Port Angeles issues city-wide 'Do Not Drink' water order after tanker spill in creek

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — A “Do Not Drink” water order has been issued for all City of Port Angeles water utility customers amid contamination concerns after a petroleum spill, effective immediately.

This order applies to all properties connected to the city’s water system, regardless of whether they are located within or outside city limits.

On Friday, a tanker truck wrecked off Highway 101 and began leaking petroleum into Indian Creek, west of Port Angeles. On its website, the city states that the contamination concerns stem from the petroleum spill into the waterway.

“Water testing is currently underway as directed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). However, some DOH-required tests involve out-of-state review, which is taking longer than expected. At this time, the City’s water reservoirs have depleted to critical levels,” the city’s notice continues.

LEARN MORE | Tanker truck leaking petroleum into creek after crash west of Port Angeles

Residents are advised to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, and food preparation until further notice. This advisory also applies to pets.

The potential contamination is chemical-related, not bacterial, so boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine, or letting water stand will not make it safe for consumption.

While tap water has been deemed safe for bathing, showering, flushing toilets, and doing laundry, residents are cautioned to avoid ingesting any water during these activities.

The city will distribute potable water on Sunday, July 20, at two locations in Port Angeles:

• Civic Field at 307 South Race Street
• Shane Park at 613 South G Street.

Both sites will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering free bottled water for drinking and cooking while supplies last. Distribution will be limited based on household size.

Priority water deliveries are being made to Olympic Medical Center and other critical facilities to ensure continued services.

Authorities urged residents not to call 9-1-1 for information, and said updates will be provided once water testing is complete and the issue is resolved.