Spring Tip: If you have a sprinkler system that waters your lawn, check the system each spring before turning it on to make sure the sprinklers were not broken during the winter or have sprung any leaks.
The City of Camas Water Department serves approximately 19,620 consumers, which equates to 7,652 utility customers (this includes residential, industrial and commercial users). Our service area contains over 137.5 miles of pipeline. We perform operation and maintenance of the city’s water system source of supply, water treatment and repair and maintenance of water meters. Useful utility customer information is located on the menu bar to the right.
Other useful water information and tips:
- Water Monitoring and Testing (Consumer Confidence Reports)
- Voluntary Odd/Even Watering Program During the Summer Months
- Water Leaks and Meter Reading Information
- Water Hydrant/Rentals
- Backflow Irrigation Information
- Illicit Discharge
- Camas Water Use Efficiency
Water Monitoring and Testing
At the City of Camas, we understand how important it is to ensure the quality of the water we provide to you, the consumer. Our water quality data represents our major sources of supply. It compares these levels to the applicable standards and guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Health, so we can assure safe and reliable drinking Water to our consumers.This is accomplished by enforcing some strict guidelines on local governments to ensure compliance.The compliance regulations require water quality monitoring, infrastructure requirements, reporting of contaminants, and operator certification.
Please review the following lead statement from the EPA:
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. City of Camas is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791, or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
The Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) allows you to review our water quality test results. We have also included some information on backflow irrigation, water conservation and protection, health information, and City contacts. See our Consumer Confidence Reports (water reports) below.
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2011
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2010
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2009
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2008
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2007
- Consumer Confidence Report: 2006
You can also view other yearly reports by going to the City Document Center.
Voluntary Odd/Even Watering Program During the Summer Months
Irrigation demand is high during the summer months, so we ask for your help to reduce the amount of water wasted by implementing a voluntary odd/even lawn watering program for residential customers. Water on odd days if your house number ends in an odd number and even days if it ends in an even number. Water Conservation Tips
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Water Leaks and Meter Reading Information
LEARN HOW TO READ YOUR WATER METER. This will help you to detect a leak sooner, measure the amount of water your household uses during measurable cycles of use, and better understand your water bill. Water Leak Tips
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Water Hydrants/Rentals
Portable Hydrant Meters are available for rent. Application can be made in the Finance Department of City Hall. A deposit is required (please call the Finance Department for the current deposit amount).
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Backflow Irrigation Information
Remember: Have your irrigation system's backflow device tested annually!
Select this link for assistance in identifying types of backflow prevention. Annual testing is required on certain backflow prevention devices as required by the Washington State Department of Health. A list of State Certified Backflow Testers is available on-line. For more information you can contact the City of Camas at (360) 817-1569. Annual reminder notices are sent by the Public Works Department and test results must be returned to the City (WAC 246-290-490).
Many irrigation systems could be more efficient by sizing and adjusting the heads properly so they are watering what you want instead of the sidewalks and streets. Drip systems are best for shrub areas and conserve more water. If changes to your landscaping have been made, make sure your sprinkler system has been changed also. Systems operated by timers can take advantage of early morning watering which helps reduce peak hour usage and is better for lawns and shrubs. Check timers periodically to make sure they are set correctly, as they can become out of adjustment with power interruptions. Professional landscapers and irrigation contractors can provide ways to landscape, maintain, and install systems to conserve the most water. Backflow and Irrigation Tips
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Illicit Discharge
Please report possible water pollution (illicit discharge) to the City of Camas at 360-817-1565, or the Department of Ecology SW Regional Office at 360-407-6300.
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Camas Water Use Efficiency
In response to the Washington Legislature passing the Water Use Efficiency Act of 1989 and an amendment to the Act in 2003, the Department of Health has developed guidelines and reporting requirements for municipal water systems to provide for water conservation. The goal for the Camas Water Department is to be below ten percent water loss. Below are goals and measures we are asking your help with. We continue to ask the citizens of Camas to conserve water by using water saving devices, fix leaking fixtures, and use odd/even watering rotation for irrigation. For more water conservation tips, visit our water-sewer page: Conservation Tips.
The City of Camas is still experiencing a drop in peak daily demand for water consumption. In part this is due to a new rate structure, new meter installs with data logging features, a tough economy, and better consumer awareness in water usage. For more information on water use efficiency, check out the following website www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/wue.htm.
We have shown a consumption drop per ERU for the last three years. 2008 gpd/ERU at 284 gpd, 2009 gpd/ERU at 253, and 2010 gpd/ERU at 231 gpd. We have shown a considerable drop in customer usage below the 2 gpd we have targeted. Distribution system loss-leakage shows improvement for the last three years: 2008 at 8.7%, 2009 at 11.05% and 2010 at 9.5%. This equates to a three year rolling average at 9.75%. Comparing 2009 and 2010 water produced and water consumed we are down 7.03% in residential, 24.06% in irrigation and down 3.36% in water produced.
The City of Camas water-saving goals include the following:
1. Reduce the customer consumption per ERU by one percent or approximately two gpd per year over the next six years.
2. The City will continue to reduce distribution system loss to at or below nine percent for the next five years.
The City of Camas water-saving measures include the following:
1. Continue replacing industrial, commercial, and residential service meters with new Nepture R900i meters.
2. Continue an aggressive leak-detection program. Inform consumers of this helpful information by reading the Family Fact sheet public awareness of leaks in the home.
3. Encourage the installation of smart controllers on irrigation systems for the school district and industrial users.
4. Educate the public on water-saving devices, and distribute water conservation kits and water-saving devices to homeowners.
5. Continue metering all sources.
6. Replacing water mains and service lines on an annual basis--problematic areas, and Capital Projects with a new Comprehensive Water Plan replacing old infrastructure. For questions, call Mike Stevens at 360.817.1567 or email at
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