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Westlake Chemical, a chemical manufacturer in Longview, Washington, suffered a critical production failure for chemicals (chlorine, sodium hydroxide) that are essential to drinking water and wastewater utilities throughout Washington. Westlake expects to resume normal production on June 28, 2021.
Yes. There is no immediate affect on drinking water in our state. You can continue to use water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. We encourage you to limit outdoor use to extend the current chlorine supply.
The failure occurred when a transformer failed.
The replacement transformer has arrived at the facility. Westlake expects to resume normal production June 28.
No. Some utilities have their own onsite chlorine generators or have enough supply on hand to last several weeks. Based on the latest information, our largest water utilities should have enough supply to last until chlorine supplies resume. We are still assessing the situation with smaller utilities throughout the state.
We are working closely with our local, state and regional partners to proactively respond to this evolving situation. Washington utilities are working together to inventory needs across the state and are prepared to share remaining chlorine supply through mutual aid until production resumes.
Yes. We contacted certified water system operators across the state to make them aware of the situation and ask them to contact us if they think they will run out of chlorine or sodium hydroxide within the next 30 days. Seattle Public Utilities, Tacoma Public Utilities, and the City of Everett believe their chlorine supply should last for 20–30 days. We’re still not sure about the status of smaller water systems.
Yes. Use water wisely. Here are some indoor and outdoor water conservation tips:
Certified water system operators who think they will run out of chlorine or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) within the next 30 days, can call their Office of Drinking Water regional engineer. Please visit the Office of Drinking Water website for a Map of Engineer and Planner Assignments for each county.
Evaluate what chemicals and supplies are critical to your operation.
We have a spreadsheet available. Contact your DOH regional office for assistance. Be aware of the range limitations of your feed pump.
If you use liquid, consider switching to dry alum. If you use dry, consider switching to liquid. If you have other changes in mind, consider the impact on the chloride-sulfate mass ratio and the potential impact on lead release in the distribution system. Contact your DOH regional office to discuss.
Contact your DOH regional office to discuss options.
Contact your regional office to discuss options.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Headquarters Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water provided the following information and resources for individual systems.
Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a webinar focused on the sodium hypochlorite supply chain and safe management practices. Attendees will learn how to increase supply chain resilience at their water or wastewater utility. June 30, 2021, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here.
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