PORT ANGELES — The state Department of Health has “red-coded” the city’s water system, saying it has not complied with a plan to meet possible emergencies.
On paper, that means Port Angeles cannot make new connections to the system, according to the state department.
In practice, it means no such thing, said City Engineer Steve Sperr.
“Our understanding is the Department of Health does not control permitting,” he said.
“They don’t control building permits or septic permits.
“The city does not intend to change its current practice of issuing building permits with water service connections.”
However, “lending institutions may choose not to finance loans associated with these properties,” according to the state department’s Web site, www.doh.wa.gov.
The water is safe, Sperr said.
“We are continuing to protect the health of our water customers.”
