EVERETT, DEC. 23: Everett’s Water Filtration Plant (WFP) has been awarded the bronze-level Treatment Optimization Program (TOP) award by the state health department for exceeding national standards for drinking water treatment.
The bronze award recognizes Everett’s water treatment plant for continuously optimized performance for three consecutive years.
“Everett Public Works prides itself on providing world-class drinking water to its customers,” said Jeff Marrs, operations superintendent. “Our filtration plant staff work day-in and day-out to make sure that the water that we produce is safe, and that we meet or exceed all state and national standards. The staff deserve every bit of the credit for this award; their attention to detail and dedication to their critical roles in protecting public health is exemplary.”
32 different water systems were recognized as top performers in 2023 across the state. Each month, every treatment plant in Washington is required to submit operations reports to the Department of Health (DOH) to document regulatory compliance.
The goal of the Treatment Optimization Program is for utilities to provide safer drinking water in a cost-effective way and build greater resiliency to handle natural disasters and other unforeseen events.
“Providing and maintaining safe and reliable drinking water is one of the most critical services we provide as a City,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin. “We remain committed to continuing to invest in critical infrastructure to provide better public health protection for our water customers.”
The water filtration plant, located 30 miles east of Everett at Chaplain Reservoir, delivers over 19 billion gallons of water to customers in Snohomish County every year. The plant was constructed in 1983 and expanded in 1993.
The Everett water system supplies water to an estimated 670,000 residents and businesses or about 76% of the county through 420 miles of pumps and water mains.
Additional improvements to Everett’s Water Filtration Plant are underway
The ongoing Water Filtration Plant Phase II Improvement project includes nine different capital improvement projects. The water filtration plant has several items in need of replacement and upgrades as the plant enters its fifth decade, including upgrades to treatment processes, valve replacements and other urgent work. Completion of this project is expected in 2025.
More information about Everett’s water system is available at everettwa.gov/water.
To learn more about the Washington Department of Health’s Treatment Optimization Program, including a list of 2023 TOP Performers, visit https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/drinking-water/source-water/rapid-rate-filtration.
Based on a press release from the city of Everett.
