Tacoma Water works to maintain the purity and quality of the City’s water supply. It is their job to see that the drinking water satisfies customers, and meets or exceeds the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and State Department of Health regulations. The utility staff members are happy to answer customer concerns regarding water quality. If you are experiencing cloudy or silty water, or your water has developed an unusual odor or taste, call immediately so that we can investigate the situation.
If the problem is easily recognizable, we will give you advice by phone. For example, water may occasionally become discolored due to water main breaks, fires that use a high volume of water, or other problems in the system. These problems usually show up in your home as discolored water. This water is not unsafe to drink, since it has been disinfected. It merely contains sediments due to sudden changes in flow in the system. However, you are advised not to wash clothes because the sediments may cause stains. When the cause of the problem is corrected and flows get back to normal, the problem should resolve itself. In severe cases, some controlled flushing by City crews may be needed.
If the problem appears more serious, or is unable to be solved by phone, a representative from the Water Quality section will visit your home to perform some basic water quality tests to learn more about the problem and to help determine a solution. For more information, or to speak with a water quality staff member about your water, contact the Water Quality section at 502-8215.
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