Airway Heights water contamination to last at least 10 days.
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. — Airway Heights city officials said Wednesday night the water that has been contaminated in their city system will not be cleared for at least 10 days.
The acids are classified by the EPA as emerging contaminants and are present in common household items and heat and fire resistant products, including aqueous film forming foam formulations that were used by the Air Force in fire trucks from 1970-2016 including those at Fairchild AFB.
The air force is validating the findings and they expect to provide final results to the city within two to three weeks.
So far, 40,000 gallons of water has been distributed both at a pickup point and delivered to those who can’t leave their homes.
Albert Tripp, the Airway Heights city manager, said the reason for the delay in getting the water cleared is because they must treat the water before discharging it from the system.
“We do consider that constituent will need to be treated before it is discharged to the ground or the environment and so we’re working with the city to identify ways to proceed cleaning the distribution system.” City leaders said Tuesday bottled water will be given out behind the Yokes at 12825 W. 17th.
Officials ask that you bring a driver’s license or a piece of mail to verify your address.
City leaders said they will be taking steps to remove the contaminants from the water.
They hope to reduce the levels of the contaminants from the city’s water system to safe levels within the next three to four days.