CWD Flood Preparation

Will Covington Water District be affected by the potential flood risks from the Howard Hansen Dam? 

Not directly.  All of the District’s facilities are in the upland portions of the Green River Valley, well away from the flood zones.  However, that does not mean CWD may not be affected in other ways by the potential flooding.  We realize that it may be difficult or impossible for some employees, who live outside the District, to make it to work.  We also realize that we may have essential vendors or suppliers that are either located in the Green River Valley and/or that may not be able to be able to get their supplies or materials to us because of impacted routes.

While the Green River is one of the District’s major sources of water, the District has its own sources that will be able to meet water supply demands.  This is true even during extended periods when the Green River supply may not available.

How is the Covington Water District prepared to meet the challenges presented above?

The District is prepared to meet the challenges of the potential Green River Valley flooding in several ways: 

1.  Most of the District employees live within the District or close to it and should not be impacted by road closures outside of the District.  District employees are cross-trained to assure that all critical functions will be maintained during emergencies.

2.  Temporary and interim shelter for employees is available should backup measures become necessary.

3.  The District will ensure that essential supplies and materials, such as fuel, chemicals for water treatment, and others, are well stocked in advance, and that safe alternate transportation routes for the delivery of such essential supplies and materials, during flood conditions, have been identified.

4.  Water service to the District’s customers should not be interrupted at any time due to flooding in the Green River Valley. 

5.  The District has generator backup at its critical water supply facilities so that, even in the case of an extended power outage, the District will be able to continue supplying water to its customers.

6.  The District will identify any other interdependencies with potentially impacted governments, business, and/or agencies, and will attempt to minimize or mitigate these interdependencies during flood conditions.

Management and staff at the Covington Water District take our commitment to continuously supply water to our customers very seriously.   Our commitment to emergency management prepares us to do so during any type of emergency.  We also urge our customers to be prepared for emergencies.  The following link will provide you with the latest information on the Howard Hansen Dam, flood preparations within the impacted cities, and personal emergency preparedness tips.

http://www.emd.wa.gov/activations/GreenRiverFlooding.shtml