Rainwood Water System: Notice of Chlorine Treatment Effective March 2

Washington Water Service has completed construction of its new Rainwood Water System chlorination treatment plant and effective Monday, March 2, 2026, it will be going online.

Protecting our customers’ health and safety is our highest priority. Chlorine is being added to the Rainwood Water System in Thurston County as part of our company-wide goal for disinfection of all our water systems. Chlorination is a disinfection process that, in proper doses, kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms that can potentially cause illness. Chlorine is also added for its residual properties; chlorine remaining in the water supply is available to fight against potential contamination that might enter the water distribution and storage systems through leaks or pipe breakages. Chlorination is regarded by public health experts as a common, cost-effective method to protect public health.

The targeted chlorine residual concentration in the distribution system is very low, at just 0.30-0.70 parts per million (ppm). To compare, the federal and state maximum residual disinfectant level in drinking water is 4.0 ppm. It is normal to experience a slight chlorine taste and odor for the first couple of weeks as chlorine makes its way through the distribution system. However, if the chlorine odor or taste ever becomes overly noticeable, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Service Center.

If you have tropical fish and are concerned about chlorine in your water, please check with your local pet store for information on how to remove chlorine from the water. De-Chlor, water conditioner, is commonly used to remove chlorine from fish tanks.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call our Customer Service Center at (877) 408-4060 or email us at [email protected].