April 13, 2010

Customers in Central Tacoma may see more sediment in their water this weekend. Tacoma Water must replace a large valve near South 19th & J Street in Central Tacoma, requiring the shutdown of a major water supply line. Sediments may show up in the water from about 9 p.m. Saturday, April 17 and throughout the day on Sunday, April 18. Sediments in the water are not a health hazard.

“We used modeling to help us determine the potential impact area, but it’s not an exact science and ultimately we cannot know just how widespread those impacts might be,” said Glen George, Tacoma Water Supply manager. “We hope for minimal impacts on customers, but want people to be aware and prepare in case impacts become greater than we anticipate.”

Customers will not lose water service during the repair. The majority of work will occur at night to help minimize daytime impacts.

What customers can do

To reduce negative impacts of sediments in your water at home:

  • Stop or limit water use water from 9 p.m. on Saturday through 9 a.m. on Sunday, during the repair period
  • Do not wash things like clothes (especially light colors), automobiles and dishes
  • Do not water your lawn or plants to prevent drawing water into home pipes
  • Test to see when water becomes clear only on outside hose bibs closest to the street

To reduce negative impacts of sediments in your water at your business:

  • Stop using post-mix soda fountain machines in bars and lounges until the water supply is clear
  • Serve bottled water instead of tap water until your water runs clear from the tap
  • Cook with bottled water until tap water runs clear 
  • Turn off the water supply to water filters and ice machines, and do not make ice until tap water is clear
  • Use an alternate method to wash dishes and clean produce without using tap water until water is clear

Weather conditions, emergencies or other unforeseen factors may force us to re-schedule work. Monitor follow Tacoma Water on Facebook and Twitter for schedule updates. For questions about water quality prior to work, please contact our Water Operations Center at (253) 502-8384. For concerns during the repair, please contact our Water Control Center at (253) 502-8344.