UPDATED, July 18 at 5:50 p.m.
The City of Port Angeles is actively monitoring reservoir levels following a fuel tanker accident at Indian Creek. City staff are currently onsite and working with the Clallam County Emergency Management Division and Washington State Department of Ecology to assess and respond to the situation.
Voluntary water conservation remains in effect. Residents and businesses should limit their water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Please restrict unnecessary activities, like lawn irrigation and non-commercial car washing, until further guidance is provided by the Department of Ecology.
An update will be provided tomorrow, July 19, unless significant changes occur overnight.
Original Post, July 18 at 1:45 p.m.
Earlier today, July 18, City officials were notified of a fuel tanker accident at Indian Creek, located west of Port Angeles city limits. In response, and out of an abundance of caution, the City has temporarily shut down all water treatment processing operations and requests that water utility customers begin conserving water until further notice.
While outside of City limits, the Indian Creek Basin feeds into the Elwha River, the City’s main potable water source.
Residents and businesses should limit their water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Please restrict unnecessary activities, like lawn irrigation and non-commercial car washing, until further guidance is provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
This proactive step is being taken to ensure the continued safety of our customers and reliability of the City’s water supply while the situation is evaluated. The City’s reservoirs currently have sufficient water supply for the next 18 to 24 hours without interruption to normal service.
City staff are closely monitoring the City’s water supply and working closely with the Department of Ecology to determine appropriate next steps. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available. Please monitor the City website for updates.
For questions related to spill response in unincorporated Clallam County, please contact the Department of Ecology at Liaison@ecy.wa.gov.