The City of Mercer Island announced today that a timeline for ending the current Boil-Water Advisory is being identified in collaboration with partner agencies.
Today, however, the Boil-Water Advisory remains in effect.
For the fifth day in a row, the latest water-sample test results are clear: all 18 of the latest samples revealed no presence of E. coli or Total Coliform, and chlorine levels were adequate. This brings the total number of samples collected to more than 90 over 5 days.
With this finding, and the results of extensive investigative work ruling out many possible causes of last week’s intermittent E. Coli contamination, the state Department of Health is confident that the agencies are nearing a decision point on ending the advisory. Agencies will meet Wednesday morning to discuss the timeline.
“We know this incident has been challenging, and we thank Islanders for their patience, as well as staff and partner agencies for their tireless work implementing corrective measures. At this point, we are all eager to see life return to normal, but our first priority is protecting the health of our citizens. The City Council will certainly be discussing long-term actions to ensure this won’t happen again,” said Mayor Bruce Bassett.
New maps identifying sample sites, actions, data points and water infrastructure are now available to the public on the City’s website, and will be updated as more information is gathered.
Maps are located here: http://www.mercergov.org/files/Boil-Water_Public_Map_SampleSites_IGS.pdf
Significant milestones have been reached in recent days, allowing experts to rule out numerous avenues of contamination. With the vast majority of the Island’s water system located underground, and approximately 100 miles of piping, physical inspections take time. Crews have now achieved the following measures:
• Flushing: All priority areas are receiving ongoing attention.
• Boosted chlorine injection: Resumes today to maintain levels nearly double customary concentrations.
• Inspections: 150 underground water pipe vaults revealed no abnormalities.
• Backflow devices: 25 high-risk cross connections identified, visited, and ruled out. The City appreciates those residents who have come forward with concerns about their connections.
• Expert review: A specialized consulting firm has been retained to help comb through data sets to inform long-term operational changes.
The City is also pleased to announce that:
• Over 50% of the City’s food service establishments are now open with limited menus (32 total).
• A “Dine Local” campaign is being planned in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, encouraging increased support of Island restaurants.
• The City is facilitating the implementation of a Small Business Disaster Assistance Loan program, for food service businesses impacted financially. Please contact Assistant City Manager, Kirsten Taylor 206-275-7661.
Mercer Island School District continues a regular school schedule using “heat and eat” food and special water procedures (approved by Public Health – Seattle & King County) until the end of the Advisory.
City of Mercer Island and Seattle Public Utility (SPU) crews again collected another 18 samples this morning from the same locations as yesterday for analysis overnight; results will be released by Noon, Wednesday, October 8.
The next press release is expected at approximately Noon, Wednesday, October 8. 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 (today open 9:00am-5:00pm) at 206-275-7800, or visit our website at www.mercergov.org.
