Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sources of my water? Spanaway Water Company draws water from 11 wells located in the Spanaway area of the Chambers/Clover Creek watershed. The well depths vary from 99 to 645 feet. The water system has three tanks holding 5,100,000 gallons, one booster station serving the higher elevations at the south end of the water system, well over 120 miles of water mains, and nearly 740 fire hydrants.
How and why is my water treated? As water is pumped from each of the eleven wells, chlorine is added as a disinfectant providing extra protection to insure that no harmful bacteria are present. The minimum amount of chlorine is used to maintain a detectable level throughout the water system. Corrosion control with sodium hydroxide is also used at four wells. This treatment reduces the slight natural acidity of the water, resulting in decreased copper levels in some homes. These treatment requirements are mandated under federal law.
Four of our wells have naturally occurring manganese. Even at the very low levels found at the wells, “brown” water may occur when large flows are created in water mains, such as when fire hydrants are used for fire fighting or testing. The rushing water picks up the manganese “rust” that settles in the mains. Manganese is not a health related contaminant, rather it is an essential human nutrient with a recommended daily amount (RDA) of 2.0 mg. However, even at 0.05 mg/l (1/40th of the RDA) brown water may occur. The presence of manganese is therefore considered an aesthetic problem. Your water company has a manganese filter at well 4 with additional filters planned for the Yakima (2008) and Buckeye Grove (2008) wells.
How hard is my water? Often when you purchase a new dishwasher the instructions will suggest you call your water purveyor to find out how “hard” your water is. Spanaway Water contains between 48-55 ppm (parts per million) or 2.9-3.2 grains of hardness. This slight hardness is from naturally dissolved calcium and magnesium. Hard water is safe but may require a little more soap or detergent. These dissolved minerals can also build on hot water heater heating elements forming a white to whitish-blue crust. If you see this on you faucet screens the hot water heater should be flushed. You can do this by attaching a hose to the faucet at the bottom of your hot water heater and running the hose outside. Then run the water through the hose for a few minutes. This flushing is recommended by manufactures at least annually. For more information contact your heater manufacturer.
How can I help protect our water resources? Since Spanaway’s ground water sources are located in aquifers under where we live and work, our everyday activities can contribute to the contamination of these aquifers that supply our water. Ground water is naturally purified by traveling through the soil materials below us, but if these soils become contaminated with chemicals they will also release those chemicals into the ground water. To help protect these resources, use lawn chemicals sparingly, or look for safer alternatives. Always properly store and dispose of hazardous chemicals, and do not dump anything in storm drains. Pierce County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste free of charge at the HazWaste Place located at the Tacoma Landfill. HazWaste Place is open seven days a week from 8AM to 6PM. The address is: 3510 S. Mullen St. which is off of Center St between Orchard and Tyler Streets next to the Home Depot store. You can call them at 800 287-6429. Used oil recycling is available at Jiffy Lube or Shucks Auto Supply.
What about special considerations for people at risk? Some people may be more vulnerable to contamination in drinking water than the general population. 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, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
What about bottled water? Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Sometimes my water is discolored, is it safe to drink? Your water is safe to drink or cook with. Manganese in pipes can be released when valves are being repaired, the system is being flushed or fire hydrants are in use. Should you experience “brown” water, letting an outside faucet run for 5 to 15 minutes should clear the problem. Routine main flushing is done on Tuesdays. To reduce the risk of discoloring clothing we ask that you avoid washing clothes on Tuesdays.
What are the benefits from efficiently managing our water resource? Short-term conservation efforts during drought emergencies, especially as it relates to reduction of peak demand prevent mandatory curtailment or increased rates for high consumption. Long-term water supply management reducing or delaying the need for costly new water supplies. Eventual lower cost to customer/higher quality of life because we can utilize the resources we have without developing new sources and building large storage reservoirs.
Do your part to make your home more water efficient: Install low flow fixtures. Fix all leaks. You can check for a leak in your plumbing by looking at your water meter when nothing is running in your home. The leak indicator is either a red or blue small triangle. It should not be spinning if you have no leaks.