FAQs • Bothell WA • CivicEngage

What is a backflow assembly?: Backflow assemblies are devices that protect the public water system from private plumbing systems. They must be tested upon their initial installation, annually, and when relocated or repaired. Learn more about these devices, your responsibilities under the law, and how to find a backflow tester.

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Water Service

1. What do I do if my water looks discolored or tastes funny?: There are numerous everyday reasons that can affect your water. There are hundreds of medications that can cause water to taste metallic. Please visit the Seattle Public Utilities website to learn more. If you believe your water concern is not related to common causes, please call Maintenance & Operations at 425-488-0118, between 7 am and 3:30 pm Monday thru Friday, or call 911 after hours.

2. Why are there pink stains near my drain?: Pink stains may form around sink fixtures, drains, dog bowls and other standing containers of water and at the waterline of toilets. They are usually easily removed with cleaning and consist of a mixed culture of yeast, mold, and/or bacteria which grow well in moist conditions. To reduce the occurrence, you may just need to clean more often, especially in the summer when humidity and warmer temperatures increase microbial growth rates. For additional information, please visit the Seattle Public Utilities website.

Water leaks can be caused by failed plumbing at the residence. Call Utility Billing at 425-806-6881 and notify them of the leak and excess water usage.

Homeowners are responsible for all repairs beyond the water meter, including the service line to the home.

4. How do I connect new water service to my property?: Contact Permit Services for assistance.

5. How do I determine Water Pressure and/or Fire Flow?

Contractors and developers looking interested in fire system designs, construction, and irrigation need to contact the water service provider for water pressure information.

If you need to obtain water pressure information and your water service provider is the City of Bothell, please see Application for Fire Flow or Water/Sewer Availability (WSA Form) The WSA certificate is a request submitted through www.MyBuildingPermit.com . If you have additional questions on how to obtain a water availability certificate please contact Permit Services .

6. Do I need to call before I dig?

Yes. It's the law.

Calling 811 two business days before you begin digging alerts utilities to come out and mark their buried lines from the street to your property line at no cost to you.

Be aware that many buried utility lines under your property belong to you. Locating buried utility lines that you own must be performed by a private company.

Puget Sound Energy Customers: Call 811

Snohomish County PUD Customers: Call 800-424-5555

Learn more about Washington's Call Before You Dig Law.

7. How do I turn my water off?

Most homes have a shut-off valve located at the point where the service line enters the house.

Your water service provider is the only party authorized to shut water off at the meter. Call your water service if you need assistance in this area.

8. Where does my water come from?: Bothell purchases 100% of its finished water from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and manages it by scheduling pump cycles, maintaining reservoir levels, and flushing water mains. SPU provides all existing treatment including disinfection, fluoride addition and corrosion control. Learn more about SPU's water.

9. What is a backflow assembly?: Backflow assemblies are devices that protect the public water system from private plumbing systems. They must be tested upon their initial installation, annually, and when relocated or repaired. Learn more about these devices, your responsibilities under the law, and how to find a backflow tester.

10. Am I a City of Bothell water customer?: You can find out by locating your address on Bothell's water districts map.

11. Where can I find utility billing information?: Visit the Utility Billing page.

12. Do I have outstanding utility charges?: Find out by calling Utility Billing at 425-806-6881. Visit the Utility Billing page.

13. How often is my meter read?: The City reads meters every other month. This typically happens in February, April, June, August, October, and December. If you would like your meter re-read, please call Utility Billing at 425-608-6881.