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Ocean Shores pilots chemical change to remove orthophosphate tied to 'black slime' in homes
Summary
Public works reported tests showing elevated orthophosphate in drinking water linked to household 'black slime'; a Univar polymer pilot removed about 90% of orthophosphate in jar tests but officials said Department of Health approval is required before broader implementation.
Public works director Ricky Victoriano said city water testing found elevated orthophosphate that staff believe is the primary cause of a black-slime buildup inside some homes when water is exposed to oxygen.
Ricky said the city piloted a Univar coagulant (referred to in the meeting as "UC 1902") in jar tests and achieved roughly 90% removal of orthophosphate. "It removed the orthophosphate at about 90%, which was pretty much a total removal," he said, but noted that the pilot chemical did not remove iron and manganese the way the current polymer does. The team is searching for a combination or rate that will meet state guidelines for iron and manganese while also reducing orthophosphate.
Ricky and other staff said the city will not change the treatment regimen until the Washington State Department of Health approves the project-plan amendment. "We just have to wait for the Department of Health to approve our project plan change," he said.
Officials said the work has been long-running and incremental: jar testing in-house, consultant support and a formal pathway dependent on state approval before rollout to customers.
