Safe Drinking Water is Not Just a Job, it’s Our Life

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest drinking water possible, the City of Anacortes is revamping our water system backflow prevention program.

oversee the program, and new backflow data management software, SwiftComply, was implemented in January 2023.

This program ensures safe drinking water by the elimination or control of cross-connections. Cross-connections are points in plumbing systems where a contaminate could potentially enter the drinking water via backflow, which is water flowing in the reverse direction.

A new position has been created in the water department under public works to

Mike Henson, who has been with the city for over 22 years, has been selected as the new Water Quality Technician. Henson is a certified Water Distribution Manager 2 and a Cross-Connection Control Specialist. His new duties focus on protecting drinking water by administering the installation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.

Kathleen Pangelinan, public works administrative assistant, who has been working with the city’s cross connection program for 8 years, has been key to implementing SwiftComply. This software improves efficiency by allowing backflow testers to perform tests that are submitted directly to the city’s electronic system; eliminating paper, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance.

The City Public Works (PW) and Planning, Community and Economic Development (PCED) departments have developed procedures and delineated the responsibilities of the two departments to protect the public drinking water through the backflow prevention program.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the backflow prevention program, please feel free to contact Mike Henson at: hensonm@cityofanacortes.org or 360-588-8355.

What does it all mean?

What is potable water?

Potable water is another term for drinking water treated to safe levels to meet state and federal standards. In the case of Anacortes, our drinking water originates from the Skagit River and is treated at the City’s water treatment plant off Riverbend Road in Mount Vernon.

What is cross connection?

Cross connection refers to a physical connection between potable water and any source of non-potable liquid source, such as plumbing fixture or equipment, that could contaminate the drinking water supply by means of backflow.

What can cause backflow?

Backflow can occur when the pressure in a water system suddenly drops, causing non-potable liquid or water possibly contaminated with fertilizers, bacteria, or other harmful substances to flow backward into the drinking water system that could cause illness or worse. These pressure drops can occur in several ways, such as when fire hydrants are turned on, a line breaks or water is shutoff during repairs or maintenance.

What are examples of situations that can cause water contamination through backflow?

Some of the most common situations residents may have that can cause backflow are irrigation systems, hot tubs, boilers, and fire sprinkler systems. Washington State Department of Health has identified specific businesses at risk of contaminating the potable water system, including car washes, chemical plants, dry cleaners, and food processing plants among several others.

What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly is a device that eliminates a cross connection or provides a barrier from backflow. Some types of preventers are reduced-pressure principle assemblies, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and double check valve assemblies.

How do I know if I need a backflow prevention assembly? Backflow prevention assembly requirements are defined by the Washington State Department of Health and overseen by individual water systems. Residents and businesses who apply for specific City permits are required to fill out a survey to determine if they will have special plumbing or activities that pose an increased risk of contamination to the water system.

How often do backflow prevention assemblies need to be tested?

These assemblies need to be tested at the cost of the owner/water consumer annually by DOH-certified

Backflow Assembly Testers (BATs).

The city has a list of regional testers on its website along with brochures on cross-connection health hazards, backflow-preventer assemblies, and frequently asked questions. In 2023, the city will require all assembly test reports to be submitted by August 31. Backflow assembly testers will submit the reports to the City via the upgraded online reporting system.

What is the City required to do when it comes to crossconnection control?

The City of Anacortes and all other water purveyors are responsible for creating and overseeing a crossconnection control program to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections. This is required by WAC 246-290-490.

In addition, we must develop and implement procedures and schedules for evaluating new and existing service connections to assess hazards. Cross-connections are to be eliminated whenever possible and when not possible, they are to be controlled with approved backflow preventers in accordance with state requirements.

Water systems are required to assure backflow preventers are installed correctly as well as inspected and tested on an annual basis, maintain records, and report testing results to the state.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab at Work

Brandon Hiles and Corrin Hamburg (the photographer and blue glove) are growing Fecal Coliform colonies in your accredited laboratory at the Wastewater Treatment Plant! The Wastewater Plant closely monitors not only the effluent that the plant discharges to the bay, but also samples collected in streams and stormwater throughout Skagit County. The sample shown here is from a stormwater sample collected by Diane Hennebert. Diane and the stormwater team trace out potential sources of surface water contamination using results such as these, helping keep our beaches safe for swimming and our seafood safe for harvest. Good job, Team!