Olympic Water and Sewer, Inc. (OWSI) 2026 Second Quarter Report

Water Treatment and Distribution Updates

The second quarter included completion of OWSI's Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) rate adjustments within Schedule X of our tariff. Following a public comment period, the revised tariff became effective June 22, ensuring specialized services are recovered fairly while maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the utility.

Protecting Port Ludlow's drinking water remains one of OWSI's highest priorities. Thank you to the many customers who completed their annual backflow assembly testing by the June 1 deadline. Your participation plays an important role in safeguarding our public water system. Customers who remain out of compliance after the Independence Day holiday may be subject to service disconnection in accordance with our UTC-approved tariff.

Our Cross-Connection Control Specialists continue conducting follow-up inspections from this year's customer surveys. While many require only documentation, others require on-site hazard evaluations to verify proper backflow protection. These inspections will continue throughout the year.

The second quarter also marked one of OWSI's busiest regulatory reporting periods. Staff completed the annual Cross-Connection Control Report, Water Use Efficiency Report, UTC Annual Report, and Consumer Confidence Report. Both the Consumer Confidence Report and Water Use Efficiency Report are available on the OWSI website.

Finally, thank you to the homeowners who volunteered to participate in this year's Lead and Copper monitoring program. Your participation is essential to meeting state and federal drinking water requirements, and the results will be published in next year's Consumer Confidence Report.

Sanitary Sewer System Developments

Several important improvements were completed at the wastewater treatment plant this quarter, including installation of a new fine screen at the headworks, replacement of four aging chlorine contact chamber valves, and continued installation of new actuators on large underground process valves. These upgrades improve reliability and extend the life of critical infrastructure.

Engineering also continues on OWSI's Phase 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project. Working with BHC Consultants, OWSI has updated both the General Sewer Plan and the Operations and Maintenance Manual while advancing design of new aerobic digesters. The project is now approximately 30 percent complete, with construction bidding anticipated in 2027.

Residents recently received notice of OWSI's annual sewer rate adjustment, which will first be reflected in the August billing cycle. Like utilities across Washington, OWSI continues to experience rising costs associated with regulatory compliance, infrastructure renewal, and maintaining a highly trained workforce. This adjustment supports continued investment in reliable wastewater treatment and long-term system sustainability.

OWSI also continues its long-standing partnership with Rayonier and the Washington State Department of Ecology for beneficial biosolids land application. Work is underway on a new 20-year agreement that will provide long-term stability for this important environmental program.

Looking Ahead

During the coming quarter, OWSI will continue expanding availability of its vacuum truck services while advancing the Phase 1 wastewater treatment project. We also encourage residents to participate in the Port Ludlow Village Council Utility Committee and watch for details on OWSI's Annual Town Hall, anticipated for late September or early October.