Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Redmond?
Yes, Redmond's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Redmond has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Redmond's water utility, City of Redmond Water System, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Redmond Water System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Redmond Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Redmond tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Redmond's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Redmond Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Redmond Water System for Redmond in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2015, Redmond had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Is there Lead in Redmond Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Redmond water system, City of Redmond Water System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.003 mg/L of lead in Redmond water. This is 20.0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Redmond contained more lead.
While Redmond water testing may have found 0.003 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Redmond Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Puget Sound NS Sand Point - near Redmond with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Redmond has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Redmond SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01/2015 - | Resolved | No | Other Violation (Other) | Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) | Consumer Confidence Rule (420) | Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) | Other (400) | Consumer Confidence Rule (420) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Redmond Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 18080 NE 76th St Redmond, WA, 98073-9710 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Redmond Water System account to pay their Redmond water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Redmond Water System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Redmond water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Redmond water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Redmond means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Redmond Water System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Redmond means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Redmond Water System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.92 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Redmond, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Redmond Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Redmond's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Water Quality Report
2021
Table of Contents |
|
Redmond Water Quality Report | 2
Redmond’s Drinking Water
An Essential Resource
A message from
Mayor Angela Birney
I am proud to share that once again, Redmond’s water quality meets or exceeds the highest water standards at both the state and federal levels. It is an ongoing priority for the City to care for all its water resources as the quality and conservation of water is crucial for the health and sustainability of Redmond’s residents, businesses, and the environment.
Safe, clean, and reliable drinking water doesn’t happen on its own. The City’s water resources and delivery systems are monitored and maintained through comprehensive plans and protocols. It takes dedicated programs, staff, and community support to ensure safe and reliable water is available for everyone in Redmond.
I encourage you to read Redmond’s 2021 Water Quality Report to learn more about Redmond’s drinking water, where it comes from, and how we can work together to protect and conserve this vital natural resource.
- Mayor Birney
Information About the EPA
The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity.
Substances and contaminants that could be present in source water include:
- Microbes such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from septic systems, livestock, and wildlife.
- Inorganic chemicals such as salts and metals, which may be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, and farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
- Organic chemicals, both synthetic and volatile, which are by- products of industry and can also come from gas stations, dry cleaners, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or result from petroleum production or mining activities.
To ensure the safety of tap water, the EPA regulates the amount of contaminants allowed in public drinking water. The FDA regulates the contaminants in bottled water, which must provide a similar degree of safety.
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 the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised 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 Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Redmond Water Quality Report | 3
Where Does My Water Come From?
The City of Redmond has a hybrid water system. You may drink water from the Cascade Mountains or well water from an aquifer, depending on where you live.
The Tolt Watershed
Residents on the west side of Lake Sammamish and the Sammamish River, as well as those who live in Redmond Ridge and Trilogy, are served water that comes from the Tolt Watershed in the Cascade Mountains.
The Groundwater System
Residents east of Lake Sammamish and the Sammamish River drink well water from our aquifer. During the summer, water from the Tolt will be blended with the groundwater to help meet peak summer demand.
Tolt Watershed Water
City Well Water
Private Well Water
Redmond Water Quality Report | 4
The Tolt Watershed
From the Cascades to Your Tap
The Tolt Reservoir and Watershed are located 15 miles east of Redmond in the Cascade Mountains. Rivers, streams, and snowmelt are impounded here to make up the reservoir supply. The water is filtered and treated and then travels through a supply pipeline to Redmond and other eastside water districts on its way to Seattle. The City of Seattle owns the watershed and pipeline. Redmond, as a member of the Cascade Water Alliance, buys this water, and both Seattle and Redmond monitor and test it to maintain quality.
Watershed Protection
The Tolt Watershed covers nearly 14,000 acres and is closed to public access. Seattle’s aggressive watershed protection plan safeguards the water supply from degradation and human intrusion. However, according to the State Department of Health, all surface waters in Washington State are given a contamination susceptibility rating of “high,” whether contaminants have been detected. Contamination that might occur would most likely be from soil erosion or animal activity.
Treatment
Water treatment of the Tolt supply consists of filtration, ozonation, chlorine disinfection, and fluoridation. Calcium oxide and CO2 are added to help reduce the water’s natural corrosive effect on plumbing. Filtration removes organic material and makes the water cleaner and clearer. Ozone kills tough potential pathogens like giardia and cryptosporidium.
2020 Water Quality Data - Tolt System (Seattle Supply)
Detected Compounds
Total Organic Compounds (Raw)
Finished Water
Units
ppm
MCLG MCL
NA |
TT |
Average
1.15
Range
1.0 to 1.3
Typical Sources
Naturally present in the environment
Turbidity |
NTU |
NA |
TT |
0.04 |
0.02 to 0.18 |
Soil Runoff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arsenic |
ppb |
0 |
10 |
0.4 |
0.3 to 0.5 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium |
ppb |
2000 |
2000 |
1.2 |
1.1 to 1.3 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromate |
ppb |
0 |
10 |
ND |
ND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fluoride |
ppm |
<4.0 |
4 |
0.7 |
0 to 0.8 |
Additive for dental health |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Coliform |
% positive |
0 |
5% |
0 |
0 out of 624 |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Trihalomethane (TTHM) |
ppb |
NA |
80 |
31.9 |
15.6 - 32.1 |
Chlorination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
ppb |
NA |
60 |
31.8 |
18.5 to 42.5 |
Chlorination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorine |
ppm |
NA |
4 MRDL |
0.81 |
0.10 - 1.42 |
Additive that kills germs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water quality data for
MCLG – Maximum Contamination Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MCL – Maximum Contamination Level. 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. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Addition of a disinfectant acts as a safety net against microbial contaminants.
MRDLG – Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
-
- Treatment Technique. A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
NTU - Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water looks. The Tolt supply was
0.3 NTU for at least 95% of the samples in a month. For November 2018, 99.4% of the samples
NA - Not Applicable ND - Not Detected
ppm - 1 part per million. 1mg/L: 1 milligram per liter
ppb - 1 part per billion. 1 ug/L: 1 microgram per liter
Other Useful Tolt Watershed Data
• Water Hardness: 0 - 60 mg/L or 0 - 3.5 grains per gallon. This water is soft. • pH: 7.8 - 8.8 • Total alkalinity (CaCO3): 18.8
A list of other contaminants that were not detected, are secondary or unregulated, is available upon request. Water Quality for other
Redmond Water Quality Report | 5
The Groundwater System
Redmond’s Renewable Resource
Beneath the Downtown, Avondale Road, and the SE Redmond areas lies an underground, water bearing formation called an aquifer. This shallow aquifer has supplied drinking water to Redmond since the 1950’s. In 2020, the City’s supply wells pumped over one billion gallons of water from the aquifer. The aquifer is an important drinking water resource and highly susceptible to pollutants spilled on the ground.
Groundwater Protection
In 2003, Redmond established a Wellhead Protection Program to help protect our groundwater resource from contamination and depletion. The Wellhead Protection Program is responsible for:
- Establishing protection areas known as Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARA) where groundwater protection efforts are focused.
- Gathering hazardous materials data and visiting businesses to help identify, properly manage, and eliminate possible hazards to groundwater.
- Reviewing development proposals to ensure that groundwater will not be adversely impacted.
- Monitoring groundwater levels and quality at monitoring wells within the CARA as a safeguard to supply wells if an issue is detected.
As a result of the Wellhead Protection Program, Redmond is compliant with the three components of the Washington State Source Water Assessment Program: Protection Area Delineation, Contaminant Source Inventory and Susceptibility Assessment. To learn more, contact Jessica Pfundt at jnpfundt@redmond.gov or call
Distribution
The City of Redmond currently maintains 330 miles of pipe 4” and larger. Redmond has 26 sample sites strategically placed throughout the distribution system for water quality sampling. The City collects 26 samples per week and has them analyzed for safety, pH, chlorine residual and temperature as part of our ongoing efforts to deliver clean and tasty water.
2020 Water Quality Data – Groundwater System (Well Water)
Detected Compounds
Total Organic Compounds (Raw)
Finished Water
Units
ppm
MCLG MCL
NA |
TT |
Average
ND
Range
ND
Typical Sources
Naturally present in the environment
Fluoride |
ppm |
4 |
4 |
0.7 |
0.39 – 0.86 |
Additive for dental health |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorine |
ppm |
NA |
4 MRDL |
0.69 |
0.20 – 1.37 |
Additive that kills germs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Trihalomethane (TTHM) |
ppb |
NA |
80 |
19.1 |
10.6 – 26.4 |
Chlorination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
ppb |
NA |
60 |
7.3 |
5.9 – 8.8 |
Chlorination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitrate |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
0.85 |
0.64 – 1.30 |
Erosion of natural deposits, septic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
systems, and fertilizers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coliform, Total |
% positive |
0 |
5% |
0 |
0 out of 624 |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MCLG – Maximum Contamination Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MCL – Maximum Contamination Level. 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. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Addition of a disinfectant acts as a safety net against microbial contaminants.
MRDLG – Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
-
- Treatment Technique. A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
NTU - Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water looks. The Tolt supply was
0.3 NTU for at least 95% of the samples in a month. For November 2018, 99.4% of the samples
NA - Not Applicable ND - Not Detected
ppm - 1 part per million. 1mg/L: 1 milligram per liter
ppb - 1 part per billion. 1 ug/L: 1 microgram per liter
Other Useful Groundwater Data
• Water Hardness: 54 - 83 mg/L or 3.1 - 4.8 grains per gallon. This water is moderately hard. • pH: 7.5 - 7.8 • Total alkalinity (CaCO3): 60 - 95
A list of other contaminants that were not detected, are secondary or unregulated, is available upon request. Water Quality for other
Redmond Water Quality Report | 6
Keeping the Lead Out
Since 1983, Redmond’s drinking water has been treated to minimize corrosion in household plumbing. The lead and copper mandatory testing requirement began in 1992. The rule required the City to select homes that would be most likely to have plumbing components containing lead. The expectation is to sample the same homes every 3 years for comparison.
In 2018, samples for lead and copper levels were collected again using the same selected 30 homes. Due to our increased population, we were required to add 20 additional homes for sampling, for a total of 50. Once again, Redmond’s test results have demonstrated successful compliance with all state and federal requirements relating to lead and copper.
Controlling pH is the key to reduce corrosion of plumbing. The pH in our aquifer is about 6.5. The desired pH for finished water is
Lead and Copper Citywide Monitoring Program Results 2018
Parameter and Units |
MCLG |
90th Percentile Action Level* |
2018 Results** |
# of Homes Exceeding Action Level** |
|
|
|
|
|
Lead (mg/L) |
0 |
0.015 mg/L |
0.003 mg/L |
1 out of 50 |
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (mg/L) |
1.3 mg/L |
1.3 mg/L |
0.150 mg/L |
0 out of 50 |
|
|
|
|
|
- The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment of other requirements which a water system must follow.
- 90th percentile: i.e. – 90 percent of the samples were less than the value shown
There is no detectable lead or copper in Redmond’s drinking water. However, lead is a serious contaminant and can be found in the water of some homes due to older plumbing. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with private service lines, household plumbing, and fixtures.
The City of Redmond is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in residential and commercial plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking.
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the safe Drinking Water Information Helpline at
Finally, keep in mind that drinking water is only a minor contributor to overall exposure to lead. Other common sources include paint, soil, and food.
Redmond Water Quality Report | 7
2020 Annual Water Use
The Redmond Water Utility is pleased to provide you with its annual performance report. This report, which is required by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Water Use Efficiency Rule (WUE), includes information about our metering status, our distribution system leakage, and progress made toward our water efficiency goals.
Metering and Distribution Leakage Summary
The Redmond water system is fully metered. The state requires that water suppliers maintain their distribution system leakage at 10% or less for a rolling
Efficiency Performance Report
Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade) provides water efficiency programs and services on behalf of its members, which are Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Tukwila, Sammamish Plateau Water District, and Skyway Water and Sewer District. In 2020 Cascade responded to the pandemic by adopting conservation program measures for remote delivery options and continuing to offer some programs unchanged. Highlights of the 2020 water efficiency program include:
- Classroom presentations for water education:
- Remote learning materials developed for students to continue their studies of
-
Online learning packets accessed 8,205 times o 295 classroom presentations delivered with
7,053 student impacts - Supporting videos developed for learning materials
- Live remote classes offered
-
Support of teachers and students who want more in- depth learning about water systems and water issues through the
Problem-Based Learning for Water Systems program - Launch of the “We Need Water” campaign showcasing Cascade’s programs and water issues
- 3,214 rebates for EnergyStar and WaterSense labeled showerheads and clothes washers
- 3,392 free shower timers, rain gauges, toilet leak detection dye, and other conservation items provided through Cascade’s website
- Free conservation items delivered upon request to multifamily properties and Cascade members for distribution to customers
- Participation in the Northwest Flower and Garden Show
- Live remote gardening classes
- Promotion of the US EPA’s annual Fix A Leak Week
-
Irrigation system assessments for
high-use customers such as school districts, parks departments, and homeowner associations -
Partnership with Tilth Alliance to deliver the Soil and Water Stewardship program, which trains residents on sustainable landscaping, rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and other
water-related topics - Partnership with the Lake Washington Institute of Technology to offer the Sustainable Landscape Technologies accredited program to train students and industry professionals on the fundamentals of efficient irrigation system management and sustainable landscaping
-
Partnership with the
Sno-King Watershed Council to train residents to become stream monitors
These programs and services promoted water efficiency and stewardship of our water resources resulting in thousands of customer interactions representing all Cascade members and achieved an estimated savings of 48,316 gallons of water per day in 2020. Along with 2019 savings, this represents 47.7% of Cascade’s 2019 – 2022 Water Use Efficiency Goal.
Redmond Water Quality Report | 8
Safeguarding Our Water
The City of Redmond utilizes multiple safeguards to ensure the quality and reliability of water you receive. This preventative approach uses a series of technical, physical, and managerial safeguards to prevent contamination of drinking water as it travels from the source to your tap.
Source water safeguards within delineated Critical Aquifer
Recharge Areas include:
- pollution prevention practices
- groundwater monitoring of water levels and quality in a network of monitoring wells
- development plan reviews for groundwater protection
Hydraulic safeguards ensure adequate water pressure by accounting for system elevations during normal operating conditions and utilizing best management practices to ensure safety during emergency outages, system repairs, and planned shutdowns.
Drinking water quality safeguards include monitoring, treating, conveying, and daily testing of drinking water in the distribution system.
Physical safeguards protect against backflow and cross connections to prevent contamination entering the drinking water supply system from external sources.
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARA I and CARA II)
Redmond’s groundwater aquifer is located beneath the downtown city center and extends east towards Avondale Road and SE Redmond. Redmond’s aquifer is shallow, starting 5 to 15 feet below the ground surface. It’s mostly replenished by rainwater that seeps, or infiltrates, into the ground. Groundwater supplies 40% of Redmond’s drinking water through its municipal wells.
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas, CARA I and CARA II, are special protection areas that help safeguard this important drinking water resource. They represent areas where groundwater is vulnerable to contamination due to the nature of the aquifer and the time it takes for groundwater to travel to the nearest municipal supply well.
The City of Redmond, its residents, and businesses already take several actions in the CARA to safeguard the aquifer. The City monitors groundwater levels and water quality in a network of monitoring wells to identify possible issues early. Under the Wellhead Protection Ordinance, construction sites implement specific protection standards; and with assistance from City staff, businesses are reducing the amount of chemicals they store, use and handle.
Learn more about the CARA and Redmond’s
Wellhead/Groundwater Protection Program at
Redmond Water Quality Report | 9
Protecting Our Water is Up to All of Us
The best way to protect our groundwater drinking water resource is to ensure pollutants, such as oils, cleaners, and other chemicals, do not get onto the ground or into stormwater, especially in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA). Here are ways you can take action to safeguard our drinking water resource.
Visit
Immediately clean up spills and call Redmond’s Pollution Hotline at
Fix Leaks
Leaks indicate a problem and pollute our streams and groundwater. Even small leaks can have big impacts to your vehicle and the environment.
Fixing and preventing vehicle leaks helps to sustain your vehicle and our water quality.
To learn more about free leak inspections and steps you can take to fix leaks visit: www.fixcarleaks.org.
Natural Lawn Care
Use organic or
Water deeply but infrequently for root growth. Mow your lawn high
For more information, visit https://cascadewater.org/water-
Properly Dispose Hazardous Waste
Dispose of items like used motor oil,
Residents and qualifying businesses are eligible for FREE hazardous waste disposal at King County hazardous waste facilities.
For more information visit: www.hazwastehelp.org
If you own or operate a business in Redmond, evaluate your hazardous materials handling process.
- Store chemical products and waste in proper containers, with cover if outside. Use secondary containment by placing the original container into another container to catch spills and leaks.
-
Be prepared for spills. Have a spill kit and spill procedures in place and train employees how to use them. For more information about how get a FREE spill kit, contact a Pollution Prevention Specialist at
425-556-888. - Keep lids closed on dumpsters and waste bins.
- Minimize use of toxic cleaning solvents, such as chlorinated solvents and other toxic chemicals.
-
For additional information on hazardous materials storage and handling or environmentally safer alternatives, contact our Wellhead Protection staff at
425-556-2714.
Redmond Water Quality Report | 10
Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or mixtures of water and other undesirable substances from any source (such as used water, industrial fluids, gasses, or any substance other than the intended potable water) into the distribution pipes of the potable water system. The most common concerns for residential customers are lawn irrigation and fire suppression systems.
A
The City of Redmond,
Annual Backflow Assembly Testing
The City mails reminder letters annually to businesses and homeowners that need to have their assemblies tested. This is a mandatory and simple testing procedure for all water users that own a backflow assembly. The test is performed by any State Certified Backflow Assembly Tester. A list of local testers is also included in the letter for your convenience.
To verify your tester is certified, visit the Washington Certification Services BAT site and search by name or certification number at:
If you have an irrigation system, fire system, or any other potential cross connection and you don’t receive an annual reminder letter from the City, please contact the Cross- Connection Program at backflowtests@redmond.gov or call the Program Administrator, Bobby Agnew at
We are pleased to help if you think you may need a backflow assembly or need information on how to get yours tested.
Get Involved
It’s your drinking water and your input is important. Attend and comment at City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 15670 NE 85th Street. Agendas for the meetings can be found on the city’s web site (www.redmond.gov) or posted in the lobbies of City Hall and the Public Safety Building.
FUN FACT
The City’s first official public source of drinking water was Perrigo Springs, acquired and developed in 1914.
Redmond Water Quality Report | 11
Water Conservation Resources
Information & Freebies!
The Cascade Water Alliance Water Efficiency webpage offers resources and tips, free items, and more. For free water saving items, please visit the Cascade Water Alliance Water Efficiency page.
Redmond Resources
Redmond Public Works Water Quality Office: www.redmond.gov/DrinkingWater
Water Quality Analyst: Kathy Caldwell,
Redmond Wellhead Protection Program: www.redmond.gov/Groundwater
Public Works:
Redmond Pollution Hotline:
Additional Resources
Washington Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw,
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/safewater
Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
American Water Works Association: www.drinktap.org, www.awwa.org
Cascade Water Alliance: www.cascadewater.org
Redmond Water Quality Report | 12
Emergency Alert System
The City of Redmond has joined the enhanced regional emergency alert system, ALERT King County. This powerful system enables the public to receive important information about significant events or emergency situations. The service is free and confidential and allows you to register home and work addresses for
Questions?
If you have questions about this report or about your drinking water, please contact Redmond’s Drinking Water Quality section at kcaldwell@redmond.gov.
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua de beber.
Redmond Water Quality Report | 13
The City of Redmond assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. For more information about Title VI, please visit redmond.gov/TitleVI.
无歧视声明可在本市的网址 redmond.gov/TitleVI 上查阅 | El aviso contra la discriminación está disponible en redmond.gov/TitleVI.
Redmond Zoning Code - Foundational Rewrite
Contaminants
City of Redmond Water System
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 60650
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Groundwater
- Total: 22
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.