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Ellensburg staff outline water sources, testing and system operations at Dec. 1 study session
Summary
City water staff told a study session that Ellensburg’s system is supplied by 11 groundwater wells, routinely tested under state and federal rules, and monitored remotely; staff highlighted the Illinois well’s capacity and seasonal pumping swings tied to irrigation demand.
City public works staff gave an overview of Ellensburg’s water system at a Dec. 1 study session, describing sources, testing routines, monitoring and operational practices. Rebecca Springer, the city’s water resources manager, said the city’s supply “comes from ground beneath us,” is treated and undergoes routine testing under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Department of Health rules.
The presentation identified 11 production wells that feed the system and described two primary storage zones: an upper “airport” reservoir and a lower Craig’s Hill reservoir. Mike Pelgason, the assistant public works director, described the Illinois well (drilled in 2019) and said test pumping produced about 3,000 gallons per minute and, since outfitting, staff have run it at roughly 2,500 gpm to feed the upper zone. He also summarized seasonal demand: “We pumped 242,000,000 gallons in July,” and winter months drop below 100 million gallons.
Staff explained monitoring and testing practices: monthly compliance testing for disinfectant residuals at well sources, 20 system bacteriological samples taken across multiple distribution sites each month, periodic testing for nitrate and cyclic monitoring for other contaminants under the EPA’s UCMR program. Ryan Liske, the public works director, said the city has an “excellent history of compliance” with state and federal standards.
City staff emphasized remote operation capability and routine maintenance. Ryan demonstrated the human‑machine interface that allows staff to monitor and operate wells and pumps from the office, and Mike described policies that run booster pumps periodically to ensure equipment stays lubricated and operational.
The session concluded with staff noting ongoing leak detection work intended to reduce non‑revenue water and a commitment to provide aquifer measurement reports to the Environmental Commission in spring.
