Articles

 

FIRST CLASS IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24th, from 6:00 to 7:30

If you are thinking about adding a sprinkler system or new sprinkler timer this year, this class is for you!  Mark Guthrie will be here in person at the District office to go over how to efficiently water with an inground sprinkler system using zones, different timer settings and proper placements.  He will also discuss timer rebates available through the Saving Water Partnership.  Great information and it is FREE to attend!

Email KirstenA@kcwd90.com or call 425-255-9600 to register.

The Four Creeks Ranch Water System (FCR) (DOH ID# 22740-4) is a privately owned, Community Group A water system located in unincorporated King County, just south of Issaquah and east of the Renton Highlands, Washington. The system serves approximately 150 residents with 60 active connections, fed from a single on-site well. FCR operates under a Satellite Management Agreement (SMA) with NW Water Systems based out of Port Orchard, WA. Additionally, FCR has a Time and Materials Contract with King County Water District 90 (KCWD90) (PWSID 41150), allowing for occasional water system maintenance and repairs to be performed by KCWD90.

The FCR community has previously had preliminary discussions regarding water system consolidation with KCWD90 and both parties were interested in exploring the possibility further. KCWD90 has since approached FCR to discuss a consolidation where FCR would transfer all water system assets to KCWD90 and KCWD90 would become the water service provider. The relative locations of the FCR and KCWD90 systems are shown on Figure 1 – Vicinity Map. FCR is approximately 1.1 miles east of the easterly edge of the KCWD90 service area boundary and nearest KCWD90 water mains.

The WA-Department of Health (DOH) has issued KCWD90 a Consolidation Feasibility Grant. The purpose of this grant is to fund a preliminary engineering study, public outreach, cultural reviews, identify land acquisition, and feasibility study for Four Creeks Ranch water system to consolidate with KCWD90 water system. A copy of the grant’s Scope of Work is included in the Appendix. This report is intended to satisfy the preliminary engineering study requirement.

To view the Four Creeks Consolidation Study, please click here.

 

 

NEW DISTRICT HOURS ANNOUNCED

STARTING DECEMBER 1, 2023

MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:30 TO 5:00

CLOSED FRIDAYS

 

 

 

POSTED January 4, 2024:

Updated "Phase" map showing Phase 3A (178th Ave SE), Phase 3B (SE 146th ST - 180th Ave SE), Phase 4 (180th PL SE around to SE 147th PL), Phase 5 (183rd Ave SE) and Phase 6 (SE 145th ST).

The Renton Suburban Tracts Water Main Replacement Project is taking more time than anticipated.  This has been due to Contractor staffing issues, conflicts with CenturyLink communication lines and pipe-bursting is a new technology for the primary contractor.

We have extended the contract to add 6 months to the original timeline.  The project is now scheduled to be completed at the end of March 2024.

 

POSTED November 2, 2023:

We are currently completing Phase 2 and starting Phase 3.  To date we have completed 3,000 feet of new water main, 53 new service lines and 6 new fire hydrants.  Work is scheduled to continue through November and December as weather permits.

 

POSTED June 12, 2023:

POSTED May 1, 2023

King County Water District No. 90 (The District) has selected a Contractor, and work on this project is scheduled to begin soon.  The District would like to extend an invitation to attend a public meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding this project.

Meetings will be held at the District Office. Meeting times and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 3 pm to 4 pm

Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 7 pm to 8 pm

This project will impact 215 homes in the Renton Suburban Tracts, Divisions 6 & 8. For that reason, this meeting could be larger than our conference room will allow and will be held in person only. Please come dressed for the weather, as this meeting will be held in our Maintenance Bay to allow for a large size gathering. Representatives from the District, Engineers, and RW Scott Company (Contractor) will be in attendance to answer any questions you might have.

Clean water is essential to the pursuit of health and happiness and King County Water District No. 90 exists to provide these services to everyone in our community. We serve a diverse population and we want to communicate to you, our customers, that we support equality. 

KCWD90 has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI), a third-party contractor, to manage the District's Cross Connection Control Program. BSI provides a web-based tracking program and a more efficient and cost-effective means of managing the District's inventory of backflow prevention assemblies.

What does this mean for you as a backflow customer? Click here to find out.

This list of resources is available to customers who may need help with utilities, rent, food, etc. We encourage you to pursue these options if you are struggling and need some help.

1. Bellevue LifeSpring
   Belleve LifeSpring helps with food, clothing, and emergency rent assistance.
   (425) 451-1175
   info@bellevuelifespring.org
   
   
2. Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP)
   DCAP is available to families or individuals without children who face an emergency and don’t have the money to meet their basic needs. This program is available only once within a 12-month period.
   
   To apply online, visit WashingtonConnection.org and then call 877-501-2233 to complete the required interview. To apply by phone, call 877-501-2233 to complete the entire application process over the phone.
   
   
3. Hopelink
   Housing, transportation, family development, financial assistance, employment programs, and five food banks.
   (425) 869-6000
   
   
4. Issaquah Community Services (ICS)
   Available to residents living within the Issaquah School District. Issaquah Community Services (ICS) helps families with emergency aid to prevent homelessness with rent assistance. It may help pay utility bills, bus tickets and other miscellaneous expenses. Payment is given on behalf of the client; cash is never given.
   (425) 837-3125
   icsoffice180@gmail.com
   http://www.issaquahcommunityservices.org/need-help/
   
   
5. King County 24-Hour Crisis Line
   The 24-Hour Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis.
   (866) 427-4747
   
   
6. King County Food Banks
   http://verdanthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/King-County-Food-Bank.pdf
   
   
7. King County Housing Authority (KCHA)
   KCHA provides rental housing and rental assistance.
   (206) 574-1190
   StephenN@kcha.org
   
   
8. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
   LIHEAP helps low-income households with their home energy bills.
   (253) 517-2263
   https://mschelps.org/gethelp/energy/energyeligibility
   
   
9. Renton Salvation Army
   Electric: (425) 255-5969, Ext. 13
   Rent: (425) 255-5969, Ext. 14
   
   
10. St. Vincent De Paul
    Requests for assistance with rent, utilities, food, etc.
    (206) 767-6449

Dear Backflow Customer,

You have been identified as a customer with a backflow device and have been included in our annual backflow testing program. King County Water District No. 90 (the District) plans to make significant changes to its backflow testing program effective immediately. Please read below for details:

Nearly 1,300 of the District's 8,150 customers (about 16%) have backflow devices on their property that ensures water can only flow one direction. This device protects the District's water system from contamination through fire systems, irrigation systems, or commercial properties “pulling” chemicals into the drinking water system, should there be a backflow event (i.e. a main break or a fire). The District is required by Washington Law (RCW 246-290-460) to have a backflow program that identifies properties requiring a backflow device and to ensure that these devices are tested annually.

Starting in the Summer of 2020, the administration of the District's backflow program will be outsourced to a third party, BSI Backflow Solutions, LLC (“BSI”). The BSI program requires that all future test reports be filed online through the BSI portal. Moving forward, both you and your previous tester will be notified by BSI each year of when to submit your annual test. The letter will include a unique customer number that your tester will need in order to file your annual test report online. Starting September 1, 2020, your tester will be required to pay $14.95 to file each backflow test online. Ultimately, this fee will be your responsibility, and not the District's.

In past years, the District has sent out letters on May 1^st giving customers 60 days to have their devices tested. This year, due to Covid-19, the District had to delay the program because testers notified us that they were unable to obtain enough personal protective equipment to safely test and meet customers at their homes. As we get back to a more normal schedule, District staff has had to determine how to catch-up on necessary work that was delayed due to the quarantine. The backflow program is extremely time intensive for staff, requiring hundreds of hours of staff time every year. Moving to an online submittal format will save the District a significant amount of time that will be reallocated to other projects.

So far in 2020, the District has already received 430 test reports (out of 1,300 devices or 33%). For those of you who have already submitted your report, this change will not impact you until 2021. Additionally, due to the late notice, we were able to negotiate a one-time “free period” to submit your 2020 test report. This free period will be between August 1 to August 31, 2020. Prior to August 1, completed test reports can be emailed to the District at info@kcwd90.com. No test reports will be accepted at the District after July 31.

If you have not submitted your 2020 backflow test report, you can expect your first letter toward the end of July. You do not need to wait for the letter to initiate testing. For your reference, the 2019 list of backflow testers is available on the District's website at https://www.kcwd90.com/forms/000103.pdf.

If you have already submitted your 2020 report, your first backflow letter from BSI will arrive in May of 2021. We anticipate that in 2021 we will be on a more normal schedule with backflow letters being issued in early May and tests due by the end of June.

If you have questions, please contact me by email, darceyp@kcwd90.com.

Sincerely,

Darcey Peterson
General Manager,
King County Water District No. 90

How do we know High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE)

is safe to use for Drinking Water?

What is HDPE pipe?

High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE pipe is a commonly produced, flexible plastic pipe made of thermoplastic high-density polyethylene widely used for low-temperature fluid and gas transfer. The strong molecular bond of HDPE pipe materials helps it to be used for high-pressure pipelines. HDPE plastic is one of the most versatile of plastics—used in everything from hard hats to house wraps—it's also widely recycled, in both its rigid form (e.g., containers), and flexible form (e.g., polybags). Polyethylene pipes have a long and distinguished service history for gas, oil, mining, water, and other industries. Due to the low weight and high corrosion resistance of HDPE pipes, the industry is growing tremendously.

What is HDPE made from?

HDPE pipes are made by the polymerization of ethylene, a by-product of oil. Various additives (stabilizers, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, lubricants, colorants, flame retardants, blowing agents, crosslinking agents, ultraviolet degradable additives, etc.) are added to produce the final HDPE pipe and components.

What is the history of HDPE pipe use?

In the year 1953, Karl Ziegler and Erhard Holzkamp discovered high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Solid-wall HDPE pipes began replacing metal pipes in oil and gas systems in the late 1950s. In the early 1960s, gas utilities started replacing failing iron pipes with HDPE pipes, and because of its success, 95% of all new gas distribution systems installed today use HDPE. Soon after, HDPE pipes began to be used in agricultural drainage systems. In the 1980s, HDPE began to replace metal and concrete in stormwater culverts. HDPE is the insulation coating on the overhead telephone and electrical lines. HDPE is the same substance used in bottle caps, reusable water bottles, plastic lumber, patio furniture, hula hoops…the list goes on and on.

Is HDPE pipe considered “Food Safe”?

HDPE pipe is a common industrial plastic that is highly utilized in modern applications. Federal Regulation oversees the use and service of HDPE. The FDA considers HDPE pipe to be “approved food grade - BPA Free” (aka ANSI/NSI 61) and is approved for potable water applications. The molecules of HDPE are more tightly packed and stable than other food-grade plastics, meaning less plastic can leach into your food. The safest food-grade containers/buckets made from HDPE have the #2 symbol stamped on them, which indicates the plastic is considered safe from any BPA leakage. There has been no evidence of any widespread health problems associated with the use of HDPE in food and beverage or drinking water applications.

Will Sunlight affect HDPE pipe?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that reduce the tensile properties of plastics with time. Usually, 3-5% carbon black is added to HDPE to make it UV resistant, which turns HDPE pipes black in color. HDPE pipe is installed in the ground, covered with at least 18” of ground cover, and not subjected to UV rays. This UV protection allows HDPE to be used in telephone and electrical wires that are consistently exposed to UV light, without any loss of tensile strength.

Will gasoline or wildfire affect HDPE pipes?

Gasoline does not adversely affect HDPE. The material does not soften or lose strength when exposed to gasoline. However, HDPE pipes will burn if exposed to an outside fuel source (i.e., gasoline). This could happen if there was a large fuel spill adjacent to the pipe. However, the fire would extinguish itself quickly due to the lack of an air supply and the fact that the pipe is buried.

Why did we choose HDPE pipe?

• The durability of HDPE is one of the benefits of HDPE. It has 100+ years of useful life.

• HDPE saves money because it is inexpensive compared to ductile iron pipe or copper. Currently, HDPE is less than half the cost of Ductile Iron Pipe.

• HDPE is superior to metals. It is lighter, flexible, and doesn’t fracture due to freezing.

• HDPE is efficient to produce. It requires less energy to fabricate, transport, and install than metal alternatives.

• HDPE won’t rust or fracture. It is resistant to corrosion and scaling.

• HDPE is rigid enough to hold its form over time, even in a seismically active area, and it is flexible enough to bend around corners and under creeks or streams.

• Installation of HDPE pipe is often “trenchless,” meaning that the new pipe can be pulled through the old pipe, and the road does not have to be “open cut.”

• 20-foot sections are joined using butt fusion, making a longer section of pipe that is effectively seamless.

• The seamless HDPE pipe is essentially leakproof and has a longer life than ductile iron pipe because there are no joints to slip or allow root intrusion.

• HDPE is better for our employees, too. It’s so light, one person can carry a 20- foot section, and it won’t break or hurt someone’s foot if it’s dropped!

• Using flexible HDPE typically means no ugly trenches or damaged driveways, streets, sidewalks, or landscaping. 

• Best of all, replacing old mains with HDPE saves you money! The design, purchase, and installation of HDPE are significantly more affordable than Ductile-Iron pipes. This means your water rates go further.

What about microplastics? Will using HDPE pipe cause me to be exposed to microplastics in my drinking water?

Microplastics are plastic pieces between one micrometer (one-millionth of a meter) and five millimeters in size. Nanoplastics are even smaller than one micrometer. 35% of all microplastics come from synthetic fibers (i.e., fleece) released during clothes-washing. Another 30% comes from car tires. Plastic breaks down over time, especially when exposed to the atmosphere and UV light for long periods of time. HDPE pipe is protected from breakdown by the black carbon that blocks UV light and the fact that the pipe is buried and not exposed to the atmosphere.

Wait, I have heard about plastic pipes before, don’t they break easily?

The polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe material introduced in the 1970s led to an unacceptable leakage rate. This type of pipe was prone to splitting and is not the same as the HDPE plastic pipe we use today.

Is there a situation where HDPE pipe is not a good choice?

HDPE pipes can work satisfactorily in a wide temperature range of -220 F to +180 F. However, the use of HDPE Pipes is not suggested when the fluid temperature exceeds 122 F (50 C).

Would you like more information on Trenchless Installation of HDPE?

Check out these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX5beh0ubGY&ab_channel=TrenchlessSolutions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiEeJ9fBHqc

Information for this FAQ has been collected from these resources:

See https://www.tengyuanpipes.com/

https://whatispiping.com/what-is-hdpe-pipe/

https://www.usplastic.com/

www.wikihow.com/Identify-Food-Grade-Buckets

The Plastics Paradox, Facts for a Brighter Future, Chris DeArmitt, PHD

 

Construction Update: May 2019

Map: Updated May 2019

Construction is moving along, as the District's contractor, R.W. Scott Construction, is working to complete final sections of the project area. Here's what's happening:

• Construction along Lake Kathleen Road SE between SE 128th Street and SE 133rd Place continues. The water main and new water services are being installed. Final connections for the water main are expected to be completed in May.
• Construction of the water main on SE 196th is anticipated to begin in May.
• Full-width overlay of the roadways impacted by the water main installation has begun and will continue throughout the spring, as weather permits.

Article 1 - Community Update

West Lake Kathleen Project Map

Click on link to view map.