2006 Water Comprehensive Plan - City of Bellevue

Discussion:Bellevue’s supply agreement with the Cascade Water Alliance requires that water delivered tothe City of Bellevue meet all state and federal water quality standards. Water samples arecollected and tested for compliance. It is recognized, however, that water is a perishable product.Water quality can fall below accepted standards before reaching the customer whenmicrobial regrowth occurs, excessive levels of disinfection by-products (DBP’s) form, or outsidecontaminants are introduced into the water system. The Utility will take the necessary steps toensure that water reaching the point of delivery, the customer's meter, meets all water qualitystandards. To accomplish this, the Utility will maintain programs to prevent microbialregrowth, excessive DBP formation, and contamination of the water system.Maintaining the water quality from the customer's meter to the actual point of use is theresponsibility of the customer; however, if there is a high likelihood that contamination mayoccur between the meter and the point of use and/or if required by state or federal standards, theUtility will test for water quality at the actual point of use. The results of such tests will be madeavailable to the customers for their action.Cross Connection ControlThe City shall administer a cross connection control program that protects the City’spublic water supply and users of the public water supply from backflow contamination inaccordance with state law and rules promulgated by the Washington State Department ofHealth.Discussion:The Department of Health requires that public water systems implement a cross connectioncontrol program that protects water systems and users of the water systems from contaminationof the water supply from backflow contamination. The City established a comprehensive crossconnection control program nearly 30 years ago. The program requires installation of approvedbackflow prevention assemblies on, or disconnection of, identified cross connections. Theprogram regularly identifies potential cross connections through both the City’s plan and permitreview process, and site inspections of high risk properties. The program also requires testing ofall backflow prevention assemblies within the water system at the time of installation andannually thereafter. The City will continue to implement all aspects of this program.Water SupplyWater Supply SourceThe Utility will continue to rely on regional water suppliers for water. The Utility willwork cooperatively with suppliers, including the Cascade Water Alliance, other purveyors,and other water supply agencies to assure reliable water supply at the lowestenvironmental and economic cost.2-10