WATER QUALITY
Manchester Water District is known for its exceptional water
quality and starts with its source – water pumped from
deep-aquifer wells (groundwater). Our water is treated by adding
trace amounts of chlorine to offset natural substances in some
wells. Most important, adding chlorine provides a barrier of
protection against bacterial growth in the distribution system
and is a requirement of the Washington State Department of Health.
We also fluoridate our water. Area residents voted to fluoridate
in 1969, as a safe and effective way to reduce the incidence
of tooth decay. Since then, we have been adding fluoride at the
State of Washington Department of Health prescribed levels. The
American Dental Association, the American Medical Association,
and the US Public Health Service endorse the fluoridation of
drinking water.
The District currently has 11 groundwater wells that provide
water to the distribution system. These wells have the advantage
of being naturally filtered and typically produce higher quality
raw water than do surface water sources. While all of our wells
produce very good water quality, a few wells do have aesthetic
flaws. One well has the presence of Manganese in the water, which
is not associated with any health problems but may stain laundry
and fixtures. Two other wells produce a rotten-egg type odor
that is unpleasant but not harmful (adding chlorine offsets these
taste and odors). Both of these aesthetic problems are results
of the types of geologic layers that the water passes through
as it percolates through the ground to the aquifer.
The District continuously monitors water quality and treatment
levels through its automated process control system. In addition,
we perform thousands of water quality tests per year and meet
all requirements of the Washington State Department of Health
and federal Environmental Protection Agency. You can find out
more about our water quality by referring to our annual Consumer
Confidence Report.
