The Water Division consists of the water distribution system located within the City. In addition, fire protection services are also provided to the users of the water system and made possible by the Water Division. The expenses of the Division are fully funded by revenue from user fees.
High quality, clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing water is the City’s commitment to YOU. We have adopted practices to ensure the drinking water consistently meets, or exceeds, all State and Federal regulations.
Lead Service Line Inventory ~ Customer Survey Form
To comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, public water systems are required to complete an inventory of customer service lines. Please open the following link, complete the form and return to:
- jo.linder@uniongapwa.gov
- City Hall @ 102 West Ahtanum Road; Union Gap, WA 98903
- P.O. Box 3008; Union Gap, WA 98903
- Fax # 509.248.6494
Water Valve Turning Program
The City’s valve turning program is currently underway and will continue for the remainder of the year 2024. If you encounter discoloration in your water, please limit your use of water so any naturally occurring sediment will settle. If discolored, please be assured your water will be the same safe water you enjoyed prior to this maintenance program. You might ask, “What is the valve turning program?”
- Who: Public Works Personnel
- What: This is a preventive maintenance program, which involves locating and mapping all valves in the system. Recording pertinent information. Cleaning out valve boxes or vaults. Operating all valves to ensure they function properly. Depending on the condition of the valve, it may require repair, replacement, or non-emergency maintenance. Water valves are an essential part of the City’s water distribution system and they can be tough to work with, as there are many details and safety measures that must be followed to ensure success.
- When: Currently and will continue thru the remainder of the year.
- Where: The entire City of Union Gap water distribution system.
- Why: To assure reliable operation and maintain water quality; extends the life of the valves; helps ensures water system reliability; helps you safely and effectively operate your system for regular use; ensures the system is operable in the event of an emergency.
Water System Annual Maintenance Program
System maintenance is performed by introducing a low dose of chlorine, throughout the entire domestic water distribution system. The maintenance then consists of systematically flushing a rapid flow of water through the mains to remove naturally occurring sediment. The purpose of this operation is to enhancing water quality; identify hydrant and valve malfunctions; as well as identify potential weaknesses in the system.
Water users are generally notified through the City newsletter, website and postings; “Public Service Announcements” are sent to the Yakima Herald Republic, all local radio & television stations.
Drinking Water ~ Important Notice
None at this time.
Water Map
New Water Service Connection
To connect to the City’s water system, please contact the Utility Department at 509.248.0434 . A completed “Water Service Application” and payment in full is required prior to making a connection to the City services.
REQUIREMENTS:
APPLICATION:
WATER SERVICE INSTALLATION CHARGES:
Changes effective 05.01.24
Water Developer Standards
Water Quality Report
Annually the City provides a Water Quality Report, which is also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The report contains important information regarding the City’s quality of drinking water for the previous year.
2020 Consumer Confidence Report
2019 Consumer Confidence Report
2018 Consumer Confidence Report
2017 Consumer Confidence Report
2016 Consumer Confidence Report
2015 Consumer Confidence Report
2014 Consumer Confidence Report
2013 Consumer Confidence Report
2012 Consumer Confidence Report
Cross Connection Control
This program was implemented to improve the protection of our water system. “Cross Connection” is when back-siphonage or back pressure conditions are created in a water line; thus causing it to enter into the water system. The City’s program addresses high health hazard connections, commercial services, and residential connections.
A well-maintained water system is critical in protecting the City’s ever present threat of cross-connection contamination.
The City’s Cross-Connection Control Program is on-going with backflow inspectors working through the City’s system inspecting properties.
Please make sure your cross-connection back flow assemblies are tested and certified. For a list of City of Union Gap approved Certified Assembly Testers, please stop by City Hall or call 509.225.3524.
Water System Plan
This plan is a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of our water system. The plan identifies current and future plans, by the City, to continue to provide high quality drinking water. The Water System Plan is updated every five (5) years.
Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program
To address the increasing demand on our state’s water resources WA State Legislature passed the “Municipal Water Law”. The law established that all municipal water suppliers must use water more efficiently in exchange for water right certainty. As the potential for developing new sources of water diminishes, an efficient use of water is necessary to meet future demand due to drought, climate changes, population growth, and business needs.
Water Use Efficiency Plan Update 2017
Temporary Turn Off for Repairs or Vacation
If you would like your household water turned on or off, for repairs or while you are away on vacation, please contact the Utility Department at 509.248.0434.
You can also e-mail this request to: nerediht.chavez@uniongapwa.gov
Please understand that at times employees are not always able to receive e-mail. In order to ensure the request is filled promptly, a phone call may be the quickest solution.
Hydrant Flushing
The Water Department conducts annual maintenance, to the domestic water distribution system. System maintenance is performed by systematically flushing a rapid flow of water through the mains to remove naturally occurring sediment. The purpose of this operation is to enhancing water quality; identify hydrant and valve malfunctions; as well as identify potential weaknesses in the system.
Water users are generally notified through the City newsletter, website and postings; “Public Service Announcements” are sent to the Yakima Herald Republic, all local radio & television stations.
Hydrant Rental
For information on renting a hydrant meter, please contact the Utility Department at 509.248.0434.
A Hydrant Meter Rental ~ Application / Agreement form will need to be completed.
Water Conservation
It is easy to take water for granted; an abundant supply of drinking water has always been readily available and a basic life necessity in America. Water is an important and precious resource that everyone should help preserve.
Understanding where you can save water is a great place to start. You can get the biggest water savings at home by fixing leaks and installing WaterSense labeled fixtures. Being more conscientious of the water you waste, and the money wasted by those actions, is a good motivator to start even the smallest change today!
Kids are learning about water conservation and how to use water wisely; they will be more apt to implement what they learn if they witness you doing the same. For more tips, go to the EPA’s WaterSense website.
Wellhead Protection Plan / Program
The City’s WPP sets protective boundaries around the City’s wells to protect the City’s groundwater resources. The plan helps identify potential contamination sources, provides notification of these sites to City residents, and helps develop contingency planning in the event a well becomes contaminated. The WPP is updated every two (2) years.