Water advisory lifted following broken main in Port Townsend

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A “no water contact advisory” issued for Port Townsend Bay was lifted Monday after testing showed a decline in bacteria levels following a broken water main last week on Water Street.

The broken main saw heavy flooding in the area of Water Street and its intersection with Monroe Street. The cause of the break is uncertain, but was likely attributable to aged cast-iron pipes.

Following the flooding last week, samples were taken which showed elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria, an indicator that the water may have contacted sewage. Samples taken this week were well below the allowable levels of enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. Several tests showed 10 or less Enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water.

Although quality has improved, Jefferson County Public Health advised against water activities near stormwater pipes during heavy rainfall events due to the possibility of pollutants entering the water.