dept. of Health (360) 236-3030

TUMWATER TO BEGIN PERMANENT DISINFECTION OF WATER

TUMWATER, WA— Starting September 13, 2006, the City of Tumwater will begin adding chlorine to the drinking water system.  Up to this point, the Tumwater water system has only been disinfected on a temporary basis while the utility completed upgrades to the drinking water distribution system.  However, because routine testing found coliform bacteria in the water system in August of this year, chlorine will be added to the entire water system beginning on the 13th.  This will be done to assure the protection of public health, now and into the future.   

Coliforms are bacteria that are normally present in the environment.  Detecting coliform bacteria during routine drinking water tests indicates that conditions exist that could support the growth of harmful bacteria, such as fecal coliform or E. Coli bacteria.  Further tests of the water samples did not detect any fecal or E. coli bacteria.

“Water systems occasionally harbor bacteria,” said Denise Lahmann, Regional Manager for Washington Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water.  “Disinfection is an effective measure for managing such situations and reducing the risk to public health.”

Tumwater’s drinking water will be chlorinated beginning on September 13, 2006.  Chlorine will be added to a level ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm (parts per million).  This is equivalent to about one drop in 44 gallons of water. 

“Residents may notice a difference in the taste of drinking water.  We will make every effort to disinfect by adding the lowest amount of chlorine necessary to achieve the complete removal of bacteria,” said Jay Eaton, Director of Public Works for the City of Tumwater.  “It is the City’s top priority to eliminate the coliform bacteria and ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality water to all our water customers.”

Director Eaton added, “The City of Tumwater has historically provided high quality drinking water without the need for chemical treatment.  The City has been proactive in replacing equipment and upgrading components of the system, but ultimately, disinfection is necessary to ensure our customers continue to receive safe, high quality water.”

Customers with home dialysis systems should recognize that chlorine will be present in the water and their filter systems will need to be prepared accordingly.  Chlorine may also have an adverse effect on fish and aquatic life.  Tumwater water customers should treat water for use in aquariums with a dechlorinating conditioner, available at many locations where pet supplies are sold.   

All City water customers were mailed a notice earlier this week regarding the chlorination.  Customers with additional questions may check the City’s Web site, www.ci.tumwater.wa.us, or call Tumwater Public Works at 754-4140.

* * *                                         * * *

Informational Timeline

August 2004 - Non-Acute Violation* from WA Department of Health (DOH) for coliform detections.
October 2004 - Second Non-Acute Violation* from DOH for coliform detections.
October 2004 - City notifies customers that temporary chlorination is to begin.
November 2004 - The City of Tumwater begins temporary disinfection with chlorine.
February 2005 - City notifies customers chlorination will continue until system upgrades are complete.
March 2006 - Reservoir mixing system completed.
April 2006 - Temporary disinfection discontinued.
August 2006 - Third Non-Acute Violation* from DOH received for coliform detections.
September 2006 - City notifies customers of intention to permanently disinfect.
September 13, 2006 - City begins permanent disinfection with chlorine.

* The non-acute maximum contaminant level (MCL) is the standard for the presence of total coliform bacteria.  The presence of total coliform bacteria in a water sample generally indicates contamination from the environment (soil, plants, etc.), but there is still a possibility that the water could contain disease-causing organisms.  These more harmful bacteria have not been detected in Tumwater’s water.

Updated: March 4, 2008