Remington Water District
PO Box 468, Athol, Idaho 83801
Phone: (208)683-5054 Fax: (208)728-4333
E-mail: bobkuch@rwdonline.org
On Sunday, December 8th, Remington Water District customers experienced a water service depressurization event. At 3am, what was thought to be a power outage and generators subsequently failing to start at our pump house turned out to our small well pump tripping the service disconnect for the entire pump house while running. This well has been taken offline for further evaluation while our large well pump provides normal water service at this time. Because your health is important to us, we want to explain in greater detail the steps we have taken and will continue to take to protect our water supply during a depressurization event. We would also like to inform you of the measures you may choose to take to protect your health should during a pressure loss event.
Even well designed and operated water systems such as ours may experience pressure loss (depressurization events) from time to time. When a significant pressure loss occurs there is a potential for back flow or cross connection contamination to occur in the water system’s distribution system, thus initiating an opportunity for contaminants to be drawn into the drinking water supply.
While we have established preventative measures to significantly diminish the potential for contamination it is not possible for any public drinking water system to completely rule out the potential for contamination during a depressurization event. This potential for the introduction of microbial and chemical contaminants into the water system may pose a special health risk for people with weakened immune systems (immuno-compromised persons), children and the elderly. If such contamination were to occur it may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, headaches, or other symptoms.
If you are concerned about the potential for contamination due to a depressurization event, please consume bottled water if you notice a decrease in pressure at your tap. (Boiling your water may not be an effective method to ensure that you are protected from all potential contamination).
After normal water service was restored, we added extra chlorine to disinfect the water system. A special water sample will be also taken to test for the presence of coliform bacteria as required by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. We should have the results back by Tuesday. Please note that some customers may find air bubbles in the water for a few days after this service outage. The air bubbles are harmless. If you have questions or concerns regarding our drinking water, please call or text me at (208)659-4197, or e-mail bobkuch@rwdonline.org.
Sincerely,
Bob Kuch
Water System Operator