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WASWD Updates for July 1, 2025

WASWD publishes this bi-weekly e-newsletter to convey current information about legislative and regulatory issues, other issues of importance to districts, and upcoming training and other events
WASWD Updates Archive
   
Protecting Public Lands
Welcome to Summer! NOAA Forecast
Districts In The News
Expanding Water Affordability
Flint Water Pipe Replacement
Turning Water Floods Into Water Resilience
Department of Ecology
Office of Drinking Water Major Changes
Funding News
Regulatory News
Technology News
PFAS
WASWD News
Trainings, Conferences & Events
Associate Member Spotlight

  
 Protecting Public Lands Means Protecting Our Water
In late June, a controversial proposal to sell off more than a million acres of federal public lands across the Western U.S. was withdrawn after intense bipartisan opposition. While this move by Senator Mike Lee (R Utah) is off the table for now, it underscores how quickly critical land protections can be put at risk—and how much our communities depend on these lands for clean water.
 
Protecting Public Lands = Protecting Washington's Drinking Water
The recent push to privatize large areas of federal public lands—though ultimately withdrawn—highlights a critical issue close to home: public lands are vital to Washington's clean water.

Even when such proposals target other Western states, they set a precedent that could threaten Washington's watersheds if future legislation gains traction.
Why This Matters for Washington Communities

Source Water Starts in Our Forests
  • Nearly two-thirds of Washington residents rely on surface water, much of it originating in national forests and other public lands.
  • From the Cedar and Tolt River watersheds that supply Seattle, to the Wenatchee and Yakima basins that serve dozens of smaller systems, these lands act as natural reservoirs.
Natural Filters and Flow Regulators
  • Healthy forest cover reduces sediment, nutrients, and pathogens in source water—protecting public health and reducing treatment costs.
  • Forested watersheds also help buffer the impacts of wildfires, drought, and flooding—all of which are intensifying with climate change.
Economic and Operational Value
  • Every acre of protected headwaters saves utilities money by delaying or avoiding expensive filtration upgrades.
  • Clean source water makes regulatory compliance more attainable for small and medium-sized systems.
Local Case Study: Olympic Peninsula
  • Recent timber sales near the Elwha River triggered protests from community members concerned about potential impacts on Port Angeles's drinking water intake—a vivid reminder that land management decisions upstream have direct effects downstream.
What Water and Sewer Districts Can Do
  • Stay engaged with land management planning led by the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies.
  • Partner with tribal nations that have deep expertise protecting headwaters and maintaining ecological health.
  • Educate customers about the direct connection between protected public lands and the affordability and reliability of their drinking water.
  • Advocate with policymakers to ensure any future proposals respect the essential role of public lands in water protection.
Bottom Line
Washington's drinking water starts in our mountains, forests, and rivers—public lands that belong to all of us. Keeping them intact isn't just an environmental priority—it's the most cost-effective, reliable way to ensure clean water for generations to come.
Read more about the issue here:
Public Lands Sell-Off Dropped After Backlash
 
 Welcome to Summer! NOAA Forecasts a Warm, Dry Summer for Western Washington
Local NOAA seasonal outlooks indicate a 33–50% probability of below-normal summer precipitation for Western Washington, paired with 40–60% odds of above-average temperatures through July–September. Despite recent June rain, this summer is more likely to be hotter and drier, increasing demand for water supply and stressing flood control systems.

What This Means for WASWD Members
  • Water supply systems may need to pivot from rain-reliant storage to more active management, including reservoir balancing and inter-basin transfers.
  • Drought preparedness plans should be reviewed, with focus on outreach messaging and conservation incentives.
  • Wildfire risk is elevated. Early-season dry spells may require coordination with emergency services and communication with vulnerable communities.
  • Heat impacts: Warmer nights—already trending across the U.S.—diminish cooling relief, increasing risks of water use spikes and infrastructure strain.
Read the full KOMO News coverage here:
NOAA: Summer will likely be warm and dry in western Washington
 
 Districts In The News
Olympic View W&SD Raises Alarm Over PFAS Near Edmonds School
Olympic View Water & Sewer District (OVWSD) has formally notified Edmonds School District of its intent to sue, citing persistent PFAS contamination in stormwater and soil near Madrona K-8. OVWSD warns untreated contaminants could infiltrate the Deer Creek aquifer—risking residents' drinking water. The school district disputes any groundwater impact and plans further testing this summer, while OVWSD insists corrective actions must happen within 60 days or face legal action Read More.
 
Lake Stevens Sewer District Wins Court Battle on Merger
On June 10, Snohomish County Superior Court ruled in favor of the Lake Stevens Sewer District in its lawsuit against the City of Lake Stevens. The dispute centered on an attempted early merger (set for 2033)—the court upheld the original agreement. The district had spent over $1 million in legal fees defending the contract lynnwoodtimes.com.
 
Olympic Water & Sewer, Orcas Island: June Update
The June 2025 update from Olympic Water & Sewer (serving Orcas Island) reports progress on several fronts:
  • Water System Plan submitted for Department of Health approval (expected by Q3 2025).
  • Ice pigging cleanup operations are ongoing.
  • Cross-connection control surveys are being mailed to every customer—mandatory prior to compiling results in July Read More.
 Expanding Water Affordability with Data Sharing
This week, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the National Consumer Law Center released a new report titled “Turn On the Tap: Increasing Participation in Water Affordability Programs Through Data Sharing.”

The report underscores a critical opportunity to improve household enrollment in water bill discount programs by leveraging data-sharing agreements between utilities and public assistance agencies.

Key Highlights:
  • Scale of Need: An estimated 12–19 million low-income households nationwide struggle with unaffordable water bills.
  • Enrollment Challenges: Many assistance programs remain underutilized due to cumbersome application processes.
  • Proven Solutions: Where data sharing has been implemented, some utilities have enrolled more than 70% of eligible households, significantly improving affordability outcomes.
  • Benefits for Utilities: Streamlined eligibility verification reduces administrative burden, increases participation, and can help stabilize revenue by connecting more customers to payment plans and discounts.
Why It Matters for Washington:
With rising infrastructure investment needs and affordability concerns, the findings could inform discussions around:
  • Future policy advocacy in Olympia,
  • Voluntary program design by member districts,
  • Potential partnerships with the Department of Social and Health Services and other agencies to pre-qualify households for water assistance.
Next Steps:
WASWD staff will review the report and share examples of successful models and any relevant legislative considerations with the Government Relations Committee.

Read More:
NRDC Report – Turn On the Tap (PDF)
 
 Flint Water Pipe Replacement: A Cautionary Tale for Utilities Nationwide
More than nine years after the start of the Flint water crisis, the city's court-ordered lead service line replacement program is still not complete.

A recent AP News investigation highlights how Flint's experience offers lessons for utilities across the country that are planning or underway with lead line replacement programs.

Background:
In 2017, Flint agreed under a legal settlement to remove all lead and galvanized steel service lines—work that was supposed to be finished by 2020. However, delays mounted due to incomplete records, inconsistent outreach, the COVID-19 pandemic, and challenges engaging property owners. As of this year, thousands of lines have been replaced, but some properties remain unfinished or untouched.

Key Challenges:
  • Missing Records: Flint lacked an accurate inventory of where lead lines were installed, requiring door-to-door verification and excavations.
  • Communication Gaps: Many residents were left uncertain about the status of their homes, fueling frustration and distrust.
  • Restoration Delays: In some cases, yards and sidewalks were not fully repaired for months or years after construction crews left.
  • Owner Participation: High rates of opt-outs or unreachable owners stalled progress.
A Different Approach in Newark:
The report contrasts Flint's efforts with Newark, New Jersey, where the city:
  • Gave renters the right to consent to replacements, reducing delays from absent landlords.
  • Tied contractor payments to complete property restoration.
  • Partnered closely with community groups to build trust and ensure clear communication.
Why This Matters:
Flint's experience underscores the importance of:
  • Accurate service line inventories
  • Transparent, proactive resident engagement
  • Strong contractor oversight and accountability
  • Clear policies to reduce opt-outs and ensure equitable access
Read the Full Article:
AP News: Flint's still-unfinished lead pipe replacement serves as cautionary tale
 
 Turning Winter Floods into Water Resilience: California Leads the Way with FIRO
California is pioneering a game-changing approach to dam management called Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO). Developed in response to catastrophic events—such as the notorious Lake Mendocino releases—FIRO uses real-time forecasts of atmospheric rivers (those massive winter storm systems) to optimize reservoir levels. The goal: balance flood protection with capturing much-needed water for dry seasons Read More

How FIRO Works
  • Forecasts guide dam operations to release water preemptively or store more during storms.
  • Since 2019, FIRO has been piloted at three California dams, with plans expanding to 39 dams in the Southwest and 71 more across the U.S. Read More.
  • This approach helps capture excess runoff while meeting safety requirements and flood risk mandates Read More.
Why This Matters for Washington
  1. Climate Volatility – With increasing swings between drought and deluge, WA can use FIRO-type strategies to better manage reservoirs.
  2. Flood & Drought Mitigation – Capturing winter storms can reduce both flood peaks and summer water shortages.
  3. Cross-State Collaboration – As FIRO spreads nationally, opportunities arise for shared insights among Western states.
Read the full Western Water article:
California's Quest to Turn a Winter Menace Into a Water Supply Bonus is Gaining Favor Across the West
 
 Department of Ecology
Drought Expanded to 19 More Watersheds
Due to early snowmelt and dry spring conditions, Ecology extended the drought declaration—initially in the Yakima Basin—to include parts of the Puget Sound region, North/Central Cascades, and several Western Washington counties. This expansion activates drought response tools, supports farmers and ecosystems, and reinforces the need for robust water-use and conservation planning ecology.wa.gov.
 
Permit Updates for Puget Sound Water
Ecology proposed revisions to the Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit for 58 wastewater treatment plants. Following a legal ruling, plants can now choose between this general permit or individual discharge permits. The update aims to ensure nutrient (nitrogen) reductions through flexible, coordinated solutions. Public comment period runs through July 25, with hearings starting July 1 Read More.
 
PFAS Rulemaking in Consumer Products
Under its Safer Products for Washington initiative, Ecology proposed rules restricting PFAS in products like apparel, cleaning solutions, car-wash soaps, cookware, and firefighting gear. The public comment period is open until July 20, with hearings scheduled July 9 and 10. These restrictions aim to reduce environmental and human exposure by encouraging safer chemical alternatives Read More.
 
 Washington State Office of Drinking Water Announces Major Organizational Changes
The Washington State Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water (ODW) has announced an important reorganization effective July 1, 2025, aimed at strengthening consistency, improving efficiency, and maintaining service delivery in the face of budget constraints and staffing changes.

What's Changing?
ODW is transitioning to a “One ODW” model, retiring its historical regional structure in favor of statewide teams with unified oversight. This approach is designed to:
  • Promote consistent implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and state regulations across all counties.
  • Foster closer collaboration and mutual support among programs.
  • Standardize expectations and tasks statewide.
The reorganization responds in part to the departure of two upper-level managers. ODW leadership believes this change will preserve customer support and operational continuity.

What Stays the Same?
  • All county and water system assignments remain unchanged for engineers, planners, and core technical teams (coliform monitoring, water facility inventory, source monitoring, sanitary surveys, and compliance).
  • Existing contacts—emails, phone numbers, and websites—remain the same for now, with any future changes to be communicated in advance.
Mission and Focus
The reorganization will not change ODW's mission to protect public health through safe and reliable drinking water. ODW will continue to:
  • Respond to drinking water emergencies.
  • Set clear expectations for water systems and enforce compliance.
  • Provide funding and technical assistance.
  • Educate and inform communities about drinking water issues.
Key Leadership Roles
ODW's new structure consolidates management into three primary areas:
  • Deputy Director: Oversees the State Revolving Fund, data systems, and project management.
  • Capacity Development and Water Quality Manager: Leads compliance, operator certification, water quality monitoring, and related teams.
  • Engineering, Planning, Sanitary Survey, and Water Facilities Inventory Manager: Manages engineering, planning, inspections, and administrative support.
Office of Drinking Water Org Structure Changing Memo
 
 Funding News
PWB Open Funding Cycle for FY 26
  • The FY 2026 traditional funding cycle is open from May 9 to August 8, 2025, 11:59 PM PT. Available funds include:
    • ≈$100 million for construction projects
    • ≈$7.5 million each for pre-construction and emergency funding
  • Pre-construction funds are available continuously and awarded quarterly, with the next review in October?2025
WASWD officeholders—Lora Petso (Olympic View W&SD) and Justin Clary (Lake Whatcom W&SD)—continue to represent district interests on the PWB
 Regulatory News
WHO Publishes 54 Pathogen Profiles to Strengthen Water Safety
On June 21, 2025, the World Health Organization released 54 technical background documents detailing pathogens linked to water and sanitation systems, alongside a new “Top 10” pathogen list to focus global attention · These resources support its updated Guidelines on sanitation, health, and drinking water and were unveiled at the WaterMicro25 conference in the Netherlands Read More.

Why it matters for WASWD members:
  • Targets nearly 1.4 million annual deaths from waterborne pathogens—many preventable through improved WASH systems Read More.
  • Profiles include transmission modes, health impacts, detection methods, and control strategies.
  • The “Top 10” list features key pathogens like E.coli (various strains), Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp., Shigella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis A Read More.
  • Emphasizes that well-managed water and sanitation systems form the first line of defense—complementing vaccines Read More.
  • Designed to aid practitioners in risk assessment, monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Washington utilities have made significant progress reducing bacterial contamination and meeting rigorous standards. However, small systems and those impacted by source water variability continue to face challenges. This guidance reinforces the importance of:
  • Source protection and sanitary surveys
  • Operator training and certification
  • Proactive public outreach during boil water advisories or contamination events
Read more in the official WHO announcement:
WHO publishes 54 pathogen background documents to support safe water and sanitation systems
PASCO Studies Fluoride in Drinking Water - What It Means for Washington Districts
City of Pasco, WA has launched a study into whether to continue fluoridation of its drinking water after nearly 27 years (fluoridation began in 1998) . The City Council voted 5–2 to begin a formal evaluation on June 16, including public surveys and community feedback sessions scheduled for August 5 and September 17.
Why Pasco Is Studying Fluoride
  • Fluoride has long been added to support oral health.
  • Some residents and elected leaders are raising health concerns.
  • Pasco's process underscores the importance of community outreach and transparent decision-making for water systems.
What's Next in Pasco
  • Public survey is open now via the city's website.
  • Public meetings planned: August 5 & September 17, 6 pm, Pasco City Hall.
  • Council decision expected this fall, following analysis of community input.
For more details and to stay informed, read the full article here: City of Pasco initiates study into fluoride in drinking water | News | applevalleynewsnow.com
 
 Technology News
New Technology Converts Nitrate Pollution Into Valuable Resources
Researchers at Yale University have developed a breakthrough process that removes nitrate pollution from water while producing ammonia, which can be used as fertilizer or clean fuel.

The system uses an electrified membrane combined with a special molecule to rapidly and efficiently transform nitrate-contaminated water. Early tests show the method works in real-world wastewater and could help communities tackle nutrient pollution while recovering valuable products.

Read the full article here:
Turning water pollution into power
 
 PFAS
Bacteria Found to "Eat" Forever Chemicals in Soil
Scientists from the Catholic University in Piacenza (Italy) have identified nearly 20 bacterial species that can break down harmful PFAS ("forever chemicals") found in contaminated soil. These microbes use PFAS as their only carbon source—a possible step forward in eco-friendly remediation.
Key points:
  • Discovered in PFAS-contaminated soil in Italy's Veneto region, where industrial pollution has been an issue Read More.
  • Preliminary tests show some strains can degrade over 30% of PFAS under lab conditions Read More.
  • Future work includes genome mapping and real-world testing to assess feasibility for soil and water cleanup .
Read the full story here:
Bacteria that eat 'forever chemicals' discovered in contaminated soil
 
 WASWD News
WASWD Webinars

On June 24, David Leonhardt of Seitel Systems presented the webinar “Cybersecurity: Sifting Through the Haystack,” an in-depth discussion on the multiple layers required to safeguard your District—regardless of its size—in today's digital landscape. The session covered the critical roles of a 24/7 Security Operations Center, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

David also walked through real-world cyberattacks—both successful and thwarted—offering key insights and lessons learned.

If you missed the live presentation, you can watch the recording here along with all previous WASWD webinars.
 
Upcoming Meetings
Links to all virtual meetings are available on the Committee Documents webpage of the members only section of the WASWD website.
 
CANCELLED - Finance Committee

July 7, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom
Membership Committee

July 8, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom
Section III Meeting

July 8, 2025 @6:00PM
Location: In-Person Bob's Burgers & Brew
Workforce Development Committee

July 9, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Government Relations Committee

July 10, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom
Conference & Training Committee

July 17, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office
Technology Interest Group

July 18, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom
Section IV Meeting

July 21, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: In-Person Only
King County Office of Emergency Management
Section I & II Meeting

July 24, 2025 @6:00PM
Location: Virtual Zoom
Executive Committee Meeting

July 28, 2025 @9:30AM
Location: In-Person Only
Board of Directors Meeting

July 28, 2025 @10:30AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office
 
 Trainings, Conferences & Events

NEW - NSDA Helps You Decipher DC with Paragon Government Relations
Presented by NSDA, FREE. Registration Link

Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 11:00AM

NSDA hosts Paragon Government Relations to share the latest news coming from the Beltway that affects Special Districts across industries and throughout the United States. From HR2766/S2014 to OSHA to FEMA, this timely webinar will have something for everyone.

Review & Prep for Wastewater Operator Level 3 &  4 Certification Exam Workshop - In-Person
Presented by Professional Training Association, $610. Registration Link

Tuesday, September 16 - 18, 2025

This In-Person workshop will explain what to expect from the exam, provide you with tips on “test taking”, and help you identify areas you may want to focus on during your additional exam prep activities.

Math Review & Exam Prep for Operator Level 3 & 4 - In-Person Workshop
Presented by Professional Training Association, $510. Registration Link

Wednesday, September 24 - 25, 2025

This is perfect for operators who understand the principles of water and wastewater math and are interested in obtaining their Wastewater Treatment Operator level 3 or 4 certificate. In this workshop you will learn not to just plug numbers into formulas but what the formulas actually mean and how to apply them.

2025 Western Washington Short School Trade Show
Presented by PNWS- AWWA, $325. Registration Link

Wednesday, October 1-2, 2025, 8:00AM – 5:00PM Renton

This course reinforces information covered in the ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses, and discusses several new topics, including Area Command, and modifications to the standard ICS organizational structure that might be helpful during Complex Incidents.
 Associate Member Spotlight
Robinson Noble, Inc.
Robinson Noble, Inc. specializes in hydrogeologic, geotechnical, and environmental consulting services throughout the Pacific Northwest. Historically, Robinson Noble began as a groundwater-resources firm. Founded in 1947, we brought a scientific approach to the design, construction, and development of water wells in Washington State. Today, we provide a full spectrum of professional hydrogeologic services as well as environmental services and geotechnical engineering from our offices in Woodinville and Tacoma. The staff includes five licensed hydrogeologists, four professional engineers, three licensed geologists, and several environmental scientists.

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