Water Report

2019

CITY OF LACEY, WASHINGTON ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality

Get Your FREE Water-Saving Items!Mandatory Summer Watering Schedule

Get to Know Your Water Heater

Water Quality Testing Results

Turning Off Your Water Meter

Pictured: Leipunaheleokalani Clarke, P.E., City of Lacey Utility Engineer

Water Quality Testing Results Now Available The drinking water delivered to your home in 2018 by the City of Lacey’s water utility met or exceeded all regulations and mandates established by the Environmental Protection Agency!We have a comprehensive water-testing program that takes place each month to ensure our drinking water is safe to drink.

Get a paper copy by calling (360) 486-8707

View online at ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality

In the 2018 Drinking Water Test Results, you may also find important information about lead and other contaminants that may be present in all drinking water sources. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, some pregnant women and some infants can be particularly at risk from infections, and are encouraged to visit www.ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality to learn more and seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

A Message from the Mayor I am pleased to announce that Lacey’s drinking water met or exceeded all regulations and mandates established by the Environmental Protection Agency for 2018.

Please take the opportunity to read and learn about the quality of our community’s drinking water. You can rest assured knowing that Lacey staff work around the clock to maintain a water system that delivers consistent, high quality drinking water 24/7.

Information contained in this report and online at ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality enables Lacey’s water customers, specifically those with special health considerations, to make informed decisions about the water they use every day.

If you have questions regarding the community’s drinking water or the information contained in this report, please contact your Lacey Water Utility at 360-491-5600.

Sincerely,

Mayor Andy Ryder

Since 2006, the City of Lacey has enforced an odd-even watering schedule for all of its water customers to help meet peak summer demand. In winter, Lacey water customers use about 6 million gallons of water a day. In summer, it jumps to 13 million gallons a day due to watering of lawns. Help us keep water rates lower for longer by reducing your summer water use!

To apply for a temporary exemption or variance from the watering schedule, contact Water Resources at (360) 486-8707 or WaterResources@ci.lacey.wa.us

EFFECTIVE JUNE 1 – SEPT. 30

Mandatory Summer Watering Schedule Mandatory Summer Watering Schedule

IF YOU CHOOSE TO WATER YOUR LAWN THIS SUMMER, DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE

PLEASE NOTE: Failure to follow the outdoor watering policy could ultimately lead to the discontinuation of your water service.

Indoor water saving kit

Outdoor water saving kit

Automatic shut-off hose timer

Soil moisture sensor

FREE WATER-SAVING ITEMSBring a copy of your water bill to City Hall

BEGINNING JUNE 3RD

Items available to Lacey water customers only. Limit is one item per eligible account (5 per master meter) while supplies last. We recommend calling first to check availability:

(360) 491-5600. Pick up items at Lacey City Hall, 420 College St. SE.

If your address ends with an:

ODD NUMBER

1-3-5-7-9 If your address ends with an:

EVEN NUMBER

0-2-4-6-8

Your watering days are:

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Your watering days are:

SUNDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY

NO WATERING ON

FRIDAYS

CHECK IT!

Get to Know Your Water HeaterFlushing the TankGroundwater has naturally occurring minerals. Over time, these minerals build up inside the storage tank of your water heater. As more minerals buildup your water heater has to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. You might notice bad odors or even see brown or rusty-colored water come from the hot water. That’s why it’s important to have your hot water tank flushed every 1–3 years and perform regular maintenance to keep it running in tip-top shape. If you are unsure about how to flush your hot water tank, please contact a licensed plumber to assist you.

Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and minimize efficiency loss. If you have a water heater with a storage tank, be sure to flush a quarter of the water from the tank every three months and check the temperature and pressure valve every six months. To extend the life of your water heater, check the owner's manual or go online to the manufacturer's website for other recommended maintenance and replacement of parts.

Temperature Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140º F, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that most households set theirs to 120º F. A lower temperature not only reduces the safety hazard of scalding, it also saves you money on heating costs! Energy.gov/energysaver/

Replacement According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average water heater lasts about 10–15 years and when it fails, it can leave a mess! Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home (following heating/cooling) and typically accounts for about 18% of your utility bill. Typically, the older your water heater, the more energy it takes to function.

If it’s time to replace your water heater, be aware there are many different types and you should choose the kind that’s right for you. See an overview of the types of water heaters on the market at energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/

selecting-new-water-heater

Keep in mind, regardless of the type of water heater you select, look for the Energy Star logo to ensure the system you choose is energy efficient. This will help reduce your water heating costs.

EVERY

6 MONTHS

EVERY

1-3 YEARS

SEDIMENT BUILD UP

REDUCES

EFFICIENCY

COULD CAUSE

BROWN OR RUSTY COLORED

HOT WATER

REPLACE ANODE RODSas needed

MAINTAIN IT!

120CHECK

TEMP & PRESSURE

BUY AMORE

EFFICIENT WATER HEATER

TO REDUCE WATER HEATING BILLS!

EVERY

3 MONTHS

1/4FLUSH

FULLFLUSH

REPLACE IT!

IN

10-15 YEARS

Turning Off Your Water Meter

Never attempt to remove your water meter assembly or box.

The City owns the water meter and setter. Any damage done to the meter assembly and box will be liable to the homeowner.

If a water pipe breaks in your home or yard and you can't find the water shut-off valve for your home, would you know how to shut off the water meter in order to avoid flooding or excessive loss of water?

Locate your water meter

For most single family homes, the

water meter is located along the property line next to the City road.

The meter can be difficult to find as dirt, vegetation, or landscaping often

covers it up. Please do your part to keep it clear and visible in case of emergency.

Take the cover off your water meter

You will most likely find a double meter box which includes

two water meter assemblies inside,

servicing two neighboring homes.

Be sure to only adjust the assembly

on the same side as your home.

Find the shut-off valve

The locking assembly turns your

water on and off. It usually has an arrow on top and

includes two “ears” that look like loops

that stick out at opposite ends.

Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water

Using an adjustable wrench, turn the valve clockwise so that the “ears”

overlap each other. This will stop the flow of water into

your home.

EARS NOW OVERLAPPING

Don’t hesitate to call the City of Lacey Maintenance Department. Staff can give you the general location of your water meter. We can also send out a locator within 48 hours to mark the location. Public Works Maintenance . . (360) 491-5644Utility Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (360) 491-5616Tip for snowbirds!

If you plan on leaving for at least six weeks, you can call our water utility department to temporarily discontinue water billing. 24 hour notice is required for both shut-off and turn-on.

When it’s time to turn your water back on, be sure the locking assemblies are either fully aligned or fully open to assure complete water pressure flow. You are very likely to get a shot of dirty water and air. That's totally normal. Run a cold water faucet (preferably

an outdoor hose bib) until you have flushed out your pipes.

Be neighborly!We advise letting your neighbor know that you are shutting off your water and be sure you don’t accidentally shut off theirs as well!

Where Does Lacey’s Water Come From? All of the water you use in your home comes from groundwater wells located through the greater Lacey area. The groundwater wells pump water up from three underground aquifers. An aquifer is a natural underground layer of rock or sand that stores water. Groundwater is found in the pore spaces between the rock or sand.

By the end of 2018, the Lacey water distribution system consisted of:

Water Reservoirs: 7

Production Wells: 20

Waterlines: 390 miles

Hydrants: 3,904

Water Valves: 11,412

Staff Members: 28

Customers Served: ~70,000

Groundwater Protection In 1995, the City of Lacey began its Wellhead Protection Program to ensure that activities and land uses do not contaminate our groundwater supply. Why does this matter? All of Lacey's drinking water comes from groundwater, as does most drinking water in Thurston County. Groundwater—our drinking water—can become contaminated if harmful substances sink through the soil and end up in our underground aquifers.

The Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) around each well shows how long it takes groundwater to travel through the underground aquifer and reach the wellhead. For example, in the picture below, groundwater in the yellow area takes 5 years to travel through the aquifer and reach the drinking water well. Everyone can help protect our drinking water through the proper use, storage, and disposal of harmful substances, especially within WHPAs.

Septic systems can also be a source of groundwater contamination if not properly used and maintained. If you have an onsite septic system, perform regular system maintenance to prevent groundwater contamination and protect the quality of our drinking water.

If you see something, report it! To report someone dumping contaminants or if you find a spill, call (360) 491-5644.

YEARS10

YEARS5

YEAR1

MONTHS6MUNICIPAL

WELLHEAD

Find out if you live within a wellhead protection area by visiting the interactive map at ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality

WELL HEAD PROTECTION AREA (WHPA) Time Of Travel: Groundwater To Wellhead

Where Did Lacey's Water Go in 2018?

*Authorized uses include street sweeping, water line flushing, treatment facility maintenance and other related activities. **Distribution system leakage (DSL) refers to all water that could not be accounted for and is attributed to water main breaks, theft of water and other unknown water losses. The state requires that utility of Lacey’s size maintain a DSL of less than 10%.

For more information about Lacey’s distribution system or to report problems, call (360) 491-5644.

CITY CUSTOMERS WITH WATER METERS

90.8%(2.5 billion gallons)

AUTHORIZED CITY USES*

1.0%(27.2 million gallons)

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM LEAKAGE**

8.2%(225 million gallons)

Introducing Members of Lacey’s Water Utility Team!

Justin has worked with the City of Lacey for 17 years and was recently promoted to Senior Water Distribution Technician! He’s done everything from water main repair

to utility locates but his favorite part of the job is the challenge of learning new things. When not at work, Justin enjoys skydiving!

Erich has worked with the City of Lacey for 25 years and has done everything from meter reading to transportation sign & markings. Erich’s day-to-day work includes performing utility locates and his favorite part of the job is working with so many different people at Lacey. When not at work, Erich enjoys hiking!

Justin Bellis Erich Paich

FREE TOILET REPLACEMENT (Customers on SEPTIC)

City of Lacey water customers with on-site septic systems may be eligible for up to 2 FREE high-efficiency toilets (HET). While supplies last!

$100 TOILET REBATE (Customers on SEWER)

Lacey water customers with City sewer service are eligible for a mail-in-rebate of up to $100 for the purchase of qualifying high efficiency toilets. Only certain toilets qualify.

$50 WASHING MACHINE REBATE (Customers on SEPTIC or SEWER)

City of Lacey water customers are eligible for a mail-in rebate of up to $50 for the purchase of an qualifying ENERGY STAR certified washing machine.

Visit ci.lacey.wa.us/rebates to learn more and download a rebate application! For questions about rebates, call (360) 486-8707.

REBATES

Water Resources420 College St. S.E.Lacey, WA 98503

Join Stream TeamLacey Stream Team helps protect and enhance water resources through citizen education and action. In 2018, 467 Stream Team volunteers donated over 1,006 hours to our community through stream re-vegetation projects, stream monitoring, litter clean up, storm drain marking, and other activities. Visit www.streamteam.info for more information or to sign up for an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Attend a City Council MeetingCity council meetings are generally held at 7:00 pm at Lacey City Hall on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month January through October and the 1st & 3rd Thursdays in November and December. Call 360-491-3214 to check upcoming meeting agendas. Meetings are also video recorded and available on our website (live and archived) ci.lacey.wa.us/video.

Want to do more?

Contact Us To report problems about Lacey’s water system, call 360-491-5644 For utility bill questions, call 360-491-5616 EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline:

1-800-426-4791 or visit the EPA Homepage at epa.gov/OW

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLACEY, WA

PERMIT NO. 6