THURS (Oct. 2, 10:15 p.m.) UPDATE: CHLORINATION UNDERWAY + NEXT NEWS
City water crews with technical and equipment assistance from Seattle Public Utilities were out Thursday night, injecting additional chlorine into the water supply at the reservoirs. This mixture then propagates through the water mains to strengthen the level of disinfection.
Residents may notice additional chlorine smell (like a swimming pool) when running cold water taps at home. This is normal in such a situation, and will be removed by boiling the water for consumption.
Additional bottled water will be available at the Community Center by 9 a.m.
The next major news update, with latest water test results, will be released Friday, Oct. 3 by noon.
THURS (Oct. 2, 6 p.m.) UPDATE: CITY’S RESPONSE PLAN City’s Investigation and Response Plan Solidified
Restaurants Closed Tonight, Some May Re-Open Tomorrow
Following a planning meeting, all agencies involved in the incident have formulated the next stage of the response plan to the current Boil-Water Alert.
City utility professionals are increasing the number of samples taken threefold (to 18). This allows a higher level of scrutiny in order to locate the source of the contamination. The City is also adding field inspections of new home and commercial construction sites to rule out cross-connections that could be a source of contamination.
The City is especially interested to hear from water customers who have any reason to believe their garden irrigation system is connected without a permitted backflow preventer.
City crews are working in close partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to strengthen the level of disinfection by increasing the amount of chlorine in the entire water delivery system. SPU is providing equipment and additional staffing expressly for this purpose. The City of Bellevue has also offered assistance.
Further notice will be issued when the water supply is confirmed to be safe.
Mercer Island School District
The Mercer Island School District plans to remain open; please continue to check the District’s website for updated information at www.mercerislandschools.org
Restaurants
Public Health – Seattle & King County food inspectors have informed all Mercer Island restaurants of the closure order. Public Health – Seattle & King County is working with each restaurant individually to identify safe menu options such as commercially, pre-packaged food. Mercer Island food establishments that want to resume service, even with a limited pre-packaged menu, are required to contact Public Health’s Food Protection Program prior to opening. Restaurants owners should call (206) 263-9566 for guidance.
This notice is being issued following consultation with the Washington State Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County.
If residents have any further questions, please contact the City of Mercer Island hotline at 206-275-7800 or visit its website at www.mercergov.org.
THURS (Oct. 2, 3:45 p.m.) UPDATE: Bottled Water Available at MICEC by 7 p.m. “Please respect the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” said the release. “Much more water arriving tomorrow by 9 a.m.”
Residents with mobility issues who would like to request water delivery, please call the hotline 206-275-7800, and the City will help arrange delivery.
According to a city press release, 1,000 cases of water bottles from Costco will be available at the Community Center by 7 p.m.
