Where: Quinault Indian Reservation, Washington

Issue: A small privately-owned water system had elevated copper levels

Outcome: RCAC staff worked with system staff to help bring it into compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule

The Olympic Park Trailer Court is a very low-income community on the Quinault Indian Reservation in Washington’s Olympic peninsula. The water system serves 16 residential and two commercial connections. Water sample results in 2016 showed an elevated copper level.

RCAC staff conducted two site visits to the community in July and August 2016 to determine if he samples were taken properly. They met with residents at each of the sample site locations and explained proper sampling procedures. Subsequent tests confirmed that the copper levels were too high.

Residents and staff considered options for treating the water. Obstacles included cost, operation and maintenance, managing water quality parameters and lack of personnel. Even the cost of additional sampling posed a challenge.

Because only one site appeared to be affected by the high copper levels, RCAC staff advised replacing the plumbing and fixtures at that location. Olympic Park Trailer Court completed the plumbing and fixture replacement.  By October of 2016, the system received a letter from EPA stating they reviewed the plumbing and fixture replacement project and have approved it as an Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment alternative.  Further, that the system has completed all the necessary requirements to maintain compliance under the Lead and Copper Rule.