Ocean Shores officials address black slime issue in water supply with new testing results

The recent Town Hall meeting in Ocean Shores, Washington, held on March 4, 2025, addressed a pressing issue concerning the local water supply: the presence of black slime in residential water systems. This meeting, attended by city officials and representatives from SCJ Alliance and Univar Solutions, aimed to share findings from extensive testing conducted since March 2024 and outline steps for mitigation.

Becky, a city representative, opened the meeting by acknowledging the challenges faced in identifying the source of the black slime, which has affected several homes in the area. After months of testing and collaboration with experts, the city is now prepared to implement a solution. The discussions highlighted the importance of community engagement and transparency in addressing public health concerns.

Scott Rivas from SCJ Alliance provided an overview of the water system, noting that the city relies on shallow wells ranging from 50 to 100 feet deep. He explained that the water undergoes a multi-step treatment process before being stored in a large tank and distributed to residents. The presence of black slime has raised alarms, prompting significant testing to determine its cause.

During the presentation, Rivas discussed potential causes of the black slime, initially considering issues like deteriorating rubber seals in plumbing fixtures. However, he quickly dismissed this theory, as the problem appeared to be more widespread than isolated incidents typically associated with faulty fixtures.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the city, SCJ Alliance, and Univar Solutions to tackle the water quality issue. As the city moves forward with mitigation strategies, the involvement of community members remains crucial. The next steps will likely involve further testing and the implementation of recommended treatments to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply for Ocean Shores residents.

In conclusion, the Town Hall meeting served as a vital platform for addressing community concerns about water quality. With ongoing collaboration and a commitment to transparency, the city aims to resolve the black slime issue and restore confidence in its water supply.