Summit Water & Supply Company Water Company

Water Use Efficiency Plan

In September 2014, Summit Water hosted a public meeting to establish Water Use Efficiency goals as required by the State Health Department. Two key goals were set: reduce our average Maximum Day Demand (MDD) per user by at least 0.25% based on a six-year rolling average and lower distribution system leakage to 10% or less based on a three-year rolling average.

For 2017, our target was to reduce MDD per user to at least 540.8 gallons per day (gpd). The actual MDD per user for 2017 was 545.7 gpd, missing our established target. Total water produced/purchased in 2017 was 679,808,144 gallons, while metered/accounted water was 594,649,200 gallons. This resulted in a "Distribution System Leakage" (DSL) of 12.5% (85,158,944 gallons) for 2017 compared to 11.9% (85,103,888 gallons) for 2016.

Based on our distribution leakage averages for 2015 (9.8%), 2016 (11.9%), and 2017 (12.5%), our three-year rolling average is 11.4%.

Municipal Water Quality

This is the 19th report describing Summit Water & Supply Company's water sources, quality testing, and programs that protect our water supply quality. This publication meets federal requirements for water utilities to provide this information annually, with the last report distributed in March 2017. This current report covers the year 2017 and must be delivered to every water consumer by July 1.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Washington Health Department's Drinking Water Program Division (DOH) establish drinking water quality standards. To ensure your tap water is safe, these agencies set regulations limiting the amounts of specific contaminants allowed in public water supplies.

1. Where does Summit Water & Supply Company water come from?
   Summit Water & Supply Company supplies groundwater to Pierce County, Washington.
2. Does Summit Water & Supply Company test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Summit Water & Supply Company must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Summit Water & Supply Company?
   Call 253-537-7781 or visit 9701 50Th Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98446, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Summit Water & Supply Company water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Summit Water & Supply Company water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.