Washington, US, approves loans for 26 water projects

The Washington Public Works Board has approved an $8.6m loan from its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to the city of Port Townsend, to build an advanced water treatment system.

The project is one of 26 drinking water projects statewide recently approved for $84.2m in loans by the board.

Port Townsend, which draws its water from the Big Quilcene and Little Quilcene rivers, must meet strict treatment standards because rivers, streams, and lakes are vulnerable to pollution.

A new ultraviolet treatment system will be installed and is designed to kill germs like Cryptosporidium, which causes severe intestinal illness.

Port Townsend city manager Dave Timmons said that in spite of the quality of water being good at the moment, the measures were a way to be prepared for the future.

"This new treatment will enable us to add an extra layer of safety without adding chemicals to the water," Timmons added.

With construction set to begin in 2013, it is hoped that the ultraviolet treatment system will begin operations in 2014.

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Image: Port Townsend will receive $8.4m to build an advanced water treatment system. Photo: Joe Mabel.