Public health officials are poised to ask state lawmakers to change the way small public water systems are managed.
The Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials’ top priorities for the 2025 legislative session include changing a section of state law that sets the conditions for the approval and creation of public water systems.
According to information presented during a meeting with the Island County Board of Health on Dec. 17, the change would clarify when a satellite management agency is most needed to ensure safe drinking water.
According to the Department of Health, a satellite management agency — also “SMA” — is an entity authorized to own and/or manage and operate public water systems.
Group B water systems are a network of water infrastructure that can serve between three and 14 connections and less than 25 people per day, or more than 25 people per day for fewer than 60 days per year, according to the Island County’s drinking water webpage.
The association finds that requiring all Group B systems to be operated by a SMA is too costly. According to information emailed by hydrogeogist Chris Kelley, customers and members of the water system pay the cost of a SMA, which is included in the water rate they’re charged.
Environmental Health Manager Heather Kortuem said the change would be a win for smaller water systems because satellite management agencies are expensive as there needs to be staff on call 24/7.
Kortuem said not all Group B systems need a satellite management agency. With the changes, systems that don’t have atmospheric storage and need just need a few tests every year would be able to use the money to maintain themselves rather than to pay an operator that isn’t really needed, she said. At the same time, water systems that are not managed by an SMA due to limited availability would be finally able to access that service.
Currently, she said, there are only three serving in Island County, and hundreds of water systems.
A satellite management agency would be required when treatment is needed to meet water quality standards and the system provides fire flow, has atmospheric storage and 10 to 14 connections, according to the association.
“The state requirement for SMA will be lessened, but local governments that operate a Group B program through a joint plan of responsibility have the ability to set more stringent requirements by local code, as needed to maintain public safety,” Kortuem wrote in an email.
Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair said she was concerned because the state Department of Health has issued new requirements for water quality without providing the necessary funding and directions to meet those standards. Additionally, she worries that aging water systems that have been managed for a long time by local entities may result in higher water rates once an SMA takes over.
