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1. Whom do I call with questions on my water bill?

Please call Utility Billing at (509)764-3715.

2. The water smells like "rotten eggs", why and is it safe to use?

This condition is caused by hydrogen sulfide, a gas that occurs naturally in the water. To treat this we dose the water pumped from our wells, as it enters the distribution system, with sodium hypochlorite. This chemical produces a chlorine residual which oxidizes the gas and removes the smell. When the chlorine residual level drops, you will notice the "rotten-egg" smell. This is not a problem of health but of aesthetics. It is unpleasant to use water that has a repulsive odor. 

Please contact the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 if you have concerns. The Public Works office regular business  hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). For emergency water concerns after hours, or on weekends and holidays, please call the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 and select option 1 to contact standby personnel. 

3. The water is an orange/brown color, why and is it safe to use?

Sediment and rust accumulate in the bottom of the City water mains. If the water moves through the water mains at a faster speed than normal, it disturbs this accumulation and the sediment is visible in the water. Most often this happens when the water mains are flushed out or the water is turned off for a repair and then restarted. It takes several hours for the sediment to settle down. Once the sediment has settled down in the water, you may still have sediment in your plumbing system. Let the water run in a sink or bathtub until it is clear. It is advised not to use the water until it is clear. 

Please call the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 if you have concerns. The Public Works office regular business hours are  Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). For emergency water concerns, after hours, or on weekends and holidays, please call the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 and select option 1 to contact standby personnel.