AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – The City of Airway Heights began flushing out the water system at 7:00 a.m. Thursday.
On Tuesday, the city announced there were high levels of two different contaminants in the water and urged residents not to drink it.
City Manager Albert Tripp said the flushing of the water is slated to go through the weekend. They are working with the Department of Ecology and the Department of Health for guidance on where to allow the water to flow out. Tripp said they hope to be done flushing the system by Monday and then they will begin testing. Once they get the results back, Tripp said they hope to give a green light to allow people to start using the water again.
A steady stream of residents have been going to the Yokes on W. 17th to get their bottled water. Fairchild Air Force Base Commander Col. Ryan Samuelson said the Air Force delivered 24,000 gallons to the area Thursday. They plan to provide 20,000 gallons every single day until the issue is resolved. Airmen have also volunteered to give out water.
Samuelson will also host a public meeting Tuesday at the Medical Lake High School Gymnasium from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to discuss the community’s concerns about the contaminants in the water. He will be joined by experts from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Spokane Regional Health District.