Water Distribution

After the water leaves the treatment plant it flows through 108 miles of distribution system pipeline ranging in size from 4” to 16” to approximately 6100 service connections. Water flows by gravity from the storage reservoirs to homes and business, except for the Morgan Hill area, which is served by a booster pump station. In addition to installing and maintaining the delivery pipes and meters, the Water Distribution staff services 1,800 valves and almost 800 fire hydrants. Starting with high quality water from the watershed, advanced treatment, a well-maintained distribution system, and continuous monitoring, Port Townsend strivings to provide safe and great-tasting water to our customers.

 

Cross Connection Control
A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where the potable water supply is connected to a non-potable source. The condition exists whenever the drinking water system is or could be connected to any non-potable source (plumbing fixture, equipment used in any plumbing system). Pollutants or contaminants can enter the safe drinking water system through uncontrolled cross connections when backflow occurs.

The City has adopted a cross connection control program consistent with the Washington State Department of Health requirements.  Click here to download a copy of the adopted plan.

Irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier however, weed killers, fertilizers and other contaminants can be siphoned back into the public water. Backflow can be caused by changes in the water pressure, such as when a fire hydrant is used or when there is a broken water main. All irrigation systems, new and existing, must be equipped with an approved backflow prevention assembly. Port Townsend requires an approved double check valve assembly for irrigation systems to protect the public water supply. Backflow assemblies must be tested by a certified backflow assembly tester when installed, annually, and if moved or repaired.

The City is required to ensure that service connections posing a high health hazard have an approved backflow prevention assembly is installed for premises isolation.  Each business is unique, and a city cross connection control specialist will assist in determining the necessary level of protection by conducting a site assessment.

The City of Port Townsend's Cross-Connection Control Specialist is here to help you. Call 360-379-4434 for more information.

 

Water Leaks
The City of Port Townsend works hard to eliminate water distribution system leaks however, many leaks occur on the customer’s side of the meter, which are the homeowner’s responsibility. Finding and repairing them saves water and money.  A toilet that constantly runs or a dripping faucet can easily waste thousands of gallons of water a month and the customer will end up paying a higher water and sewer bill.    Leak Detection Troubleshooting
 

Water Meter Audit
The water meter is typically located in the right of way by the property line under a metal or plastic lid.  Meters record water usage in gallons just as your car's odometer records mileage.  Monthly water consumption is determined by subtracting the previous monthly meter reading from the current meter reading.

The meters also have a low flow indicator to help determine if there is a leak on the customer’s side of the meter.  If the indicator is still spinning or digits increasing with all the faucets, toilets and other water appliances turned off there is a leak in the service line or inside the home.   

 

Emergency Shut-Off
A master water supply valve typically shuts off water flow where the service line enters the building. It may be located in the garage, in the crawl space, or near the water heater.  You may be able to prevent serious damage to your home by closing this valve if there is a broken pipe.

 

Water Pressure
Water pressure within Port Townsend’s distribution system can range from about 30 pounds per square inch (psi) to 150 psi at the customer’s water meter. Pressure at your location depends on the elevation of your service relative to the elevation of the water in the reservoir that provides your service.  Typically, water pressure in the distribution system fluctuates only a few psi as water levels are kept fairly constant.

           High Water Pressure

It is recommended that a pressure reducing valve (PRV) be installed if your water pressure is more than 80 psi. When the home is protected by a water pressure regulator, there is less stress on pipes, appliance valves, and faucets and shutoff valves are less likely to leak.  PRVs should be located in a dry accessible location.  Customers are responsible for installing and maintaining their own PRV devices.

Low Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure usually denotes a plumbing problem. The following list may help you identify the cause of the low pressure.

  • Pressure Reducing Valve – If every fixture has low water pressure and you have a PRV installed on your home’s supply line, verify that your PRV is set correctly or that it is still functioning. A PRV that has failed may reduce water pressure and should be repaired or replaced.
  • Clogged Aerators - If the low pressure is only at certain faucets the problem may be a clogged faucet aerator. Check the aerator screens for debris, scale or other particles that may be restricting flow.  White particles in your aerator are a possible sign of a hot water heater dip tube failure.
  • Pipe Corrosion – Older homes with galvanized steel water lines may experience low water pressure due to rust build up on the inside of the pipes that constricts flow. Rust can also clog fixtures.
  • Filters – Most filters are designed to be replaced regularly.  When the filter plugs up flow through the filter will be reduced.
 
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