Yakama Nation investigation claims hundreds of Wapato residents at risk for contamination

Yakama Nation investigation claims hundreds of Wapato residents at risk for contamination.
Yakama Nation investigation claims hundreds of Wapato residents at risk for contamination WAPATO, Wash.- Leaders from the Yakama Nation are working to find a solution for possible water contamination issues that could affect hundreds of homes right outside of Wapato.
According to a report by the Yakama Nation Water Code Administration (WCA) four different communities have been identified as being non-compliant with Yakama Nation water code domestic well standards due to wells being too close to septic tanks.
Neighborhoods at risk are near Skone Way, Home Acres, and Horschel Road.
"It could be anything from petroleum byproduct that got into the water system from anti-freeze, gas, or oil.
However, many affected residents are concerned about something else.
However, their concern is being annexed into city limits as part of Wapato’s urban growth plan.
Mayor Guzman says changing to city utilities could mean paying up to around $2,640 per year.
And getting water to the neighborhoods wouldn’t be cheap for the city either.
Mayor Guzman says they plan to meet again within the next three or four months to continue to have conversations with local residents and those involved with the investigation.