Water Quality
The Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) has determined that expansion of water facilities and solutions to environmental and conservation issues are necessary to continue supply of irrigation to its ratepayers. The Board of Directors of the KID has determined to expand water resources and power generation. This shall include surface and aquifer sources of water, sewerage facilities, potable water treatment and distribution and power generation.
AVOID CROSS-CONNECTIONS
A cross-connection occurs when a potable water supply (drinking water) is connected to an untreated water supply (irrigation water) without adequate backflow prevention. The connection is dangerous because the irrigation water may contain harmful pesticides and bacteria, which could cause health problems. The KID does not promote the use of cross-connection devices. Please contact the Washington State Department of Health for more information on their use and regulation.
FOR POTABLE DRINKING WATER
The EPA sets standards for our drinking water quality. These standards are regulations that EPA sets to control the level of acceptable contaminants in the nation’s drinking water. These standards include assessing and protecting drinking water sources; protecting wells and collection systems; making sure qualified operators treat water, ensuring the integrity of the water distribution systems; and making information available to the public on the quality of our drinking water. We treat our water according to both Washington State’s and U.S. EPA’s regulations.
Both tap and bottled water originate as “surface water” from rivers and lakes or as “ground water” from springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of land, or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. Water picks up wastes both from human and animal activities. Surface water is filtered and disinfected to remove bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Ground water is usually filtered naturally.
KID’s water is some of the best in the nation. During recent years, we have sampled many different chemicals and have found very little contamination. Contamination is anything other than pure water. We sample total coliform bacteria as an indicator of microorganisms that should not be present. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the KID or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).
CANAL TREATMENT
The Kennewick Irrigation District is providing public notice that it will be applying aquatic herbicides to its irrigation canals, drains, and wasteways in accordance with Washington Department of Ecology Permit No. WAG-991000.
The purpose of the herbicide applications is to control aquatic weeds within the irrigation delivery and drainage systems.
Treatments will be to all irrigation canals, drains, and wasteways constructed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation within the boundaries of the Kennewick Irrigation District located in Benton County.
The pesticides to be used for aquatic weed control are: Magnacide-H (acrolein), Phelps Dodge Copper Sulfate (copper sulfate), and Aquatic Weed Killer (xylene).
Treatments will be daily on various canal, drains, and wasteway systems from May 7 through October 15, 2007. All systems will be treated at 6-mile intervals to maintain the efficacy of the treatments throughout the treated areas.
Treatment sites will be posted in accordance with Permit WAG-991000 with the name and telephone number of the Kennewick Irrigation District. Waters within the delivery system of the Kennewick Irrigation District are intended for agriculture purposes only and are not for human consumption or primary contact such as swimming or for aquaculture. Canals are dangerous. They have constructed facilities and submerged features that are harmful to human life. All facilities are constructed on easements of the United States Bureau of Reclamation, are not for public access, and are intended for authorized purposes only. District facilities are posted and are located on private property.
Chemicals will be applied under the direction of Harry Fox, KID Operations Manager, telephone (509) 586-9111.
The Washington Department of Ecology contact is Ray Latham, Yakima Regional Office, telephone (509) 575-2807, fax (509) 575-2809, e-mail RLAT461@ECY.WA.GOV.
For more information on locations and dates, click here.
For more educational ideas on the subject of water quality or conservation, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website, www.epa.gov.