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1. Why do I need to call before I dig?

Requesting a locate is free, but not requesting one can be expensive and dangerous. Locating utility lines buried underground can help you dig around them safely and help prevent personal injury, property damage, interrupted service and monetary liabilities that can result from a line being hit. It is also the law. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.122.030 (link is external) states you must call before you dig.

If you plan to dig more than 12 inches deep, call 811! You can find out what’s buried, for free, before you:

• Build a deck
• Build a shed
• Dig a well or septic tank
• Install a fence
• Install private utilities to a shop, barn, garage, greenhouse, etc.
• Install sprinkler systems
• Plant trees

Make sure to call 811 at least 48 hours before you plan to dig. The center will then notify agencies with utilities in your area to mark their lines.

2. What are those paint markings in front of my house?

Different colors of paint are sprayed onto the ground to identify types and locations of underground utilities prior to excavation in the area. If you find locate markings on your property, or in the area, and want to inquire who requested them or what project will be done, please contact 811. Once marked, the requester is responsible for maintaining the marks.

3. Why does my water smell?

Sulfur Water or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless dissolved gas present in some well water. Sulfur, when released by opening a faucet, has a disagreeable "rotten egg" smell. Sulfur is present in groundwater supplies and creates the foul smell. The bad smell of sulfur-bearing water can come and go; it can be worse in the summer because of higher groundwater temperatures and changing water levels in a well.

4. Why is my water discolored?

Water is distributed from our sources to your tap through a network of buried pipes. Mineral deposits naturally build up and form a lining on pipe walls. Chlorine reacts with the layers of mineral deposits that have built up within our water distribution system. We have an annual city-wide flushing program to purge the deposits in our pipelines and minimize the discoloration at your tap.

5. What is the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry?

Washington State law established the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry. People who are on the registry, or list, will be notified before pesticides are applied to landscaping or highway or roadway rights-of-way near the person’s residence.

People who are certified by their doctor as sensitive to pesticides may apply to be listed on the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry. People on the list will be notified when areas next to their homes will have pesticides applied by a Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)-licensed applicator.

Apply for the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry

To be added to the list:

1. Complete WSDA’s application form available online (PDF) (link is external).
2. Include all the information requested on the form.
3. Include a doctor’s signature certifying that you are sensitive to pesticides.
4. Return the form to WSDA.
5. There is no cost to be included on the list.
6. WSDA will notify you when you have been placed on the list.

Additional Information

Find more information on the Washington State Department of Agriculture website (link is external)

6. How do I report a street light problem?

If the street light is located within the city limits, please report the problem to the Public Works Department.

7. What are the "dos and don’ts" of home sewers?

Read some tips to keep your sewer system worry-free and functioning properly.

Dos

Do:

• Ask a plumber about ways to keep your house sewer line trouble-free.
• Deposit all cooking grease, eggshells and coffee grounds in the trash.
• Place a wastebasket in each bathroom for the disposal of solid waste, disposable diapers, and personal hygiene products.
• Report any sewer problems or overflows.
• Use only a licensed contractor or plumber to make repairs.

Don’ts

Do not:

• Dig without calling 811
• Flush the following down toilets:
  • Diapers
  • Newspapers
  • Paper towels
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Soiled rags
• Plant trees directly over a sewer line; root growth in sewer lines is problematic
• Pour chemicals, cleaners, motor oil or solvent down the sewer
• Proceed with an expensive sewer line repair without getting a second opinion
• Put cooking grease or eggshells down drains or in garbage disposals
• Use the toilet as a wastebasket
• Use an unlicensed or unknown contractor to make repairs

8. What if my sewer backs up?

Homeowners are responsible for sewer backup problems on personal or private property. If there is any issue with a backup on city property or with a City of Stanwood sewer manhole, please call Public Works immediately.

9. How do I get a Hydrant Use Permit?

The City of Stanwood allows access to bulk water with the purchase of a Hydrant Use Permit (HUP). HUPs can be purchased Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm from the Finance Department located at:
City Hall
10220 270th Street NW
Stanwood, WA 98292

HUPs are valid for one day, and are non-refundable.

Permit Fee

The Hydrant Use permit fee is $50 per day plus utility taxes.

This fee allows up to 5,000 gallons or 668.4 cubic feet of water. Water withdrawal over 5,000 gallons or 668.4 cubic feet per day shall be charged an added $5.34 per each additional 748 gallons or 100 cubic feet plus utility taxes.

Where to Get Bulk Water

The fire hydrant in the Public Works yard at 26729 98th Drive NW is the only fire hydrant available for public use.

Note: Water taken from hydrants is not recommended for human consumption unless boiled or otherwise treated.

10. Do I have a water leak?

If you suspect you have a water leak, which is usually reflected in a higher-than-usual water usage bill, ask these questions to help determine what the cause might be:

• In the past, have there been any water leaks, especially associated with piping, the water heater, washing machine hose or plumbing fixtures (including toilets)?
• Do you ever have to "jiggle" the handle of the toilet?
• Do you ever hear water running when the house is quiet and you are sure that nothing is using water at that time?
• Have you had any company that could be using extra water?
• Have you had any pressure washing done to the roof, siding, walkways or driveway?
• Do you have an irrigation system and have there been any breaks?
• What are the settings of your irrigation system and how many gallons per minute does it use?
• Are there any faucet leaks, even drips?

Leaks between the water meter and your home, including inside of your home, are the homeowner’s responsibility.

11. What is the city's water service area?

The City of Stanwood is located in north Snohomish County, WA, north of the mouth of the Stillaguamish River. The City’s corporate boundary encompasses an area of approximately 2.7 square miles. The City’s existing water distribution system extends beyond the City limits. The existing water system extends south to the Sylvana Crest Subdivision on the south side of Hatt Slough and north of Drainage District 17 along Old Pacific Highway.

The distribution system extends east to 48th Avenue NW (Valde Road) and west to the Stillaguamish River and Skagit Bay. The City’s existing retail water service area encompasses an area of approximately 10 square miles. The City is responsible for providing public water service, utility management, and water system development within this area. However, requests for new water service outside the Urban Growth Area Boundary will only be granted after the area is annexed to the City or upon completion of an annexation agreement.

12. What's in my water?

The City of Stanwood is required to treat all of our water sources with chlorine. We do not add fluoride to our water.

Chlorine Tips

Reduce the taste of chlorine.

• Put tap water in a pitcher and place in the refrigerator
• Add a lemon wedge to your drinking water

Customers with Fish Aquariums

• You will need to de-chlorinate the water by purchasing chemicals to remove the chlorine from the water.
• You can purchase these chemicals at your aquarium supply store.

Water Quality

The City of Stanwood is committed to delivering the best quality drinking water. We strive in meeting the challenges of source water protection, water conservation and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all of our water users.

Consumer Confidence Report

Each year we routinely monitor the quality of all of our water sources and the distribution system to ensure that they meet the latest regulations.

View all available Consumer Confidence Reports.