Mill Creek water to be supplemented with groundwater from wells to meet demand

WALLA WALLA—The City of Walla Walla Water Division will soon supplement the drinking water supply by using water from one or more of the city’s seven groundwater wells. Drought conditions have caused below normal stream flows in Mill Creek.

Typically, 80-90% of Walla Walla’s drinking water is treated surface water from the Mill Creek watershed. The combination of high customer water demand, lack of rainfall, low streamflow, and the requirements to provide a minimum stream level at Kooskooskie for fish and wildlife has created the need for the well water.

With the turning on of wells, some customers may notice slight changes in the taste and temperature of their water. The available streamflow and customer demand will determine how many wells will be used. The city will start with one well and then add additional wells as required. Each well is tested before use to ensure that it continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards.

Using wells increases the cost of providing water. The city strongly encourages customers to do their part to conserve water during this period of drought. Please visit the city website for conservation tips at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/public-works/water/conservation.