Resources and guidance to help you navigate information about your water
A Note About Backflow Prevention
Beginning in 2007, water purveyors in Washington were required by Washington State Administra-tive Code (WAC 246-290-490) to establish a cross-connection control program to prevent contami-nation of our public drinking water system by unintended backflow. Although rare, the possibility of contamination through cross-connection does exist and is a very real threat to all of us! Water can reverse its flow (backflow) when there is a severe drop in pressure. Such a drop in pressure could be caused by a water main break, several hydrants being opened during a fire, or other events. When the direction of flow is reversed, all the water in your property’s plumbing system could flow back into the public water system. If there is a backflow event while you have a hose underwater in the horse trough or pool, any bacteria or chemicals in your trough or pool is now part of the public drinking water. If you have a hose in your radiator while flushing it, that water and the chemicals are now part of the drinking water. If your lawn sprinkler system does not have backflow protec-tion, fertilizers and weed killer are now part of the drinking water. Not a pleasant thought!
Approximately one-fifth of our members have special plumbing features on their premises that re-quire backflow prevention measures. These plumbing features include fire sprinklers, lawn sprin-klers, hydronic heating, solar heating, photo labs, other water sources, and water softeners. These members are required to have backflow prevention assemblies installed to prevent backflow of the used water in the event of a loss in pressure. If you install any of these special plumbing features, please call our office so that we may discuss the precautions that must be taken. The main require-ment will be to install an approved backflow prevention assembly immediately after the water me-ter, on your side, to isolate your premises. The backflow prevention assembly will then need to be tested annually by a certified backflow assembly tester (BAT). For your convenience, Heights Wa-ter contracts with certified testers each summer to arrange for everyone’s testing to be done at the same time, at reduced rates.
Even if you don’t have any special plumbing features like those described above, remember to keep the garden hose out of the pool and car washing bucket. Always maintain an air gap between the hose and the vessel it is filling, or better yet, install a vacuum breaker at each hose bib. It is sim-ple, inexpensive, and could save lives!
Cross-connection control is a simple way to help keep our water safe for yourself and your neigh-bors. Feel free to call or stop by the office if you have any questions!
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Conservation tips for inside the home
Using less water is better for everyone. Though Heights Water is pure and plentiful, we all can be doing our part to conserve our precious resource.
Install low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators.
When you upgrade your dishwasher, laundry washer, or toilet, select a low-flow or water efficient model.
Turn off water when brushing teeth and washing hands.
Check faucets, showerheads, and pipes for leaks.
Check for running toilets.
Insulate hot water pipes.
Take shorter showers.
Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when full.
Minimize use of the kitchen garbage disposal.
When washing dishes by hand, do not leave the water running for rinsing.
Do not use your toilet as a garbage can.
Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator.
When you have a leaky toilet or faucet, call a certified plumber right away. Until it’s fixed, turn the water valve off when not in use.
Conservation tips for outside the home
Using less water is better for everyone. Though Heights Water is pure and plentiful, we all can be doing our part to conserve our precious resource.
Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
Monitor irrigation or sprinkler times and change or turn off when rain is more prevalent.
Position sprinklers to water only what you want. Don’t water sidewalks or streets.
Water early in the day. Don’t water when it’s windy.
Put mulch around trees and plants to absorb water and decrease watering times.
Use a drip-irrigation system for shrubs and trees.
Use a spray nozzle and bucket when washing your car.
Use a broom and not a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk.
Check irrigation or sprinkler lines in the spring for leaks or breaks.
Check water bills for unexpected high usage.
Payment Options
In case you haven’t heard, Heights Water has two autopayment options available now, in addition to our long-time methods of accepting cash, checks, bank checks, money orders, and one-time card pay-ments (through our website). Enrollment in autopayment by ACH or by credit/debit card is available through our secure payment portal.
Spring Clean Up
Springtime at Heights Water can mean searching for hidden water meters now under the new spring growth of weeds and vines! Please take a moment to uncover your water meter. As always, if our staff needs to use a machete to uncover your meter you will be charged a fee. Thank you!