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Water

About Auburn's water

Auburn’s water, unlike that of other cities, comes from deep well aquifers and springs. It is not dependent on the Cascade Mountain’s snowpack replenishing open reservoirs.

Residents are billed according to the amount of water used. The city has established an inclining block rate for the quantity of water consumed to promote water conservation.

The City is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the water service lines from the street to the backside of the service meter. The owner is responsible for the service from the backside of the meter to the home. All plumbing in the home and landscape irrigation systems is also the responsibility of the owner. Backflow prevention devices are required on all irrigation systems and fire lines.

For service changes or questions concerning billing, contact the Utility Billing Division either by email or by phone at 253-931-3038.

Questions or concerns regarding new installations, repairs, maintenance of existing services, water quality, water pressure problems, help in locating leaks, reporting broken hydrants or leaking water mains should be directed to the Water Utility at 253-931-3066. After-hour water emergencies are currently handled by calling the emergency operator at 911.

Water conservation tips

Indoors

  • Fix leaking water fixtures around your home
  • Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors
  • Take shorter showers, wash full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine
  • Purchase units that use less water when replacing toilets or washing machines

Outdoors

  • Sweep driveways and patios rather than washing
  • Water lawns and gardens in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation
  • Landscape with plants that are adapted to your garden conditions (soil type, moisture level and microclimate)
  • Mulch around your plants to keep their roots moist and prevent soil compaction. Keep the mulch a few inches from the plant’s stem or trunk

Other conservation resources to check out:

www.partners4water.org

Water Use Efficiency Reports

2007 Water Use Efficiency Reports

Cross connections

The City of Auburn water system provides drinking water that is safe to drink and meets all State Department of Health and Federal health standards. (Please visit the City of Auburn Water Quality Report under the City Services, Utility, Water section for more information).

One of the concerns of the Washington State Department of Health involves drinking water cross connections. A cross connection is any connection between a safe drinking water source and a unsafe source of water or liquid. This connection presents a health risk and needs to be eliminated or controlled.

The City delivers water to each customer at a minimum pressure of 35 pounds per square inch. Under certain conditions, the water can flow in the reverse direction as a result of system pressure loss. This is known as backflow. There are two types of backflow, Backsiphonage and Backpressure.

Backsiphonage is backflow caused by negative or reduced pressure in the supply lines that may be the result of a main break or firefighting activities in the area.
Backpressure is caused when a non drinking water system pressure is greater than the drinking water system due to a pump, boiler, elevation difference or air or steam pressure.

There are mechanical devices that incorporate valves and springs to prevent backflow. They are known as backflow prevention assemblies or vacuum breakers. These are installed in the customers plumbing. The degree of backflow hazard dictates how many devices may be needed, what type and where they should be installed.

Protect your water supply from contamination by taking the following precautions:

  • DO NOT submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, sinks, ponds, etc.
  • DO NOT use spray attachments without a backflow prevention device.
  • DO NOT connect a waste pipe from a water softener or other treatment system to a sewer line or drain pipe.
  • DO NOT use a hose connected to a drinking water source to unplug blocked toilets, sewer lines or drain pipes.
  • DO install a vacuum breaker device on all threaded hose bibs around your home or business. These devices are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores or improvement centers.
  • DO install an approved backflow prevention assembly on all underground lawn irrigation systems and closed-flow home fire protection lines. Please note that a plumbing permit is required for both of these systems when they are connected to your plumbing system.

Safe drinking water is a resource that all of us depend on. We need to be aware that system integrity is a community effort and responsibility. Please eliminate potential cross connections to ensure a healthy future for yourself, your family and all members of the community.

If you need help determining what type or where to install a backflow device, or the safety of your plumbing with regards to backflow, please contact the City of Auburn Cross Connection Control Specialist at 253-931-3064. You may also request a Water Usage Survey Questionnaire or an on-site survey at the same number.

Water quality reports

The Auburn Water Utility is proud to present you with our water quality reports. These reports are an annual snapshot of our water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.