Water Update 11/7/18

The water main break in Warm Springs, that was discovered on Sunday, November 3, 2018, is just the latest water infrastructure challenge for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.  The 14 inch water main line near Shitike Creek ruptured earlier this year not far from the current break.

This water main is the only line that distributes water to the south end of the Warm Springs Agency area and serves the West Hills, Greeley Height and Southeast water tanks.  Those tanks provide water to homes and businesses.

There are water vaults within the system that are not working.  These underground vaults are designed with valves that help the water main line operate at a consistent pressure.  Because the vaults in the Warm Springs Agency water system are not functioning – too much pressure is causing the aging water main to break.

Tribal Managers met today to get an update on the current repair and to make a plan for identifying what needs to be done for a permanent solution.

• Repair on the water main should be completed by tonight with water restored throughout the night.  Once the repair is made it will take time for water to run and fill tanks that then feed the community.
• When water is restored – home owners will need to:
  • open a faucet for 10-15 minutes (bathtub works best) This will allow air to blow out.  You can expect cloudy or discolored water initially.
  • Once water is restored – water heaters can be turned back on at your breaker panel.

The Boil Water Notice will likely continue through the weekend. As a precaution – to ensure safe water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food – you need to boil water for a few minutes and then let it cool before use.

Vault repair or replacement is needed as soon as possible to avoid another water outage.  The process includes identifying the optimal vault design for serving the Agency Water System.  Tribal Management is committed to taking this step.

Replacement of a large section of the steel water main is also needed to avoid further issues.  Funding needs to be identified to make this change over as a final step in ensuring reliable water service to the Agency Community.