Ellensburg Water Department

Ellensburg's Municipal Water Supply Origins

The City of Ellensburg draws water from ten wells for municipal supply. City Well, the largest source, is situated near the Yakima River. Additionally, eight deep wells (ranging from 300 to 1250 feet) supplement the supply, with six located within city limits and two outside boundaries. Central Washington University owns another deep well that the City utilizes during peak summer demand periods. These combined sources create our blended water system.

We benefit from high-quality groundwater sources that receive chlorine treatment for disinfection before entering the distribution network. Fluoride is also added at distribution entry points to promote dental health.

Water Conservation Initiatives

Ellensburg has established a 1% reduction goal for water pumped through the system over the next five years. To achieve this, the City is contracting external leak detection services to identify underground water loss points and continuing its comprehensive meter replacement program for aging equipment throughout the system.

The City has also targeted a 5% reduction in overall water consumption within the same timeframe through educational campaigns and public awareness materials distributed through various channels.

Water Quality Information

As water travels across land surfaces or through underground pathways, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, potentially including radioactive elements, and may collect substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants include microorganisms, pesticides, herbicides, radioactive materials, and various organic and inorganic chemicals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes limits for specific contaminants in public water systems, while the FDA regulates bottled water standards. All water sources, including bottled products, reasonably contain minimal contaminant amounts, though this doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health impacts, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, certain elderly populations, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to waterborne infections. These individuals should consult healthcare providers regarding appropriate water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water hotline.

The CDC provides vital information about waterborne diseases, prevention strategies, and public health guidelines relating to municipal water systems. Their resources help consumers understand potential health impacts from various water contaminants and proper home water management practices.