UPDATED, July 19 at 10:55 a.m.
The City of Port Angeles continues to monitor reservoir levels following a fuel tanker accident at Indian Creek. As a precaution, City staff are currently working with the Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Health to conduct water safety testing.
The Department of Health will test multiple water samples throughout the day to ensure the water is safe for use. After satisfactory test results are received, the City’s water reservoirs will need to be recharged.
Testing and subsequent recharging will take time. For this reason, we are asking customers to continue conserving water throughout the weekend. Residents and businesses should limit their water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
Please restrict non-essential water use, such as washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, patios, or other exterior paved areas; non-commercial washing of vehicles, trailers and boats; and lawn sprinkling and irrigation.
It is important to note that voluntary conservation applies to all properties connected to the City’s water system, whether located inside or outside of Port Angeles city limits.
“City staff monitored the situation closely overnight and want to sincerely thank our customers for their continued efforts to conserve. Your cooperation is very much appreciated,” says Public Works & Utilities Director Scott Curtin. “Continued conservation remains critical as we complete the testing process.”
We will notify you once testing is complete and the issue has been fully resolved. Additional guidance may be provided, as mandated by the Department of Health.
We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation. For questions related to spill response in unincorporated Clallam County, please contact the Department of Ecology.
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.