Water Main Break - Localized Precautionary Boil Water Notice

UPDATE 10/12/23 at 3:00pm

The City received satisfactory results from laboratory testing, confirming water safety and quality. The Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been lifted for impacted homes.

Residents that were under the Precautionary Boil Water Notice have received new hanging door tags with information on how to properly restart water usage in their homes:

• Flush Household Pipes/Faucets First
  • To flush plumbing, run all cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. 
  • For a residence with multiple levels, start at the top of the house. 
  • If the service connection is long or complex (ex. apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. A building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times. 
  • If the water is discolored, continue to run it from the tap until it is clear. 
• Ice and Automatic Ice Makers
  • Wash and sanitize ice trays. 
  • For an icemaker, dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. 
  • If the water line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, discard five batches of ice cubes. 
  • Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. 
• Hot Water Heaters, Water Coolers, In-line Filters, and Other Appliances with Direct Water Connections or Water Tanks
  • Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. 
  • Replace filters that are near the end of their life. 
  • Follow any other instructions from the appliance manufacturer. 
• Water Softeners
  • Run through a regeneration cycle. 
  • Follow any other instructions from the appliance manufacturer. 
• For Reverse Osmosis (RO) Units, replace pre-filters, check owner's manual.
  • Replace other water filters, as they may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.

If you have any questions or encounter issues, contact the City's Customer Service Team: 206-275-7600 between 8:30am - 5:00pm.

October 10 - The City was notified of a potential water main break near the 4600 block of West Mercer Way at approximately 9:00pm yesterday evening, October 9. Crews quickly worked to isolate the affected portion of the water main and began slowing the immediate leak. The break site has been repaired and lines are flushing.

The damaged water main is a 14” diameter cast iron pipe originally installed in 1958. Excavation of the break site revealed a 12-foot-long crack, which required a complete pipe replacement in that section of the main. This replacement was complex and involved overexcavation of the area to install the new segment of pipe. An 18-foot pipe was sourced from the City of Anacortes, as pipe of this size and type are challenging to locate.

City crews successfully replaced the damaged water main in the evening of October 10 and water service has been restored to impacted properties.

Affected Area

Currently, 36 homes in the immediate vicinity of Merrimount Drive and SE 48th Street had an interuption to water service. The replacement water main is being filled, flushed, and tested. 

Localized Precautionary Boil Water Notice

A precautionary boil water notice has been issued FOR THE HOMES IN THE VICINITY OF MERRIMOUNT DRIVE AND SE 48TH ST (see Affected Area Map). Once water is restored, we advise that for the next 72 hours you boil your water prior to consumption. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice. The City has bottled water available for affected households. Water can be picked up at the Community Center.

Impacted homes have received orange hanging door tags with information.

There is no impact to the wider water system on the Island. If you did not receive a door tag and your water pressure is normal, your water is safe to drink and use. Because the main break occurred on the City's "side" of the water system, there will be no impact to water meter readings or customer utility bills.

Road Closure

West Mercer Way has been reopened.

We are thankful for the hard work of our Public Works teams who were able to replace this major water main within 24 hours by working around-the-clock. We are also greatly appreciative to the City of Anacortes for going out of their way to supply the specialized pipe needed for the repair.

If you have any questions or encounter issues, contact the City's Customer Service Team: 206-275-7600 between 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Updates will be provided as they are available.