Drinking Water
The Drinking Water program helps protect the health and safety of the community by ensuring safe and reliable drinking water in Island County. This is done by verifying water availability and inspecting well sites during permit review, emphasizing contamination prevention through source protection and technical assistance, investigating complaints, recommending corrective action, encouraging water conservation, regulating water systems as specified by state law and county code, and assisting the state in local drinking water projects. The Drinking Water program divides wells and water systems into four types of water systems; each has a different level of oversight and standards that must be met.
Individual Water System
Individual water systems are private wells serving only one single family residence, or two residences on the same parcel of property. See water quality monitoring recommendations for individual well owners.
Public Water System (Two-Party, Group B and Group A)
Any well or water system that serves more than one parcel of property is considered a public water system. There are several different types of public water systems. Two-party water systems serve two separate parcels. Group B water systems serve three to 14 connections and fewer than 25 people per day or 25 or more people per day for fewer than 60 days per year. Group A water systems serve 15 or more connections, or 25 or more people per day for 60 or more days per year.
Resources for Water Systems
- Review water quality data and the Water Facilities Inventory report on Sentry
- Find Satellite Management Agencies
- Respond to an issue:
Get guidance on water rates:
- Formulate Great Rates: The Guide to Conducting a Rate Study for a Water System
- Water Rates: Paying for Drinking Water
Agencies and organizations with additional resources: