The 2009 version of the Eastsound Water Users Association Water System Plan is available for review. The Washington Department of Health requires a Water System Plan be developed every 6 years.

The plan includes 20-year growth projections based on San Juan County planning efforts, and looks at both the short term and long term infrastructure needs required to provide a reliable, safe and efficient water supply. Emergency preparedness, source water protection, operating procedures, conservation efforts, construction standards and financial planning are included.

The plan details the association’s capacity to provide service for the community’s anticipated growth primarily by maximizing its existing capacity and focusing on conservation.

It is available for review at the association offices at 286 Enchanted Forest Rd in Eastsound in either the full or executive summary version.

Water users comments may be included in the plan before July 1. The Washington Health Department, Department of Ecology and San Juan County all have an opportunity to review the plan in the approval process.

The association recently volunteered to assist Orcas residents with access to well testing services. The association has arranged with Edge Analytical Laboratories in Mt. Vernon and Bellingham to stock commonly needed water quality testing bottles for private well owners. Well test results are reported directly to the well owner. Test results are not shared with the Eastsound Water Users Association, which will act as a pick-up point for sample bottles.

Anyone interested in information on checking water quality should contact the association at

376-2127 or www.eastsoundwater.org. More information on the Water System Plan is available from Eastsound Water Users Association General Manager Paul Kamin.