• Biosolids management may face new constraints or prohibitions.
• Monitoring and treatment technologies will require significant investment.
• Public communication and trust must be maintained amid health risk headlines.
• Cost recovery and source control may become key legislative priorities.

• The PFAS NPDWR sets enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds.
• The rule presents significant monitoring, treatment, and affordability challenges for many utilities.
• EPA may consider technical and financial feedback that could shape future rule implementation or support programs.

• Groundwater levels in some areas are dropping by 2–3 feet per year or more.
• The Grand Ronde basalt layer, the thickest in the Columbia Plateau aquifer system, is declining at an average rate of 1.86 feet per year—and up to 7 feet in some wells.
• The Overburden layer, while declining more slowly, is still at risk due to limited remaining drawdown.
• Without intervention, Odessa could lose 10% of its accessible groundwater by 2040 and half within 70 years.

• Long-term water reliability—both for irrigation and potable supply—is being threatened.
• Groundwater stress can impact regional land use, housing growth, and economic resilience.
• Localized data can help prioritize aquifer recharge, conservation investments, and inter-basin water transfers.
• Areas with thin margins for available drawdown are especially vulnerable to climate variability and increased demand.

• Anatoxin-a levels in the fishing pond at Columbia Park recently exceeded Washington State's recreational health threshold, reaching 5.5 µg/L on June 24.
• The pond is also a source for Kennewick's drinking water; however, no toxins were detected in treated drinking water.
• BFHD now routinely monitors the Columbia River shoreline and water treatment plant intakes twice per month, with results returned in 24 hours.
• The region also sees frequent presence of Microcystins, a liver toxin and leading cause of human and animal poisonings from algal exposure.
• Warning signs (yellow or red) are posted where toxins are present; red indicates a health emergency.

• This situation highlights the interconnected risks between surface water quality and drinking water safety—particularly in regions that draw directly from rivers or lakes.
• Utilities should maintain robust source water monitoring, especially during summer months when warmer temperatures and nutrient loading drive algae blooms.
• Public health agencies and utilities will need to continue proactive communication with residents regarding exposure risks, especially for children and pets.
• While cyanotoxins are not currently regulated in drinking water under federal law, EPA health advisories and state thresholds for recreational water exposure are becoming a de facto baseline for utility action.

• Water Supply & Use:
  • June 2025 was Seattle's 5th driest on record, with just 0.42 inches of rainfall.
  • Reservoir levels are declining, while demand is increasing statewide.
  • Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) reports adequate supply for now but notes growing pressure on storage capacity and increasing need for conservation measures in future years.
• Agricultural Stress:
  • Roza Irrigation District will deliver only 45% of normal water supply in 2025, cutting the growing season by 3.5 weeks for crops like hops, apples, and wine grapes.
  • Farmers in the region rely heavily on limited state drought relief funds, with $4.5 million available statewide—insufficient for long-term resilience.
• Hydropower Strain:
  • Seattle City Light's Skagit reservoirs are experiencing the 4th driest year on record, following two consecutive dry years. A 4% drought surcharge remains in effect to rebuild depleted reserves after power market purchases exceeded $70 million in 2023.
• Urban Outlook:
  • SPU's largest reservoir, Chester Morse Lake, was filled above normal this spring to hedge against anticipated shortages.
  • Officials have not yet implemented voluntary restrictions for 2025, but the option remains on the table.
  • Tacoma and Everett utilities are also reportedly stable for now.

• The state's drought emergency declaration unlocks limited assistance but signals a broader need for strategic investments in water supply resilience, aquifer recharge, storage, and conservation.
• Small and medium-sized utilities may face increased pressure to maintain supply, balance rates, and participate in regional planning efforts.
• Infrastructure and rate planning must now account for recurring drought cycles, reduced snowpack, and hotter, longer summers.

• Lead service line inventory and replacement requirements
• Tap sampling protocols
• Public notification and communication standards

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.

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

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

July 21, 2025 @7:00PM
Location: In-Person Only
King County Office of Emergency Management

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

July 28, 2025 @9:30AM
Location: In-Person Only

July 28, 2025 @10:30AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office

Membership Committee

August 12, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Section III Meeting

August 12, 2025 @6:00PM
Location: In-Person, Bob's Burgers & Brew

Workforce Development Committee

August 13, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Government Relations Committee

August 14, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

NEW - Addressing Supply Chain Resilience in Risk Assessments & Emergency Plans
Presented by the EPA, FREE. Registration Link

The session will focus on how community water systems can evaluate and strengthen their ability to manage supply disruptions through their Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs).
This webinar is especially relevant for systems subject to Section 1433 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as revised by America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, which requires systems serving over 3,300 people to develop and maintain RRAs and ERPs.

WASWD encourages members—especially systems near the 3,300-population threshold or updating their emergency planning documentation—to attend. Incorporating supply chain risks is increasingly important for maintaining operational continuity during emergencies.

NEW - Virtual Workshop: Using Technologies and AI to Address Clean Water Challenges
Presented by the NACWA, $450 - $800. Registration Link

This two-day virtual workshop will focus on the transformative role of AI in driving workforce efficiency, improving water quality and strengthening operations. With strong momentum at the federal level—from both Congress and the Administration—around promoting cutting-edge technologies, this workshop will provide a timely opportunity for utility leaders to learn from peers and explore emerging tools and strategies.

The workshop is designed to promote peer learning and sector-wide collaboration. It will be especially valuable for utility leaders looking to modernize systems, improve efficiency, or explore how AI can support day-to-day operations.

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

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

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

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.