Regulatory Compliance

 TLWA operates in compliance with:

• WAC 246-290 – Washington State's comprehensive rules for Group A Public Water Supplies, administered by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Drinking Water
• 40 C.F.R. Parts 141 & 143 – Federal National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• RCW 43.20.050 and related statutes establishing DOH authority over public water systems
• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended, including the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA)

TLWA conducts a comprehensive, ongoing water quality monitoring program in accordance with WAC 246-290-300 through -320. Regulated parameters include:

• Coliform bacteria (including E. coli) — routine distribution system sampling
• Disinfectants and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — including total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)
• Inorganic chemicals — including nitrates/nitrites, arsenic, and fluoride
• Lead and copper — monitored under the Lead and Copper Rule at representative sampling sites
• Synthetic organic and volatile organic chemicals (SOCs/VOCs)
• Radionuclides — including gross alpha, gross beta, and radium
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — in accordance with new federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) adopted by EPA in June 2024 and incorporated into WAC 246-290 effective July 18, 2025, including 30-day public notification requirements upon detection above action levels

All samples are analyzed by state-certified laboratories. Results are evaluated against Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established in WAC 246-290-310. Monitoring schedules are set by DOH and reflected in TLWA's operating permit under WAC 246-294.

TLWA's source water is provided by the City of Everett. Source water assessment information — including potential contamination sources and susceptibility findings — is incorporated into our Consumer Confidence Report as required by WAC 246-290-72003. 

Each year, TLWA prepares and distributes an Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by WAC 246-290-72001 through -72012 and 40 C.F.R. Part 141, Subpart O. The CCR includes:

• Detected contaminant levels compared to regulatory MCLs
• Source water information
• Information on Cryptosporidium, radon, and other contaminants of concern
• Compliance status with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
• Information on lead and copper levels and control measures
• Required health information, including notice of any violations

CCR notifications are delivered to all members annually and filed with DOH by the required compliance dates. CCRs are also posted on this website for public access. Updated CCR rules incorporating federal AWIA requirements became effective in 2026 to improve readability, accuracy, and risk communication.

TLWA is required to notify members promptly of any violations of drinking water standards. Notification timelines depend on the nature of the violation:

• Tier 1 (acute health risk): Within 24 hours
• Tier 2 (non-acute violations): Within 30 days
• Tier 3 (general notice): In the next annual CCR

This includes notification of any detections of PFAS above applicable action levels, which must occur within 30 days of detection under WAC 246-290-315 as recently amended.

TLWA participates in Washington State's Water Use Efficiency program under WAC 246-290-820 through -840. Our program includes:

• Publicly established water savings goals, approved by the Board of Trustees through a public process and re-evaluated every six years as part of our Water System Plan (WSP)
• Distribution system leakage monitoring, with a state standard of no more than 10% average leakage over a three-year rolling period (WAC 246-290-825)
• Conservation measures evaluated and implemented to support member-based efficiency goals
• Annual performance reporting to DOH documenting progress toward our WUE goals

TLWA is committed to responsible stewardship of our water resources and reducing system losses.

 TLWA's water system is operated by certified waterworks operators in accordance with WAC 246-292. Operator certification requirements are designed to ensure that trained, qualified professionals are responsible for the safe operation of public water systems. 

  As a large Group A system, TLWA maintains a Water System Plan (WSP) approved by DOH under WAC 246-290-100. The WSP guides system planning, capital improvements, emergency response, and long-term infrastructure management. 

 TLWA maintains a cross-connection control program under WAC 246-290-490 through -494 to protect the distribution system from contamination originating on customer premises. Members may be required to install approved backflow prevention assemblies at their service connections. 

TLWA reports monitoring data, operational information, and compliance status to the Washington State Department of Health on required schedules. TLWA holds an annual Drinking Water Operating Permit under WAC 246-294. Our compliance history is available through DOH's drinking water data portal.

For questions about TLWA's regulatory compliance or water quality, please contact the Association office.