Major water leak means no water for some Snoqualmie Pass residents, Summit at Snoqualmie closure, drinking water warning

First a power outage and now water issues are impacting residents of Snoqualmie Pass. After heavy snow caused a power outage Wednesday afternoon, a significant water leak then left some customers without water, the Summit at Snoqualmie closed, and crews searching for the cause.

Then early on January 25, 2018, the Snoqualmie Pass Utility District Water System, located in King and Kittitas Counties, also warned customers that tap water may be contaminated due to the loss of pressure in their water system. They said even the tap water of customers that didn’t lose pressure could still be contaminated.

The District believes a major leak in the distribution system is causing the loss of pressure that was first noticed on January 24th when customers in higher elevations began reporting they had no water. The district believes the leak is causing water levels in reservoirs and the distribution system to decrease.

According a district announcement, affected spots include Summit and Village area, areas of Alpental, and moving down the pass to Yellowstone area, Conifer and Hyak.

Customers are advised to boil tap water for at least one minute (and cool) before drinking until further notice. Purchased bottled water is also advised for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.

Per the warning: “When pressure loss occurs, contamination from the environment or from human or animal waste can be drawn into the water system. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.”