News - Local News

POSTED: Monday, Oct. 05, 2009

Water backflow not an issue in Everson

EVERSON - A City Council candidate was mistaken when he singled out water backflow as one of the bigger issues facing the city of Everson, according to the city's backflow specialist.

In an Oct. 2 article in The Bellingham Herald, Eric Oettel said backflow, which allows contaminants back into city water, was a serious problem that he would like to address if elected.

But that's something the city has taken care of already. Everson Water/Sewer Superintendent Don Van Iderstine said the City Council passed an ordinance July 14 that adopted procedures and a process should a backflow occur.

To Van Iderstine's knowledge, the city has never had a backflow incident or had one reported to it.

When contacted, Oettel said he hadn't been aware of the ordinance.

Oettel is running against incumbent Jennifer Lautenbach for a position on the City Council.