Some people in our community were experiencing discolored water, some were brown, some were cloudy, or both. There are separate causes for each discoloration. Cloudy water is due to air in the water, and brown coloring is due to the sediment that is in the pipes getting stirred up.
Upon investigation, we think that the sediment was due to the well pumps cycling on and off more frequently than is typical. This causes the water to fluctuate in the pipes and stir up the sediment in the pipes (mostly minerals that have settled out over time). We suspect the floats that call for the well pumps to turn on and off in the lower reservoir may not be functioning properly, and our Water Tech adjusted them yesterday. We have also scheduled for their replacement, which will be in about a week. As always, if you experience brown water, please flush your line at an outside spigot as close to where the water service comes into your property as you can until it runs clear, and let the office know.
White, cloudy water is due to air in the system, and if the water is allowed to sit, the air will dissipate. We found that the hydropneumatic tank on the water system had too much air in it, so we released some of that air. The additional air may be due to a faulty air relief valve that we are having looked at.
There is no indication that any contaminants have entered the system that would cause a health risk. We are required by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to test our water routinely. Here is the website to look up our test results:
fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/portal/odw/si/ListMultiWaterSystems.aspx
There is a lot of speculation and sensationalist posts on social media that cause concern. However, very few of those posts are anywhere near accurate. One person also contacted DOH to tell them some tests they themselves had done from water on their property showed elevated levels of pH and other things (I was not told specifically by DOH what those things were). DOH’s response is here:
“I informed them that Scott Lake is compliant with testing, and pH levels show that the treatment is reaching its target parameters for corrosion control. I also let them know that strip tests are unreliable and sent them approved methods/accredited laboratories if they choose to perform their own testing again.”
Also, once the water passes through the meter, the Scott Lake water system is not responsible, and the plumbing that belongs to the property owner is not always up to current codes or in good condition. There is a real possibility that the private plumbing is causing or contributing to the issues the owner may see in the water coming out of their taps.
Most of us dealing with the water system are volunteers, and we are all on the Scott Lake Water system. For perspective, I consistently drink the water, cook with it, water my plants, feed it to my pets, and brush my teeth with it. There are minerals in our system, and we do add chlorine in one of the wells. Individuals with sensitivities may choose alternative options at their discretion.
Scott Lake is in compliance with DOH drinking water requirements.
