Island County staff would like to remind all water systems that we are approaching the time to monitor for seawater intrusion with a water test for Chloride and Conductivity. Some helpful guidance: Continue reading REMINDER: Monitor for Seawater Intrusion
In 2025 the county commissioned a third-party consultant to conduct a review of the Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP). In January, Dr. Chris Kelly, the county’s hydrogeologist, presented a summary of the recommendations and action items at the work session … Continue reading Coordinated Water System Plan Update
DOH/Office of Drinking Water Advisory Group (DWAG) Quarterly Meeting—March 2, 2026; 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m ONLINE (TEAMS) ONLY The next Quarterly Drinking Water Advisory Group (DWAG) meeting will be held March 2, 2026. See the DWAG page here for meeting links and the agenda. … Continue reading Drinking Water Advisory Group Meeting
An opportunity to increase aquifer recharge Photo credit: Linda LaMar Within our water system communities property owners can increase aquifer recharge by managing stormwater runoff using simple, efficient and cost-effective green stormwater infrastructure. Often, if stormwater runoff is left to … Continue reading Stormwater Runoff Management
ODW released an operation note on 12/23 regarding Recommended Actions for Returning to Routine Operations after a storm event. Continue reading Flood Recovery Startup Information
Earlier this month, the USDA Drinking Water Circuit Rider Program was paused with a ‘Stop Work Order’ due to the government shutdown but there is currently a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program for small water systems (under 10,000 … Continue reading Technical Assistance Options
DWAG Meeting; December 1, 2025 9 am to 12 noon Online See the announcement for online meeting links, agenda and more information. The meeting will include will discuss PFAS updates, DWSRF Guidelines, Water Use Efficiency, and Challenges and Issues Facing … Continue reading Drinking Water Advisory Group Meeting
The Office of Drinking Water has released the November ODW Now newsletter: Drinking Water Week Awards 2026, Water Rights, New Waterworks Operator Job Postings Webpage and much more. Check it out here… Continue reading ODW Now Newsletter
Oct. 21, 2025 at 6:00 am Updated Oct. 21, 2025 at 6:00 am By Conrad Swanson, Seattle Times climate reporter In a severe drought year, like this one, some farmers and ranchers in the Yakima River Basin come to expect a letter … Continue reading WA cities face unprecedented water cuts amid drought
By Conrad Swanson, Seattle Times climate reporter Oct. 2, 2025 Drought conditions east of the Cascade crest are so dire that state officials plan to cut off water for farmers, ranchers and more, something they’ve never done before. Reservoirs in the Yakima … Continue reading Unprecedented water rationing to begin in WA’s Yakima Basin
Hello all, Our team at Washington State Department of Health (DOH) heard from community members around the state that they need better, more actionable advice on the safety of eating home-grown fruits and vegetables from gardens watered with PFAS-contaminated water. … Continue reading Help Washington State Department of Health Understand Your PFAS Gardening Needs!
Collecting and properly disposing of “forever chemicals” Ecology is partnering with fire departments across the state to help protect firefighters from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – or PFAS – in firefighting foams. Read more… Continue reading State launches disposal program for toxic firefighting foams
The new timeline could slow cleanup in some communities by nearly a decade. The chemicals, widely used in the military, are linked to cancers and other health risks. By Hiroko Tabuchi (The New York Times) Sept. 23, 2025 The Department of … Continue reading Defense Department Delays Cleanup of ‘Forever Chemicals’ Nationwide
Thank you for all who attended the Q3 member Meeting on September 18, 2025. The meeting was held in person at the Coupeville Library as well as over Zoom with over 50 members and guests attending. This post includes a … Continue reading September 2025 — Q3 Member’s Meeting