Oct. 8 Update | Boil water advisory lifted

Mercer Island announces end of advisory after sixth day of clean samples

By Reporter Staff • October 8, 2014 3:07 pm

Mercer Island Announces The End of Boil-Water Advisory
Guidance for Residents Includes Flushing Pipes Before Drinking Water

The City of Mercer Island announced that as of noon today it has lifted the current Boil-Water Advisory in consultation with the state Department of Health. restaurants may reopen following completion of step-by-step procedures Restaurants may reopen after speaking directly with a Health Inspector from Public Health – Seattle & King County and following completion of step-by-step procedures.

For the sixth day in a row, water-sample test results are clear: all 18 of the latest samples revealed no presence of E. coli or Total Coliform, and chlorine levels were adequate.  This brings the total number of samples collected to more than 100 over 6 days.

“I know I can speak for the whole community when I say that this day has been a long time coming. I’d like to thank staff and partner agencies for their extensive commitment to not only resolving this incident and implementing corrective measures, but also ensuring the safety of the community. We all look forward to life returning back to normal,” said Mayor Bruce Bassett.

In supporting the lifting of the advisory, the state Department of Health cited five milestones:

  • Six sequential days of clear test results, including today.
  • Completion of the Investigative Action Plan.
  • Maintaining the current boost in chlorine residuals in the water reservoirs.
  • Demonstrated and monitored elevated chlorine residuals in the distribution system.
  • Development of a post-rain event inspection protocol for high-risk vaults identified in surveys.

The Department of Health has been working closely with the City throughout this process and fully supports the City’s decision to end the boil-water advisory.

“The collaborative response to this incident is a great example of public health at work,” said Clark Halvorson, director of the Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water.  “We could not be at this point without the help and cooperation of the incredible staff at Mercer Island, Public Health – Seattle and King County, Seattle Public Utilities, City of Bellevue, City of Issaquah as well as the community of Mercer Island.”

The City is confident in its decision to end the advisory and in continuing with an ongoing action plan, which includes:

  • Expert review to assist with investigating the cause of the contamination.
  • The ongoing expanded collection of water quality samples.
  • Continued injection of additional chlorine.
  • Research into potential equipment upgrades and improvements.
  • A thorough review of the City’s cross-contamination program, including the best means of overseeing the registration and certification of backflow prevention devices.

Maps depicting the breadth of actions taken and data gathered, as well as the locations of sample sites and water infrastructure, are available on the City’s website, and will be updated as more information is gathered. See:http://www.mercergov.org/files/Boil-Water_Public_Map_SampleSites_IGSa.pdf

Water engineers were unable to identify an obvious source of the temporary contamination of the water, but are confident in the corrective measures put in place. On average, boil-water alerts occur a few times per year in larger water systems across Washington state.  In many cases the source of contamination is never determined, especially in large water systems like that of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), which supplies Mercer Island.

General Instructions for Residents

Visit: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/disaster/BoilOrder.aspx

  • Flush pipes at home for 5 minutes by running the cold water tap at all faucets until it feels a lot colder; for a residence with multiple levels, start at the top of the house.
  • If discolored, run water until it is clear; drink water from the cold faucet.
  • Some residents may notice a chlorine smell – this is not harmful and indicates disinfected water has indeed reached the house. If left to stand in a pitcher, water will lose the smell. Chlorine levels are comparable to many other municipal systems.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for appliances such as water filters and water softeners.
  • Dispose of ice from automatic icemakers, make and discard 3 batches, then wash and sanitize trays.
  • Run enough hot water to completely empty the water heater tank; water will feel cool.

Schools
The Mercer Island School District will continue with “heat and eat” food and special water procedures until crews can sanitize its water-related systems tonight. Other private schools will receive direct phone calls from Public Health – Seattle & King County on appropriate procedures.

Restaurants
All permitted food establishments (including restaurants, coffee shops, delis, cafes) must contact Public Health – Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566 prior to opening. This includes restaurants that are currently operating with limited menus. Health inspectors will discuss re-opening procedures with each restaurant via phone and provide approval to reopen.  Health inspectors are also available for on-site technical assistance upon request.

Daycares and Adult Care Facilities
These entities will be contacted by their licensing agencies with instructions.

The next press release/update is expected at approximately Noon, Thursday, October 9.

This notice is being issued following consultation with the Washington state Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County.

If residents have any further questions about the end of the Boil-Water Advisory, please contact the City of Mercer Island hotline (today open 9:00am-7:00pm) at 206-275-7800, or visit our website atwww.mercergov.org.