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Flood Affected Well Information

During periods of heavier than normal rainfall or excessive snowmelt, flooding can occur in Yakima County. Flooding may affect the water quality of wells due to contamination by floodwaters or runoff. Watch for changes in your water, such as changes in color or taste of the water. If you wellhead is in standing water, you should be especially aware.

If you notice any changes in your water, you should discontinue use of the water for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing of teeth, or washing of dishes. You may continue to use the water to flush the toilet. Find a safe alternative source of water such as bottled water. Under extreme circumstances, when no other source is available, you can treat the water by bringing it to a rolling boil and keeping it there for a minimum of 10 minutes.

To disinfect a well, you can follow the Chlorination Procedures for Flood Affected Wells. However, if you must treat contaminated water for the purpose of drinking, boiling the water is the only acceptable method of disinfection.

Program Overview

The Yakima Health District’s drinking water program protects the health and safety of the community by assuring safe and reliable drinking water.

Program functions include:

  • Well site inspections for Group B water systems
  • Assistance to the public in submitting applications for approval of new/existing water systems
  • Group B public water systems
  • Sanitary survey inspections of public water systems in Yakima County
  • Assistance with questions regarding water quality

Drinking Water Testing

Within the Yakima Valley, there are three locations where residents can take samples of their drinking water for water quality testing. The samples must be taken to the lab directly; the Yakima Health District does not have testing facilities or testing supplies (e.g., bottles, kits, etc.).

        Cascade Analytical, Inc.
        1008 W. Ahtanum
        Yakima, WA 98903
        (509) 452-7707

        Valley Environmental Laboratory
        201 E. “D” St.
        Yakima, WA 98901
        (509) 575-3999

        Ag Health Laboratories
        445 Barnard Blvd
        Sunnyside, WA 98944
        (509) 836-2020

 Drinking Water Program Forms

File

Description
Public Water Supply System Assistance Application Fill out this form to apply for a public water system
2-Party (Shared) Well Approval Guidance In order for the Yakima Health District to approve a well as a 2-Party well (also known as a shared well), the following items need to be done and/or submitted
Mortgage Review Application Fill out this form to start the mortgage review process
Mortgage Review Process/Instructions Outlines the process of completing a mortgage review
Mortgage Review Property Owners Statement Property owners fill out this form to certify that their septic system is properly functioning
Mortgage Review Checklist Outlines the steps of a mortgage review
Chlorination Instructions for Flood Affected Wells