Show All Answers

1. Who provides water service in Snoqualmie?

Water service is provided by the Public Works Department. For after hours, leave a message or, in case of emergency, call (pager) 206-541-6317.

2. What kind of water do we have in Snoqualmie?

Snoqualmie ‘s water treatment plant supplies moderately hard water to the community. As rainwater falls, it is naturally soft. However, as water makes its way through the ground and into waterways, it picks up minerals like chalk, lime, calcium, and magnesium. Since hard water contains essential minerals, it is sometimes the preferred drinking water, not only because of the health benefits, but also the flavor. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

3. Do we have a choice of changing the type of water we get at our home?

You can purchase and install a water softener, preferably salt-free. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

4. What is the difference between hard water and soft water?

Hard water is water that contains a quantity of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, iron, and manganese. Soft water is treated water in which the only ion is sodium. In the softening process, as minerals are removed, sodium content increases. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

5. What can I do about household cleaning problems caused by hard water?

It is true that hard water can make some household chores more difficult. You may experience some of the following side effects in your home. There are no safety issues related to any of these, but they can be bothersome.

• Spots on glasses and clear surfaces such as shower doors
• Mineral deposit build up on water-using appliances such as ice makers
• Discoloration on bathroom fixtures and toilet bowl rings
• Film in bathtubs and sinks

The How To Clean Stuff website has many suggestions for managing hard water cleaning challenges. Check the Kitchen and Bath section. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

6. Why does the water sometimes have a brownish color?

Occasional water discoloration is due to fire hydrant flushing and fire flow calculating, which is done on a regular, but infrequent, basis. These procedures cause a high flow level to get the data needed. Unfortunately this stirs up sediment in the main lines which causes temporary water discoloration. The sediment is just minerals that have settled in the mains and are not harmful. All discoloration should disappear within 24 hours. Running cold water through your pipes will help to clear it out.

If the discoloration doesn’t go away within 24 hours, please call the City of Snoqualmie Public Works Department at 425-831-4919. We can come out and flush the lines. After hours, please call 425-323-0101 (pager) or call 425-831-4919 for a recorded message that will provide contact directions.

7. Why does the water sometimes have a strange odor?

Odor in tap water is sometimes a symptom of low flow areas and dead ends. If you detect an odor in your water, please call the City of Snoqualmie Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

8. Does Snoqualmie’s water supply contain fluoride?

Snoqualmie’s drinking water does not contain fluoride. An alternative to having fluoride in drinking water is to take fluoride supplements, which are generally prescribed by dentists. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

9. Who should I call if I have questions about the water quality or water operations?

Please contact Dustin Possert, Water Division Supervisor, at 425-831-4919 ext. 1147 or email Dustin Possert.

10. Who should I call to set up utility service?

Please call 425-888-1555 and apply for service as soon as you need water. Utility billing is done on a monthly basis. Application for service may be made at City Administration office at 8020 Railroad Ave SE.

11. How do I close my account?

If you are moving and need to close your account, please call at least 3 working days before your anticipated move date to schedule a closing read. Water service is not turned off. The meter is read and you are billed for usage up to the closing date. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

12. Who should I call if I have questions about my water utility account or billing?

Please contact Dustin Possert, Water Division Supervisor, at 425-831-4919 ext. 1147 or email Dustin Possert.

13. What if I believe I have been overcharged due to a defective meter?

A homeowner who believes they have been overcharged due to a defective meter may pay a deposit (minimum $50) for a meter test according to the size of the meter. If the test indicates that the meter was accurate or did not over-read, the deposit will be forfeited to the City for the cost of the test. If the meter is over-reading, the City will refund the deposit to the customer and make proper adjustments to the customer's bill. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

14. I am planning on installing an irrigation system. What do I need to do first?

If you are planning to install an irrigation system, you will need a plumbing permit from the City Building Department to install a Backflow Prevention Assembly at the point of connection. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

15. What if I have an existing irrigation system?

If you have an underground irrigation system, it must have a Backflow Prevention Assembly at the point of connection. The backflow assembly must be tested annually. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 425-831-4919.

16. What are your fire hydrant use policies?

All hydrant withdrawals are subject to a permit issued by the City and must be metered with a City meter and check valve. To obtain use of a hydrant meter, call 425-831-4919 extension 10 or go to the Public Works building at 38194 SE Stearns Road.