“Thanks to our community, we reduced water usage to help extend our existing supply of chlorine, reduce the strain on the supply chain, and ensure water reserves continue to meet emergency response needs,” said Mayor Laurie Gere.
It is no longer necessary to conserve water, however it is always encouraged to find ways for your household to conserve water on a daily basis to protect our resources. The City of Anacortes is committed to providing quality water for all residents and water customers can rest assured of its safety and superior quality.
Chlorine was delivered to the City late yesterday and early today and has put the water treatment plant at an above average level and the wastewater treatment plant at near full capacity.
In addition, Westlake Chemicals, which supplies materials to produce sodium hypochlorite, was able to find a replacement transformer and expects to resume normal production by June 28, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Westlake supplies materials to Hasa Inc., which produces sodium hypochlorite and provides it to the City’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
The City is beyond pleased with our community, industrial partners and staff who all worked together to avert what could have been a very serious emergency situation regarding the drinking water supply. Residents not only stepped up to conserve water, but made calls to the city with suggestions, some even offering what chlorine they had on hand to help our City. Our industrial partners Marathon and Shell Puget Sound refineries simply went above and beyond at a moment’s notice to assist the community with this nationwide crisis.
“Helping our hometown during an emergency will always be our priority, said James Tangaro, Manager of the Marathon Refinery. “Our refinery team members have great relationships with a number of suppliers and contractors such as Univar and Lynden Logistics who were able to quickly respond to the supply shortage.”
“Shell Puget Sound Refinery is grateful for the communication, partnership and leadership from Mayor Gere as well as the city’s Public Works Department as the city navigated through potential local water supply challenges caused by the current national chlorine shortage,” said John White, General Manager of the Shell Puget Sound Refinery. “Continuing to operate the refinery safely, and serving as a good neighbor and community partner are our top priorities. We initiated voluntary measures to reduce water usage at the refinery over the past several days and were pleased to offer our assistance in collaboration with LTI Trucking Services in helping to identify additional sodium hypochlorite supplier and shipment options for the City of Anacortes.”