Managing Our Water System
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WA DOH Inquiry: Is Your Water Service Line Made of Lead?
Conservation is critical
Conservation is critical
We all share a responsibility to
protect Sierra Vista's precious aquifer
We all share a responsibility to
protect Sierra Vista's precious aquifer
The Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people in the West, is in a drought crisis. The Ogallala Aquifer in Kansas, essential for farm irrigation, is being depleted by over 2 billion gallons a day. Camano Islanders in Sierra Vista also face a high risk to our water supply and not just from reduced rainfall.
The five aquifers that serve SVWA's residents are shared by neighboring water associations and private wells. Island County regulates seawater intrusion to help protect our drinking water, classifying aquifers with elevated seawater intrusion risk into four categories: low, medium, high or very high. SVWA's aquifers are at very high risk of seawater intrusion.
Conserving water is critical. Not only does it help you stay within your monthly allocation and avoid costly overage charges, it reduces the amount of water we pump. Should our aquifers fail, water will need to be trucked in or provided through a newly built pipeline from the mainland. Both alternatives are significantly more expensive than what we pay now.
Learn more about county regulations and view an interactive map depicting seawater intrusion risk on Camano Island and a map of Group A and B water systems in Island County, WA.
Ways you can save water
Ways you can save water
Following a few simple practices can reduce your water usage and help ensure you don't exceed your monthly allocation of 8,000 gallons.
Turn off your water at the meter box if you'll be gone for more than a few days.
A drip irrigation system is an efficient way to maintain your landscaping. Watering your lawn, however, is not permitted from July through September.
Placing a plastic water bottle filled with sand or pebbles in your toilet tank can save as much as 3,000 gallons a year. Learn more.
Put a few drops of dark food coloring in your toilet tank and wait at least 10 minutes. See any coloring in the bowl? That means your toilet is leaking and the flapper needs to be cleaned or replaced. A “silent” leaking toilet could be wasting as much as 100 gallons a day.
Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
Water readings
Water readings
Readings at each residence are recorded on the first day of the month. To monitor how much water you're using and stay within your 8,000-gallon monthly allotment, simply take a photo of your meter on the first and check it occasionally during the month. Your meter is located in the control box at the water main near the street in front of your home.
Review and monitor your water usage*
If you're an SVWA resident and don't have access to this link, contact us.
Water shutoff
Water shutoff
If you'll be gone for more than a few days, consider shutting off your water to avoid possible waste and damage to your home from a malfunctioning toilet, leaky faucet, burst pipes during freezing weather, etc. The shutoff valve is located in the control box by the street. Use a long-handled "water meter key" to rotate the valve so it's perpendicular to the service line leading to your home — and don't forget to turn the water back on when you return!
Cleaning tip
Cleaning tip
If your toilet bowl has dark streaks from manganese, use a soft pumice stone to easily remove them. You can find these online.
Water quality testing
Water quality testing
Test results are available to SVWA residents
Test results are available to SVWA residents
SVWA water quality meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations. Tests are conducted regularly to measure the presence of arsenic, bacteria, chlorides, herbicides, iron, nitrates and manganese. Results are provided every June to the Washington State Health Department and all SVWA members. If you're an SVWA resident and don't have access to these links, contact us.
How our water system works
How our water system works
We've grown
We've grown
SVWA started in 1967 with one well and a basic distribution system. We now have four wells, two reservoir tanks that hold a combined 90,000 gallons and a pump house. An expanded distribution system includes larger water mains, testing and maintenance apparatus, two fire hydrants and an automated backup generator to ensure power during grid outages. The system is overseen and maintained by the SVWA Board of Trustees with the help of partners, chiefly Quality Water Care.
Our system is authorized for 97 hookups and presently serves over 80 residences.
Pumping from SVWA's four wells is controlled by computer and timed to coincide with low tides to avoid seawater intrusion. Readings from the wells, pressure pumps and distribution to residences are recorded on the first day of the month. Annual totals are provided to the Washington State Health Department as part of the association's annual Water Use Efficiency Report. SVWA members use about 94 gallons a day per connection. (How does your household compare? View water readings.)
Seawater intrusion is a serious concern. SVWA manages timed pumping based on tides and has implemented irrigation restrictions during summer months, when temperatures and demand are elevated.
Water mains are flushed on the last Tuesday of every month to help maintain the system. It's advisable not to wash clothes on this day to avoid the potential of manganese seeping into your washer, potentially discoloring your clothing.
* If you're an SVWA resident and can't view this link, request access.
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