Water Quality Report
Celebrate National Drinking Water Week: May 3-9, 2009!
Download this report in PDF Format. Call 360-473-2358 for more information.
Bremerton Drinking Water Quality Excellent
The City of Bremerton Water Utility is pleased to provide you with its annual water quality report and proud that your water continues to be of the highest quality. The City is committed to safeguarding its surface and groundwater sources. This brochure summarizes the test results for water provided to over 50,000 customers last year and is a record reflecting the commitment of Water Utility employees to deliver you excellent quality water. Included are details about:- where your water comes from,
- what it contains,
- how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.
Protecting Our Water Supplies
Surface water from the Union River Reservoir and groundwater from production wells located in the Bremerton area provide the supply for Bremerton's water. All sources are managed in accordance with Washington State Department of Health requirements, Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and best management practices for water supply systems. Bremerton owns and protects the 3,000 acre watershed surrounding the Union River supply. Access to the watershed is secured, patrolled, and limited to water supply and forestry management activities. Each year the Washington State Department of Health inspects the surface supply. Groundwater wells are also safeguarded through efforts to protect critical areas around the wellheads. All water facilities are monitored and patrolled.
Bremerton's Water Needs Minimal Treatment
Bremerton's water system is operated and maintained by experienced personnel certified by the State. The Washington State Department of Health determined Bremerton's Union River water source to be of such good quality that the City is not required to install a filtration facility as long as all water quality, operational, and watershed protection requirements are met. Bremerton consistently meets these quality standards. Treatment of Bremerton's water currently consists of chlorine disinfection and sodium hydroxide for corrosion control. Corrosion treatment is required to prevent Bremerton's water from leaching lead from customer's household plumbing. Sampling results confirm this treatment is successful in achieving corrosion control.The City of Bremerton performs systematic flushing of the water distribution system. Customers are notified about flushing through newspaper ads, neighborhood signs, the City's website, and the Water Hotline (360-473-5490). Flushing is a process of sending a rapid flow of water through the mains to clean them. This helps to maintain water quality by removing naturally-occurring sediment. Flushing may cause temporary discoloration of your water. While this discoloration is unpleasant, it is not harmful. If this happens, call the Water Hotline or visit Bremerton's website for instructions on flushing your service. If your water does not clear up after the flushing process, please call the Customer Response Line at 360-473-5920.
Information from EPA
Sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water are microbes, pesticides, herbicides, organic and inorganic chemicals, and radioactive materials. To ensure tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. 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 at 1-800-426-4791.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as those 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 guidelines on appropriate means to lessen risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Please note that Bremerton has been testing for Cryptosporidium since 1994 and has never detected this organism in the water source.
Bremerton Water is a Great Value
Your water rates pay for delivering high-quality water to your tap and keeping the water system in top condition. City customers pay water rates among the lowest in Washington State. Water Use Efficiency Performance Report for 2008
Efficient water use benefits the environment, public health, and economy by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect water resources. The City of Bremerton has emphasized water use efficiency since the early 1990's. The City has an extensive conservation program for customers and is active in regional water use efficiency programs such as the Water Purveyors Association of Kitsap County, the Partnership for Water Conservation and the Alliance for Water Efficiency, www.bewatersmart.net.2008 Total Annual Water Production: 6.56 Million Gallons per Day
2008 Water Distribution Leakage The State requires <10%): <1%
Bremerton's Water Use Efficiency Goals | ||
| Goal | How Goal Was Met in 2008 | Comments |
| Maintain water use per single family residence to below 195 gallons per day on a three year average. | Three year average water use single family residence was 165 gallons per day. | Goal was met. Great job by our customers! Average water use per single family residence in Western Washington is about 220 gallons per day. |
| Keep maximum day demand less than twice the average day demand on a three year average. | Three year average maximum day demand was 1.8 times the average day demand. | Goal was met. Great job by our customers! The highest water use was July 14, 2008 when 12.3 million gallons were used that day. |
| Maintain non-revenue water below 8% on a three year average (leakage is a subset of this value). | Three year average non-revenue water was 2.8% of the total water produced. | Goal was met. Great job by the water system! Proper operation and maintenance keeps leaks and water loss to a minimum. |
How to Use Water Wisely
Bremerton's water supplies are dependent on rainfall to fill the reservoir and feed underground aquifers. Wise water use is always recommended and your conservation efforts are important. Improve your home's water efficiency - use water wisely to save money and this remarkable resource. Tackle the biggest water guzzlers first!- Install low flow toilets.
- Consider purchasing a water/energy efficient clothes washer.
- Repair leaky toilets and faucets.
- User water saving habits such as washing full loads only, turn off the faucet when you shave or brush your teeth, and take shorter showers.
- Install low flow showerheads.
- Look for Water Sense logo on new appliances. The City of Bremerton is a Water Sense Partner.
- Water late in the evening or early in the morning.
- Consider drought tolerant plants or native plants in your landscape.
- Use soaker hoses or install drip irrigation.
- Repair broken irrigation system sprinkler heads.
- Water lawns no more than 1 inch per week using a shallow can to measure.
- Install a rainwater collection barrel.
- Wash your car in a commercial car wash that recycles.
View our water conservation demonstration garden and rain barrel at 3027 Olympus Drive.
Water Quality Summary
Your drinking water is regularly tested in accordance with all federal and state regulations for over 50 compounds in the water source and in the distribution system. Last year the City of Bremerton conducted over 1,000 tests for the compounds listed below. Only those compounds detected are listed in the water quality summary.Your drinking water is regularly tested in accordance with all federal and state regulations for over 50 compounds in both the water sources and the distribution system. Last year the City of Bremerton conducted over 1,000 tests for the compounds listed below. Only those compounds detected are listed in the water quality summary. The items below were detected in Bremerton's water last year. All results meet protective standards set by federal and state agencies. Not listed are the compounds that were tested, but NOT detected. The amounts of a compound allowed in drinking water are so small, they are measured in parts per million or parts per billion. For additional water quality information, please call 360-473-5920.
Definitions
ppm is parts per million (equivalent to one penny in $10,000).ppb is parts per billion (equivalent to one penny in $10,000,000).
Action Level is the concentration of contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements a water system must follow. Ninety percent (90%) of all samples must be below this amount.
MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which no known or expected risk to health exists. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level) is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in water.
MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal) is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which no known or expected risk to health exists.
N/A means not applicable.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) is the measurement of water clarity. Monitoring turbidity is a good indicator of water quality.
Treatment Technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant. Bremerton's surface supply is shut off when turbidity increases above set points.