OHA Drinking Water Services
Contact Report Details |
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| PWS ID: | OR41 05384 | ||
| PWS Name: | SHANIKO WATER SYSTEM | ||
| Who Was Contacted: | Complainant | ||
| Contact Phone: | (Email address hidden) | ||
| Contact Date: | 12/23/2025 | ||
| Contacted By: | GRENDEL, PAULA (WASCO COUNTY) | ||
| Contact Method/Location: | |||
| Assistance Type: | WATER QUALITY COMPLAINT | ||
| Reasons: | Chlorine |
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| Details: | Our office was contacted by two Shaniko residents regarding water safety concerns related to the Shaniko public water system. In connection with these concerns, our office received unofficial information indicating that chlorine residuals may have been elevated above 5.0 mg/L earlier this week and may have since dropped to non-detect levels. These observations were not collected as part of regulatory monitoring and are not considered official data; however, they were noted in the context of multiple complaints regarding chlorine odor and water quality. Our office has attempted to contact the system operator to notify them of the concerns received. UPDATE 1/8/2026: Spoke with the operator regarding consumer complaints related to chlorine residual and water quality concerns. The operator is aware of the concerns that some areas within the distribution system are currently measuring low to no detectable chlorine residual. The operator is troubleshooting the chlorinator pump to determine whether current settings are appropriate. An O2WA technician has been contacted and is in the process of being scheduled to assist with troubleshooting the chlorination equipment. Chlorine residual should be monitored at a minimum of twice per week, with more frequent monitoring recommended when residual levels are inconsistent. Additionally, we discussed tracking and following up on water quality complaints; maintaining records of complaints received and actions taken; and operator availability as part of overall system operation. Several approaches to customer communication were also discussed, particularly when multiple complaints are received regarding the same. We recommend issuing a brief notice acknowledging receipt of concerns, describing actions being taken to evaluate or address system issues, and providing emergency or secondary contact information to consumers for times when the operator is unavailable. |
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