COMMITMENT

WHO WE ARE

PEOPLE WE SERVE

83UNION &

NON-UNION

WORKERS

AWARD-WINNING

UTILITY & STAFF

As your not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, we have a unique and special public mission. We

are mindful that water utilities are the only utilities that produce a product that people ingest, which directly impacts life. Our people commit themselves to deliver water and service that exceeds our customers’ expectations. Customers trust that we carefully process each drop of water their families consume. This report is a snapshot of the quality of water that we provided in 2020. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to Environmental Protection Agency and state standards.

GEORGE SIDHU, P.E.

GENERAL MANAGER | SKAGIT PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT

• 82,000 people in Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley areas
• Plus seven satellite systems from Guemes Island to Marblemount.

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

Skagit PUD earned the Washington Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water Platinum Award for 15 or more consecutive years of optimal performance of the Judy Reservoir water supply system.

WHAT WE DO

SYSTEM

55% DUCTILE IRON

650 27% PLASTIC / PVC

13% ASBESTOS

MILES OF PIPELINE

22 Number of reservoirs in distribution system

3 Number of clearwells at Judy Reservoir

WHO TO CONTACT

ACCOUNTS

26K+ WATER SERVICES

86% Residential

7% Commercial

5% Multi-Family

1% Farms / Government

DRINKING WATER—EPA STANDARDS FOR PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably 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).

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Health and EPA prescribe regulations limiting specific contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Washington Department of Agriculture regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protections for public health.

YOUR HEALTH

ASSESSING YOUR HEALTH RISK

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 vulnerable to infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

CONTAMINANT SOURCES

The drinking water sources—both tap water and bottled water—include lakes, rivers, 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, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Contaminants in drinking water sources may include:

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, Pesticides and herbicides may come from various sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production, and mining activities.

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the number of specific contaminants in water provided

by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protections for public health.

SAFE & PROTECTED

PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL

SUBSTANCES (PFAS)

Skagit PUD’s drinking water remains safe and protected from contaminants, including the group of manufactured chemicals labeled PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are manufactured for a variety of industrial purposes. If detected in drinking water, PFAS have the potential to raise health concerns.

WHAT ARE PFAS?

PFAS are chemicals used in industrial and consumer products, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstery, food paper wrappings, fire-fighting foams, and metal plating worldwide since the 1940s.

• Some epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to PFAS increases cholesterol levels, reduces birth weight, and may increase rates of some types of cancers (kidney and testicular cancer).
  The 2019 film “Dark Waters,” based on a true story, focuses on the use of PFAS in the United States and how these “forever chemicals” are found in everything from clothing to drinking water and, subsequently, the human bloodstream. The chemicals do not biodegrade, can accumulate in water bodies, and have potentially serious health consequences.

MONITORING EFFORTS

Currently, the PFAS are not regulated contaminants, and routine monitoring is not required. Still, Skagit PUD monitored for six types of PFAS in 2014–2015, under the Environmental Protection Agency’s third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, in our Judy Reservoir water system serving Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington. Test results showed no detection of these chemicals in the Judy Reservoir water.

• Detailed information regarding PFAS can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/pfas.
• Skagit PUD is committed to protecting the Judy Reservoir watershed and prohibits any activities that can introduce PFAS compounds or any other contaminants in the source water.

PFAS SOURCES

Research has suggested that exposure to PFAS from today’s consumer products is usually low, especially when compared to exposures to contaminated drinking water. Some products that may contain PFAS include:

• Some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers
• Nonstick cookware
• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
• Water-resistant clothing
• Cleaning products
• Personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup)
• Paints, varnishes, and sealants

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD

The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters the body. Lead is stored in the bones and can be released later in life. Lead can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, interfere with production of red blood cells that carry oxygen, and may result in lowered IQ in children. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Low levels of lead can affect adults with high blood pressure or kidney problems.

8  |  WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020

HOW YOU CAN REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURE

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 service lines and home plumbing.

• Skagit PUD is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using 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 Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

SAFETY TIP

Clean your aerator.

Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020  |  9 

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

To achieve improved protection of public water supply sources and the health of Washington’s citizens, the Washington State Department of Health has developed the Source Water Assessment Program.

The program evaluates potential threats to the safety of our water supplies by assessing sources of contamination. The SWAP is designed to give you and your community more information about your drinking water source and any threats to its long-term quality that we can identify and address through a pollution prevention approach.

• To learn more about the SWAP, contact the Department of Health at (360) 236-3149 or visit www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw.

STEWARDSHIP

CULTUS MOUNTAIN WATERSHED PURCHASE

In 2017, Skagit PUD purchased a 250-acre parcel of forested land within the Cultus Mountain watershed for $1.5 million.

The property is located around Gilligan Creek, which provides 45% of the PUD’s source water for the Judy Reservoir water system. Until recently, timber companies and the Department of Natural Resources owned all the property around Gilligan Creek.

In 2012, the PUD went through a comprehensive updating of its watershed control program. It determined that finding a way to protect the water quality of this stream was critical to the success of the Judy system. Recent increases in the rates of logging and road construction led to the concept that buying land near the area where water is withdrawn for the water system would work wonders to protect the long-term success of the Judy system.

A well-established relationship with the landowner helped the PUD start the complicated negotiations to buy the property in 2017. A $1.5 million deal was struck by September, and the property became the ownership of Skagit PUD in December.

DEFINITIONS

Action Level (AL). The concentration of a contaminant, which when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Haloacetic Acids. A disinfection by-product from chlorinating water that contains natural organic matter.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected health risk. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL). The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of

a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG). The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected health risk. MRDLGs do not reflect the health benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Not Applicable (NA). Does not apply.

Not Detected (ND). Indicates that the parameter was not detected above the Specified Reporting Limit.

Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). A unit of measure for turbidity based on the amount of light that is reflected from the water.

Part per million (ppm). One part per million is equivalent to half of an aspirin tablet dissolved in a full bathtub of water (50 gallons).

Part per billion (ppb). One part per billion is equivalent to half of an aspirin tablet dissolved in 1,000 bathtubs of water (50,000 gallons).

Total Coliforms. A group of non-pathogenic bacteria used in testing water to indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria. They are naturally present in the environment. If coliforms were found

in more samples than allowed, it would be a warning of potential problems.

Trihalomethanes. A disinfection by-product from chlorinating water that contains natural organic matter. The most common by-product is chloroform.

Treatment Technique (TT). A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Turbidity. A measure of the cloudiness of water. We monitor it because it’s a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

Water Quality Data

The drinking water results tables included in this report list all the drinking water contaminants we detected during the 2020 calendar year. These contaminants in the water do not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in the tables are from testing done January 1 to December 31, 2020. The state requires us to monitor for specific contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, is more than one year old.

JUDY RESERVOIR

PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 79500E

ABOUT JUDY

Since construction in 1947, Judy Reservoir has seen its capacity increased by raising the surrounding dams in 1965 and 2001. The current capacity of the reservoir is

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Judy Reservoir system is located in Skagit County and serves around 70,000 people, with the majority being in Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley. The source water comes from the Cultus Mountain watershed via four creeks (Gilligan, Mundt, Salmon, and Turner) diverted into Judy Reservoir. Water is also pumped up from the Skagit River to Judy Reservoir. Being surface water, Judy Reservoir can experience seasonal changes that can affect several parameters. Alkalinity, pH, color, turbidity, total organic carbon, and others are all affected by warmer temperatures and high organic content. These factors can increase algae growth resulting in taste and odor issues, plus pose treatment challenges.

• The treatment is a multi-step direct filtration process that meets water quality standards and provides 99.99% removal. The raw water from Judy Reservoir is disinfected with chlorine dioxide then pumped to the water treatment plant, where carbon dioxide and coagulant aids are added. This step is intended to provide initial oxidation (beneficial in reducing taste and odor caused by algae) and help coagulate small particles in the flocculation basin, where bigger particles are then formed. Filtration is the next step, where the treated water passes through charcoal media and sand. The finished water is then disinfected and flows by gravity into three clear wells.
• Before the water reaches the clear wells, caustic soda and ammonia are added to adjust pH and form chloramines for residual disinfection. Chloramines are used because it provides effective and long-lasting disinfection

in the distribution system at low dosages. Chloramines are measured as both total chlorine and monochloramine. Their optimal formation and stability are at pH 8.5 and above. The water leaving the treatment plant has a target pH of 8.8 and can be slightly higher in the distribution system. Alkaline (higher) pH and alkalinity adjustment help with corrosion control because Judy Reservoir water is soft by nature.

• Total chlorine residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to provide sufficient disinfection.
• In 2020, 80 routine samples per month from the distribution system were required to be tested for total coliforms and E. coli. The total chlorine residual levels leaving the water treatment plant were between 1.3 to 1.8 mg/l and a pH of 8.8. Monthly the water is tested for total organic carbon and chlorite.
• Quarterly, the treated water is tested for disinfection by-products from eight locations throughout the distribution system. Results show that disinfection by-products are below the established Maximum Contaminant Level. Once a year, water is tested for nitrate, which is usually very low (< 1 mg/l). Every three years, lead and copper samples are collected from customers with older homes to establish the corrosive properties of the water. Thus far, the system has complied with the established action levels for lead and copper.
• The Judy system is on a testing schedule

of every six years for radionuclides. The DOH has granted a reduced monitoring waiver for pesticides, soil fumigants, volatile organics, and complete inorganics tested every three, six, or nine years.

approximately 1.45 billion gallons. The reservoir is formed by two earth-fill dams located in the Janicki Creek basin. Janicki Creek was diverted around the eastern edge of the reservoir during past construction activities and is separated from the reservoir by a man-made stream channel.

• The District’s water treatment plant is located on the north side of Judy Reservoir. Water is pumped from the reservoir, processed at the treatment plant in compliance with DOH regulations, and flows through gravity pipelines to the distribution system.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Judy Reservoir water is considered soft with a hardness of 21 mg/l (calcium carbonate).

Throughout the day, the raw (untreated) water quality is monitored by online analyzers and lab tests to evaluate and provide sufficient treatment technique. Some of these daily tests include pH, temperature, color, turbidity, alkalinity, chlorite, and weekly tests for fecal coliforms, algae count, and identification. Less frequent tests are conducted for cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other parasites.

14  |  WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020  |  15 

JUDY RESERVOIR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 79500E

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Turbidity measures the cloudiness of the water and is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system at removing particulates from the water. Skagit PUD measures turbidity continuously throughout the treatment process. In 2020, no filter water turbidity results were above the EPA 0.3 NTU limit. For compliance purposes, combined filter effluent turbidity should be <0.3 NTU in 95% of the monthly samples.

DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL

Skagit PUD uses chloramines for disinfection. To ensure disinfectant residual in the distribution system, total and free chlorine residual measurements are taken with each coliform sample. Additionally, monochloramine measurements are taken to establish chloramine formation.

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

MONITORING WAIVERS*

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for IOCs (28 contaminants), SOCs (40 contaminants) and VOCs (25 contaminants), because the source is not at risk of contamination. **Pesticides are monitored every three years and herbicides every nine years, none of the two groups have been detected in our finished water.

Currently, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are not regulated contaminants and routine monitoring is not required, but Skagit PUD monitored for six types of PFAS in 2014-2015 (under the third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule) in our Judy Reservoir water system serving Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington. Test results show no detection (ND) of these chemicals in the Judy Reservoir water.

LEAD & COPPER

• The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked from lowest to highest. Judy Reservoir is required to collect 30 samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years. The Washington State Department of Health requires Judy Reservoir to provide corrosion control treatment by adjusting the pH and alkalinity with caustic soda. The target pH leaving the treatment plant is 8.8 and is constantly monitored with online analyzers and lab tests every two hours. pH measurements are taken with every coliform sample throughout the distribution system.

Skagit PUD collects 80 compliance samples per month for total coliforms and E. coli from our distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Chlorite samples are collected monthly from three locations. The TTHMs and HAA5 results are from the eight locations in Skagit County, which are monitored quarterly to comply with current regulations. *Highest locational running average of the eight sites. **Lowest and highest actual value from all eight locations measured.

AESTHETIC AND SECONDARY STANDARDS

The fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule monitoring started in 2019 and continued in 2020. The Judy Reservoir system was monitored for 30 chemical contaminants using analytical methods developed by the EPA, which provides the basis for future regulatory actions. For more information about the program, visit EPA’s website at epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: High

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

*Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to help EPA determine their occurrence in drinking water and potential need for future regulation.

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

ALGER PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 01400K

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Alger water system is located 15 miles north of Mount Vernon and serves approximately 110 residential connections and 12 non-residential connections. Water is drawn from a 51-foot deep, flowing, artesian well. The water is treated for iron and manganese removal via chlorine oxidation and filtration using manganese oxide media. The source water has naturally occurring ammonia, and with the addition of free chlorine for disinfection, it creates total chlorine residuals of 0.1-0.9 mg/l.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. The hardness of the water is 82.0 mg/l (as calcium carbonate).

A monthly routine distribution sample is tested for total coliform and E. coli. Total chlorine residual levels are around 0.11–0.93 mg/l with pH levels of 7.4-7.8. Quarterly, the untreated and treated water is tested for iron and manganese to evaluate their removal from the untreated water. Once a year, the nitrate levels are measured and found to be non-detect. This system is on a three-year sampling schedule for lead, copper, arsenic (naturally occurring), manganese, disinfection by-products, and volatile organics.

These parameters are below the established MCLs. Radionuclides are on a six-year testing schedule and are also found to be below the established MCLs.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Alger water system waivers for asbestos, complete inorganics, herbicides, pesticides, and soil fumigants. These parameters are tested every three or nine years.

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for IOCs and SOCs, because the source is not at risk of contamination. **Pesticides are tested once every three years and herbicides once every nine years.

LEAD & COPPER

2020 Drinking Water Results

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Alger’s water contains ammonia and when chlorine is added for disinfection, chloramines are formed. Total chlorine is measured with each coliform sample.

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

Skagit PUD collects one compliance sample per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Disinfection by-product samples are collected once every three years.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

*Your drinking water currently meets EPA's standards for arsenic. However, it does contain low levels of arsenic. There is a slight chance that some people who drink water containing low levels of arsenic for many years could develop circulatory diseases, cancer, or other health problems. Most types of cancer and circulatory diseases are due to factors other than exposure to arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water.

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: High

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

CEDARGROVE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 119174

SOURCE & TREATMENT

Cedargrove water system is located on the south side of Skagit River near Concrete, serving nearly 200 residential connections. The source water is drawn from a 170-foot deep well located inside a fenced and maintained property. The water is treated for iron and manganese removal through a chlorine oxidation and filtration system using manganese oxide media. The water is pumped to a reservoir

of 270,000 gallons for fire protection and system storage. Chlorine residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to sustain disinfection.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Overall, the water is considered moderately hard with hardness at 86.9 mg/l (as calcium carbonate). Once a month, a routine distribution sample is tested for total coliform and E. coli. The chlorine

residual levels are 0.3-1.0 mg/l, and pH is in the 7-8 range. Quarterly samples are taken of untreated and treated water to test for iron and manganese levels to evaluate their removal by the filtration system. Once a year, nitrate levels are measured and are typically low (<1 mg/l). The system is on a three- year standard monitoring routine for lead, copper, disinfection by-products, and manganese. All of these are found to be below the established Maximum Contaminant Levels. Radionuclides are on six-year standard monitoring and are found to be below the established MCL as well.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Cedargrove system waivers for asbestos, complete inorganics, volatile organics, herbicides, pesticides, and soil fumigants. It’s tested for these every three, six, or nine years. Most of these contaminants are non-detected in the well water, therefore granted waivers by DOH.

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for IOCs and SOCs, because the source is not at risk of contamination. **Pesticides are tested once every three years and herbicides once every nine years.

LEAD & COPPER

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Skagit PUD collects one compliance sample per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Disinfection by-product samples are collected once every three years.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: Low

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Fidalgo water system is located on Fidalgo Island in western Skagit County and serves 717 residential and commercial connections. Water is purchased through an intertie with Anacortes, with their source being the Skagit River in Mount Vernon. Their water is filtered and chlorinated at the Anacortes water treatment plant on Riverbend Road. Free chlorine residual is maintained throughout our distribution system to provide sufficient disinfection.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards.

Fidalgo water is considered soft with a hardness of 23 mg/l (as calcium carbonate).

Two routine samples a month are tested for total coliform and E. coli. Chlorine residual levels are between 0.53–1.15 mg/l, with pH levels between

7.5-7.9. Quarterly the water is tested for disinfection by-products and is on a year testing schedule for lead and copper. All these contaminants are below the established MCLs. Additional water quality monitoring is performed by Anacortes and can be found on their website.

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Water is produced by the city of Anacortes water treatment plant. A more detailed water quality report can be found on their website at www.anacorteswa.gov/504/Water-Quality-Reports.

Skagit PUD collects two compliance samples per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

MARBLEMOUNT PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# AA642

LEAD & COPPER

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Marblemount water system is located on the North Cascades Highway, serving 18 residential and 14 non-residential services with a customer population of around 30. Water is drawn from a 163-foot deep well and has a low susceptibility to contamination as determined by the Washington State Department of Health, so no treatment is required or in place at this time.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Marblemount water is considered soft with a hardness of 50.7 mg/l (calcium carbonate) and a pH level of 7-7.5.

Once a month, a routine distribution sample is tested for total coliform and E. coli. Once a year, nitrate levels are measured and found to be very low (below

0.5 mg/l). The system is on a three-year testing schedule for lead and copper, which are below the action level. Radionuclides are on a six-year standard testing schedule and are non-detect or below the Maximum Contaminant Levels.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Marblemount water system waivers for asbestos, complete inorganics, volatile organics, herbicides, pesticides, and soil fumigants. These components are tested for every three, six, or nine years. Most of these contaminants are non-detect in the water, therefore granted waivers by DOH.

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: Low

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Skagit PUD collects one compliance sample per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for IOCs and SOCs, because the source is not at risk of contamination. **Pesticides are tested once every three years and herbicides once every nine years.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

POTLATCH PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 69034L

MONITORING WAIVERS*

SOURCE & TREATMENT

Potlatch water system is located on the west shore of Guemes Island and serves 33 residential connections. Seawater from Bellingham Channel is the supply source. The treatment process consists of a multimedia filter, spiral-wound cartridge filters, reverse osmosis desalination membranes, calcite contactor, and hypochlorite disinfection. Free chlorine is maintained throughout the distribution system to provide disinfection.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Overall the water is considered soft with a hardness

of 19.6 mg/l (as calcium carbonate).

Once a month, a routine distribution sample is tested for total coliform and E. coli. Chlorine residual levels are between 0.24–0.59 mg/l and a pH of 7.5-8.5. An annual nitrate and chloride sample are measured and are below the established Maximum Contaminant Levels. The system is on a testing schedule every three years for lead, copper, and disinfection by-products.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Potlatch water system waivers for complete inorganics, soil fumigants, pesticides, volatile organics, herbicides, and asbestos. The system is tested for these contaminants every three, six, or nine years.

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for SOCs, because the source is not at risk of contamination. Pesticides are tested once every three years and herbicides once every nine years.

LEAD & COPPER

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: High

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Skagit PUD collects one compliance sample per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coliforms or E. coli were detected in 2020.

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Disinfection by-product samples are collected once every three years.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

ROCKPORT PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 736006

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Rockport water system is located along the North Cascades Highway serving around 54 residential and six non-residential connections. Water is drawn from a 344-foot deep well and treated for iron and manganese removal using chlorine oxidation and

a filtration system. Chlorine residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to maintain disinfection.

Water Quality

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Rockport water is considered moderately hard with a hardness of 109 mg/l (calcium carbonate), and pH levels are between 7.4-7.8.

Once a month, a routine distribution sample is tested for total coliform and E. coli. Chlorine residual

levels are between 0.11–1.11 mg/l. Quarterly the untreated and treated water is tested for iron and manganese levels to evaluate their removal from the untreated water. Once a year, routine nitrate samples are measured and found to be non-detect. The system is on a three-year testing schedule for lead, copper, and disinfection by-products, and all are below the established Maximum Contaminant Levels. Radionuclides are on a six-year testing schedule and are also below the established MCLs.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Rockport water system waivers for asbestos, complete inorganics, volatile organics, herbicides, pesticides, and soil fumigants. It’s tested for these parameters every three, six, or nine years with these contaminates being non-detect in the source water, therefore granted waivers by DOH.

*The Washington State Department of Health reduced the monitoring requirements for IOCs and VOCs, because the source is not at risk of contamination.

LEAD & COPPER

*The 90th percentile level is the highest result obtained in 90% of the samples collected when ranked lowest to highest. Skagit PUD is required to collect five samples for lead and copper from household taps every three years.

2020 DRINKING WATER RESULTS

The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done according to the regulations. All data shown were collected during the last calendar year unless otherwise noted in the table(s).

Skagit PUD collects one compliance sample per month for total coliforms and E. coli from the distribution system. No total coilforms or E. coli were detected in 2020

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Disinfection by-product samples are collected once every three years.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

Susceptibility rating of potential threats to the safety of our water supply: Low

See Source Water Assessment Program data on the Department of Health website—https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/swap/index.html

How to Read the Water Quality Data Table

EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 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.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a system must follow.

Units in the Table: ppm is parts per million (or 1 drop in 1 million gallons), ppb is parts per billion (or 1 drop in 1 billion gallons)

SKAGIT VIEW VILLAGE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM: ID# 968795

SOURCE & TREATMENT

The Skagit View Village water system is located on the south side of the Skagit River near Concrete and serves around 70 residential connections. The source water is drawn from a 54-foot deep well and has elevated iron levels (up to 0.5 mg/l), manganese (up to 0.045 mg/l), and dissolved carbon dioxide. The water is treated with an oxidation pyrolusite media filtration system for iron and manganese removal, and a calcite contactor is in place for corrosion control. Free chlorine residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to maintain disinfection.

WATER QUALITY

Currently, the drinking water quality meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards. Overall the water is considered moderately hard, with a hardness of 109.9 mg/l (calcium carbonate), and total dissolved solids are 152 mg/l.

Once a month, distribution samples are tested for total coliform and E. coli. Chlorine residual levels are 0.6-1.19 mg/l with pH levels between 7-7.5. Quarterly, the untreated and treated water are tested for iron and manganese to evaluate their removal. Once

a year, nitrate levels are measured and are very low (1 mg/l). The system is on three-year standard monitoring for lead, copper, and disinfection by- products. All are below the established Maximum Contaminant Levels. Radionuclides are on a six-year testing schedule and are non-detected or below MCL levels.

The Washington State Department of Health has granted the Skagit View Village system waivers for asbestos, inorganics, volatile organics, herbicides, pesticides, and soil fumigants. These components are tested for every three, six, or nine years. Most of the contaminants are non-detect in the well water, therefore granted waivers by DOH.