Since we are Medicare and Medicaid providers, we are required to follow all rules and regulations under CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) when billing out services for payment. We also follow the current City of Walla Walla Ordinance for ambulance services and related fees and charges.

We are required by law to follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in securing your health and billing information. Any staff employee who may be handling your information is required to go through specific training in accordance to the law. For more information on our privacy policy, please see our privacy policy.

It is the policy of the City of Walla Walla Fire Department that no person will be denied needed emergency medical care because of an inability to pay for such services.

To be eligible to receive services at a reduced charge or without charge, please contact our billing agency at 800.238.9398 to discuss options.

Each insurance carrier has different billing guidelines based on your policy. If there is a transportation benefit on your plan, then an emergency transport should be covered as long as it meets medical necessity requirements. If it’s a non-emergency transport, then your insurance may require the transport to be pre-authorized and that the transport will meet medical necessity requirements.

Medicaid will cover the cost of an Emergency and Non-Emergency transport as long as it meets medically necessity requirements and that you have active coverage benefits for the month that includes transportation benefits.

Property taxes are strictly a function of the General Fund, which is used to provide services related to the fire services of our department. The ambulance operations are considered as an Enterprise Fund and do not utilize General Fund monies to operate.

Ambulance bills are covered primarily by insurance entities, such as Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. The majority of patients that WWFD transports fall into the age group of Medicare/Medicaid coverage. These insurance entities only partially cover the cost of providing excellent pre-hospital care. Our billing rates are based on what it costs to actually provide the care required per protocols. The EMS levy is in place to help make up the difference between our billing rate and what we can actually collect from insurances in order to continue to provide quality pre-hospital care.

Yes, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the allowed rate for Emergency and Non-Emergency ground transportation as long as it’s deemed medically necessary and that the patient’s condition is such that use of any other method of transportation is contraindicated. Medicare also requires that you are being transported to the closest available facility for care. Note: Medicare will not cover the ambulance transport if you are going to a physician office or medical clinic for care or an appointment.

Yes, all animals in your possession at the time of annexation can be retained; however, all animals acquired after annexation must comply with the City code:

• Cows, Horses, Mules, Donkeys, Burros: 10,000 square feet open fenced area each.
• Fowls and Rabbits: no more than 50 per family provided they are cooped or sheltered and fenced.
• Dogs and Cats: no more than three dogs or three cats or combination of three total such animals per dwelling unit; County allows four on ½ acre and up to six on one acre.
• Miniature Horses, Sheep, Goats: 5,000 square feet open fenced area per animal.
• Swine: only miniature pigs allowed and no more than two at any one location; County allows pigs on one acre.
• Offspring of above animals may be kept for up to four months.
• Bee keeping is allowed everywhere on one-half or more fenced acreage, provided state statutes are met. 

Yes. Upon annexation the City’s utility tax rate (currently at 6% to 7%) will apply for electricity, natural gas, cable TV and telephone utilities.

Garbage collection within the newly annexed areas will continue to be provided by the county’s contract service provider, Basin Disposal of Walla Walla (BDI). This service will be taken over by the City in 11 years from the date of annexation. If you do not currently have garbage service through BDI, you are not required to start a contract with them. The City’s recycling contract pickup is currently available in all newly annexed areas and assessment of the recycling charge by the City against the newly annexed residences is mandatory. When the City begins providing garbage service to an area, those residences within the area will be required to have the service.

Annexed areas fall under the City police and fire jurisdiction. Both departments provide public education programs to enhance citizens’ ability to protect property and improve life safety.

• Community Policing: The mission of the Walla Walla Police Department is to work cooperatively with all citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. The City has one police officer for each 695 citizens. The City’s crime prevention program has established over one-hundred Block Watch groups.
• Walla Walla Fire Department: The City of Walla Walla Fire Department is committed to minimizing the loss of life and property, and the pain and suffering of people in the City and the surrounding area due to man-made or natural accidents or disasters. The WWFD is a full service department providing fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical services and fire and life safety education. The department also provides high/low angle rope rescue, swift water rescue, confined space rescue and hazardous materials response.

The City development standards already apply in the unincorporated areas of the UGA, to subdivisions and short plats receiving City utility service. Following annexation, City standards will apply to all new development.

Annexation does not change outdoor burning limitations in the Urban Growth area. Only recreational outdoor burning such as barbeques, cooking fires or ceremonial fires is allowed in the City of Walla Walla and the Urban Growth Area. (See WAC 173-425-040(2).)

Water and sewer mains are installed by developers of vacant land. When water or sewer service is needed in an area that is already developed, it is most commonly financed by property owners in the area through a Local Improvement District (LID). An LID is an assessment on the properties to fund the cost of construction of the sewer. The cost is paid back in annual installments over 10 or more years by the property owners receiving the benefit of the improvements. A single property owner or owners may finance a water and/or sewer connection with a “late comer” arrangement that provides for partial cost reimbursement from other property owners that hook up on that line at a later date. Contact the City Public Works Department for details.

The City provides street maintenance such as pothole patching, overlaying, snow plowing, street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, and sign replacement. The City conducts an annual overlay program for street preservation funded by limited gas tax receipts. For significant street improvement projects, the City uses funding from state and federal grants (for arterial streets), LIDs, or a voter approved bond issue when possible.

If there is a Pacific Power and Light (PP&L) utility pole at the requested location and the City determines that the request for installation of a street light is warranted, the property owner(s) would pay for installation of the light. Once the light is installed to City standards, the City will then pay all future electric and maintenance costs. If there is no existing utility pole available at the requested location, the property owners would need to purchase the light, pole, and electrical connection equipment, and pay for installation of the pole and light. As with the light fixture, the pole installation must be approved by the City. The City would pay for the cost of electricity and future maintenance of the light.

• Code Enforcement: The City has an active code enforcement program to protect the public health and safety; to help ensure neighborhoods are well kept; and to maintain the City’s quality of life.
• Animal Control: The City of Walla Walla has an animal control program with full-time staff. In the City limits dogs and miniature pigs are required to be in the owner’s yard or on a leash and must be licensed annually.
• Leaf Collection: Each fall, the City offers free curbside leaf pick up to all garbage collection customers at no additional cost. 

Auto insurance rates are determined by your zip code and your personal driver and vehicle situation. Your zip code, of course, will not change. The Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau assigns a classification to cities and fire districts to rate their overall protection capabilities. Insurance companies use the classifications to establish insurance rates. The classifications range from 2 to 10, with 2 being the best. The City of Walla Walla is currently rated Class 4; Fire District 4 is currently rated Class 6. Your fire insurance costs may slightly decrease upon annexation. A call to your insurance agent or company will let you know.

Once a property is annexed into the City of Walla Walla, development questions such as zoning or obtaining building permits may be directed to the Development Services Department at 509.524.4710 or permits@wallawallawa.gov. Development Services is located within the Service Center at 55 East Moore Street.

No. Both jurisdictions operate under the standardized International Building Code. The City has two fully certified building inspectors on staff.

No. The same advanced life support (ALS) services that you currently receive will not change and overall neither will the property taxes that support those services.

Yes. All legal existing uses within the annexation area will be allowed to continue.   

Yes. Utility customers outside the City limits pay 1.5 times the rate charged City residents for sewer service, sewer bond, water service and water bond.  If you currently have either utility, the cost will go down following annexation.

Yes. You will be able to vote in City elections. Through elections, Walla Walla citizens may serve on the City Council. By appointment, Walla Walla citizens may also serve on City boards and commissions such as:

• Planning Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry Advisory Board
• Civil Service Commission
• Water and Wastewater Advisory Committee
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Sustainability Committee
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
• Hotel and Motel Commission
• Infrastructure Improvement Committee
• Public Library Board of Trustees
• Transportation Improvement Committee
• Walla Walla Housing Authority

It should also be noted that annexations increase a city's size and population, and in some instances raises its level of political influence, prestige, ability to attract desirable commercial and industrial development as well as employment opportunities; and annexations may increase the City's ability to attract grant funding.

Yes. The senior and disabled citizen property tax programs are available state-wide and will continue to apply to your property following annexation.  Other property tax programs such as forestry, open space and agriculture will also continue to apply under the same guidelines following annexation.

For most property owners taxes will go down. Total property taxes in the City of Walla Walla are lower than taxes you pay in Walla Walla County Levy Code 101 or 105. Regular 2012 Levy for Tax Districts 1 and 5 (in City limits) is $12.798354 per $1,000 of assessed value. Regular Levy for Tax Districts 101 and 105 (Walla Walla County) is $13.413979 per $1,000 of assessed value. Even with the recently passed Police Station Bond Issue at a rate of $.43 per $1,000 assessed valuation, there can still be an expected net decrease in property tax after annexation.

There may be changes for stormwater related fees. Both the City of Walla Walla and Walla Walla County charge stormwater drainage fees and there are differences in the fees and the method of calculation. Both the City and County charge stormwater collection fees based on the amount of impervious surface on a property or by Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) which is based on the amount of impervious area on the average single family residential lot. Walla Walla County calculates ERUs based on 5,000 square feet per unit and charges $3.00 per each ERU per month. The City of Walla Walla calculates ERUs based on 3,000 square feet per unit and charges $10.70 per ERU. Charges for other types of development in the city differ; duplexes, triplexes and four plexes are charged $5.35 per month per residential unit or per ERU and commercial and industrial properties are analyzed individually to determine the area of impervious surface and the corresponding number of ERUs.

No. The City does not require property owners with properly functioning septic tanks to hook up to the municipal water system or sanitary sewer system. However, if a septic system fails and the property is within 300 feet of a sewer main, owners may be required by the County Health Department to connect to the sewer system, regardless of whether they live inside or outside City limits.

Commonly property in the Urban Growth Area and which can be annexed to the city has already been assigned a pre-zone designation. The pre-zone designation is the city zone code designation assigned to a parcel of land prior to annexation to the city. If a rezone request is submitted with the annexation petition, it may be considered concurrently.

Complete the Autopay Enrollment Form on the back of your monthly bill and submit it to Customer Service located in City Hall.

Autopay allows the City to automatically deduct your monthly bill from your checking or savings account, approximately 12 days from the billing date.

Yes, if you are the “responsible party” on the account. A “responsible party” is the person who receives bills, delinquent messages, shut-off notices, and is normally expected to pay the bill.

Yes, autopay information closes with the old utility account. Complete a new Autopay Enrollment Form for the new location and submit it to Customer Service located in City Hall.

Please call 509.527.4423 or send us a request in writing to be removed from the program.

You will need to make the payment due plus a returned payment fee of $20 using cash or credit card before the bill becomes delinquent. If an autopay account has nonsufficient funds twice in a 12-month period, the account will be automatically removed from the autopay program.

For new homeowners, the title company should send paperwork to automatically transfer ownership information for the water/sanitation into the name of the new owner. However, this should always be verified within a few days of signing closing papers. Please contact Customer Service at 509.527.4423 to ensure transfer details have been received.

For new renters, the property owner must sign an Owner/Tenant agreement each time a new renter takes occupancy in order to have the water/sanitation utility bill to be in the renter’s name.

A $50 fine will be added to your account and the water meter will be locked. It is illegal to turn a water meter back on when it was shut off for nonpayment.

Several payment options are available, including VISA and Mastercard. The back of your bill also lists local organizations who may be able to offer financial assistance.

If the field crew is dispatched to the service location before the utility billing department processes the payment on shut-off day, then the utility service may be stopped and a fee incurred.

Your next bill will show an amount under PREVIOUS BALANCE in the Account Summary. If payment is not received in full 40 days from the original billing date, then services will be stopped until the bill is paid in full.

Once utility services have been disconnected, past due charges and related collection fees must be paid in full to start services again. If you’ve made payment during business hours and service has not resumed within 3 hours of payment, please call 509.527.4423 to determine when your service will be restarted.

The bill is due upon receipt (and is delinquent 25 days after the bill date).

If the field crew is dispatched to the service location before the utility billing department processes the payment on shut-off day, then the utility service may be stopped and a fee incurred.

Businesses within the city limits of Walla Walla will be required to obtain a business license that is annually renewed. When the City of Walla Walla goes live with BLS on January 2, 2018, a city license will be added to your existing state license and other endorsements. You do not need to do anything right now. The expiration date of the city license will align with your other endorsements. BLS will send a letter with information about the renewal process approximately 45 days prior to the expiration of your license and other endorsements.

Here are two examples:

• A corporation files an annual report with the Secretary of State every May 2018. BLS converts a Walla Walla general business license to this account with an expiration date of May 2018 to match the annual report. Every year, this account will renew and allow the customer to renew both the corporation and Walla Walla business license at the same time.

• An account with a domestic winery license expires January 2018. BLS converts a Walla Walla general business license to this account with an expiration date of June 2018. In May 2018 (approximately 45 days prior to the June 30 expiration date), the customer will get a prorated renewal without an $11 BLS processing fee for the Walla Walla business license to match the existing domestic winery license, which expires January. In December (approximately 45 days prior to the January 31 expiration date), the customer will receive a renewal notice for both licenses and a single $11 processing fee will be assessed and continue to have the January expiration date.

• Visit the BLS website
• Call BLS at 1 800.451.7985
• Email City of Walla Walla Development Services at permits@wallawallawa.gov
• Call the City of Walla Walla Development Services at 509.524.4710

Under the previous municipal code, a business had to have been physically located within the city limits for a business registration to be required. With the adoption of Ordinance No. 2016- 41 repealing business registrations and implementing business licensing, businesses that do not have a physical office location but do conduct business within the city limits of Walla Walla are required to obtain a business license that is annually renewed. For example, this applies to contractors who have their office in Kennewick but are on a job site within the city limits of Walla Walla.

Ordinance No. 2016-41 establishes an annual $50 business license fee. As noted above, the City of Walla Walla has partnered with BLS to process new business licenses and renewals. When a business owner applies for the City license (and other endorsements as applicable) through BLS, a first-time fee of $19 applies. Upon renewal of business license and other endorsements, a fee of $11 applies. If a business currently has another endorsement through BLS or has a corporation registered through the Secretary of State’s office, then you already pay the $11 BLS fee.

The City Council repealed business registrations and implemented business licensing December 7, 2016 with an effective date of January 1, 2018. Ordinance No. 2016-41 applies to any business operating within the City of Walla Walla, including outside contractors. The ordinance exempts the following entities from the $50 license fee but still requires a BLS application for tracking purposes:

• Non-profits
• Non-resident businesses with $5,000 or less gross revenues
• Universities
• Public and private schools
• Churches

The City of Walla Walla implemented business licensing with annual renewals to:

• Accurately count businesses located and operating within the city limits, improving the City’s knowledge of our business sector.
• Gain accurate knowledge of the number of employees/jobs within the city limits.
• Provide for improved policy analysis and development. The City will be able to survey the business sector and learn about the issues business owners face and the services they need.
• Increase community safety by ensuring all businesses open to the public have annual fire inspections.
• Provide revenue for efforts to support local businesses, including funding for the Downtown Ambassadors program and Chamber of Commerce activities.
• Provide a comprehensive emergency contact list to Dispatch for the business sector.
• Create a comprehensive business directory that will be on the City’s website.

Call the City Attorney’s office if it happened within City Limits at 509.522.2843.
Call the County Prosecutor’s Office if outside of City limits at 509.524.5445.

The Landlord Tenant Law is administered by the Attorney General’s Office at 1 800.692.5082. Blue Mountain Action Council has a pro bono Legal Assistance department who can help with Landlord/Tenant disputes.

Contact the Walla Walla City Attorney’s Office at 509.522.2843.

Check your paperwork for the appropriate court number. If you have lost your paperwork, check with the Walla Walla District Court at 509.524.2760 or Walla Walla Superior Court at 509.524.2780. They will be able to answer all your questions.

Walla Walla District Court Probation is 509.524.2763.

If it is a misdemeanor charge, contact the Walla Walla District Court at 509.524.2760 to see if you qualify for a public defender. If it is a felony charge, contact the Walla Walla Superior Court at 509.524.2780 to see if you qualify for a public defender.

Call the Walla Walla County Prosecutor’s office at 509.524.5445.

If the Walla Walla Police Department was the arresting authority, and it was a domestic violence charge, contact Chalese at the Police Department 509.524.4400. For non-domestic related charges call 509.527.4434.

If the State Patrol or the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office was the arresting authority, contact the Walla Walla County Prosecutor’s Office at 509.524.5445.

Elizabeth F. Chamberlain, AICP at 509.524.4735.

If it happened in the city of Walla Walla, contact the Walla Walla Police Department at 509.527.4434. If it happened in the County, contact the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office at 509.524.5400.

They can be reached at 509.524.5445. The address 240 W. Alder, Suite 201.

509.524.7905

If you were issued a misdemeanor ticket/traffic infraction/or parking ticket by the Walla Walla Police Department you can contact the Walla Walla District Court at 509-524-2760. If you were arrested on felony charges contact, Walla Walla Superior Court at 509-524-2780.

Liquor Control Board at 360.664.1600 or online at www.liq.wa.gov.

Yes. All City Council meetings are open to the public.

2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. except for November and December — 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Council Chambers at City Hall, 15 N. 3rd Avenue.

All seven Council members represent the entire city. You may contact one or all of them to express a concern or ask a question.

509-524-2560

509.524.2545

509.524.2530

509.524.2505

509.524.2650

509.527.3247

509.524.2685

Fire sprinkler, alarm and commercial hood extinguishing permits are available on this page, or may be obtained through the Development Services Department located at 55 E. Moore Street.

The Fire Department has set aside 2-two week periods a year for scheduling station tours or have the firefighters visit your organization. You may call 509.527.4429 and select option 5 to find out when the available times are and schedule your visit.

Open burning of yard debris and garbage is not allowed within the city limits of Walla Walla. A person may have a warming fire as long as it is no larger than 3’X 3’ in diameter and not closer than 25’ to a structure.

Some medical calls require more personnel than a two person ambulance crew can handle; cardiac arrest, vehicle accidents, unconscious patients, a fire engine will dispatched to assist the ambulance crew in these events.

There are two reasons why fire crews may visit your business for inspections.

1. The City of Walla Walla adopted the International Fire Code which requires annual business inspections to check for fire and life safety compliance.
2. The Fire Department performs pre-fire planning on certain business and buildings in the event there is a fire or emergency so crews will be better able to handle situation.

Fire hydrants are typically tested twice a year. In the spring, the Water Division will flow the hydrants to assure the underground mains are clear of debris and to assure water quality. In the late summer or early fall the firefighters will test the hydrants without flowing them to assure they are operational.

No, you will not be charged for calling a fire engine or ambulance however, if the firefighters or paramedics provide certain medical procedures or you are transported to the hospital you will receive a bill.

A final inspection will be required after construction. It is the owner’s responsibility to call the City at 509.527.4387 to request a final inspection. The backflow preventer and any other possible water quality issues are the focus of the final inspection.

Yes. Any time an irrigation system is installed, the owner must purchase a permit. The purpose of the permit is to protect the public health and the quality of our water by ensuring the proper installation of the irrigation system.

The City determines what backflow preventer type is required based on the degree of hazard and City requirements. Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs) that are listed by the State of Washington Approved Assemblies List are allowed under certain conditions and do not require annual testing.

Flow rates change according to meter model, service line size and length, and pressure. Approximate maximum flow rates (for continuous flow) according to our meter manufacturer are as follows:

• ¾-inch meter – 15 gallons per minute (gpm)
• 1-inch meter – 25 gpm
• 1½-inch meter – 50 gpm
• 2-inch meter – 80 gpm

Pressure varies throughout the City from about 40 psi to 100 psi, so you should purchase a water pressure gauge or call the Water Division to have your pressure tested.

If you wish, you may submit plans or a sketch to the City or stop by to discuss your project before starting construction. This will reduce the risk of having to modify your system after construction to bring it up to code. If you have concerns, you may call the Water Division at 509.527.4380 and ask to speak to someone about backflow prevention requirements on irrigation systems.

Costs vary considerably, so you will need to call around to get the price and service you want. The City provides a list of backflow assembly testers that are certified by the State and registered with the City to test backflow assemblies. Once a year you will receive a postcard by mail notifying you that the test is due. A link to our webpage where the list of the backflow assembly testers is posted can also be found on the postcard.

There are different installation requirements for each type of backflow preventer. You will need to obtain a copy of the current installation standard from the City for the type of backflow preventer you are installing. Always feel free to call for clarification if you have questions.

Yes, a backflow preventer is required for all underground irrigation systems connected to the City water system. This includes irrigation systems that use an alternative source but have City water available as a backup, whether or not it is turned off. The type of backflow preventer appropriate for each system will be determined by the City. This brochure includes a decision chart that may help you to understand how your system design will influence backflow prevention requirements.

 Yes, unless your backflow preventers are atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs). The City inspection is only to identify the backflow preventer(s) and verify the correct backflow preventer type has been used and installed correctly. A backflow assembly test confirms the backflow assembly is functioning properly, and must be conducted by a certified backflow assembly tester who is registered with the City of Walla Walla.

The City will send you a notice to test the assembly once a year. If you can’t test it for some reason, you may request a reasonable extension (typically 10-14 days). A second (final) notice will be sent out after the due date if no test report is received. If you fail to test by the due date on that final notice, and fail to make alternative arrangements with the City to have it tested, the City may refuse to serve you with water.

If you have an underground irrigation system, and do not have a backflow preventer installed, the City will give you a period of time to have the backflow preventer installed, inspected, and tested (if applicable). If you refuse to install or test a backflow preventer after notification by the City, the City may refuse to serve you with water until you meet the requirements.

Permits are available from the Development Services Office at the City Service Center at 55 E. Moore Street.

• March 1 - October 31 - Monday through Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• November 1 - February 28 - Monday through Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You can drop off electronics (including computer towers, monitors, cables, laptops, and televisions) for free at the following disposal locations:

• CEP Recycle – N. 11th Ave. - 509.200.1100
• Goodwill Industries – 1017 NE C St., College Place – 509.525.5992
• Lillie Rice – 2616 E. Isaacs Ave. – 509.525.5433 Ext. 109
• Walla Walla Recycling – North 13th Avenue and Elm Street – 509.525.1482

Fluorescent bulbs (compact fluorescent lights/CFL’s) and linear tubes are accepted free of charge at the Household Hazardous Waste facility located at the Sudbury Road Landfill. Effective January 1, 2013, it is illegal under Washington state law to dispose of mercury-containing lights in the garbage. For more information, please visit the Department of Ecology website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/mercurylights/.

Please dispose of glass in your regular garbage container. Effective July 27, 2012, the City suspended the glass collection/recycling program. Walla Walla Recycling also stopped accepting glass as of June 1, 2012.

Sharps generated by households can be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Sudbury Road Landfill. Sharps must be placed in labeled, sealed, and puncture-resistant containers; an old bleach bottle or laundry detergent bottle works well for this. Sharps generated by care-facilities should be treated as medical waste and handled according to the facility’s disposal plan. Commercial medical waste pickup and disposal service is available from the Sanitation Division.

The Landfill is located approximately 3.5 miles west of Walla Walla at 414 Landfill Road. Going west on Highway 12, turn right (North) on Sudbury Road, then right on Landfill Road (heading East).

Special Event permits can be obtained through the Parks & Recreation Department by visiting the office, having one mailed, or having one emailed. An event permit must be submitted 45 days prior to the event OR 90 days prior if there is alcohol involved. There is a event fee for every event application submitted. To contact Parks & Recreation, please call 509.527.4527 or email recreation@wallawallawa.gov.

Washington’s DUI laws forbid a person from operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle:

• with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater;
• with a THC concentration of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of blood; or
• while under the influence or affected by alcohol, any drug, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, regardless of the concentration of alcohol in their breath or blood.

Yes, RCW 9.41.050

This varies from state to state. We suggest you check with the State Patrol Division in the states you're going to visit. Not all states will recognize a Washington permit. You will also need to check with them to see if they will issue to an out of state resident. (The laws on these two issues are changing rapidly and it is difficult to keep up with the current out of state laws.)

Yes, it is the City Ordinance to license your bike in the city limits. Contact the Records staff at the lobby of the Walla Walla Police Department. The license cost is $5 each and are good for as long as you own the bike. New owners should license their bike immediately. You will need your model number, serial number, make, color and speed of your bike to license it.

Please refer to the Police Property and Evidence webpage.

Call the Police Department 509.527.4434 and ask to talk to the officer that responded to your incident. If you know who it is, you may ask for that person by name. If the incident is a felony, you may ask for the investigating detective. They may or may not be able, for various reasons, to give you certain details of the investigation.

1. Concealed pistol license applications can be obtained at the Walla Walla Police Department, 54 E. Moore St, Walla Walla.
2. You must be fingerprinted before the application can be processed. Fingerprinting is done at the Walla Walla County Jail on the corner of 5th and Alder between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (no printing will be done between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.). The cost for fingerprinting is $4.00 payable to the County Jail, in cash only.
3. Once your fingerprints have been taken, (2 cards) return to Police Department with your fingerprint cards and the application as well as the $48.50 cash or check made payable to the City of Walla Walla. At that time, your fingerprint card will be completed by the Police Department and will be sent to the Washington State Patrol Identification Section and an extensive background check will be done. If your fingerprints are deemed unclassified you will be notified and will need to go back to the County Jail to be reprinted.
4. When the Police Department has received your fingerprint cards which will be returned by the Washington State Patrol Identification Section, a letter will be sent advising if you have been approved for a concealed pistol license. This process normally takes approximately 30 days. When the background checks are complete you will receive a letter of approval, and may pick up your license at the Walla Walla Police Department.

(If you live outside the city limits of Walla Walla, you will be directed to go to the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office or the agency where you reside.)

Contact a court office in the city or country in which you received your citation, or contact the State Department of Licensing.

Junk vehicles located within the City right-of-way must meet the criteria in RCW 46.55.010 and RCW 46.55.230 (see below) and/or go through the abandoned process prior to Code Enforcement requesting a Certified State Junk Hauler remove the vehicle from the City right-of-way.

Junk vehicles are not allowed to be removed by a company without a clear title to the vehicle and/or property paperwork signed by the property owner and a junk vehicle inspector certifying that the vehicle qualifies as a junk vehicle. If a property owner has a vehicle on his/her property and doesn't have a title to it, the property owner and/or the junk hauler must first contact the City of Walla Walla Police Department Code Enforcement Officers to do an inspection of the vehicle to see if it meets the criteria of a junk vehicle. If it does, the Code Enforcement Officer will fill out the appropriate paperwork and have the junk hauler remove the vehicle. A junk hauler must have legal paperwork to have a vehicle stored within their yard.

To report code violations, call the non-emergency dispatch center – 509.527.1960

To speak directly with City Code Enforcement dial – 509.527.4434 (ext. 4)

You can find additional information here: https://wallawallawa.gov/government/police/code-enforcement

Junk haulers

• Muirhead Salvage – 745 N. 11th Avenue – 509.529.0529
• Anderson’s Towing – 420 Cedar Avenue – 509.525.4869
• Kyle’s Custom Toys and Towing – 109 S. Cottonwood Street, Dayton – 509.382.4055

Up to 30 days.

New Washington residents are allowed 30 days from the date they become residents, as defined RCW 46.20 to obtain a valid Washington Driver License. Reference 46.20.021(5).

An applicant must be 21 years of age or older, otherwise the issuing agency shall refuse to accept a completed application.

If the incident is in progress, call 911; otherwise, contact Chalese Rabidue, Domestic Violence Service Officer at the Walla Walla Police Department.

Call 911 to report the crime if it's an emergency, otherwise, call the non-emergency number, 509.527.1960, or come to the Walla Walla Police Department.

You should have a record of the make, model, and license of the bike in your possession. If it is stolen, call the non-emergency police number 509.527.1960, or come to the Police Department.

If an applicant is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony.

If an applicant has an outstanding arrest warrant for a felony or misdemeanor.

If an applicant is subject to a restraining order or domestic violence action requiring the surrender of a deadly weapon.

Any felony offense committed anywhere in the country.

A person whether an adult or juvenile, is guilty of the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm (a class "C" felony) if the person owns, has in his or her possession, or has in his or her control ANY firearm, if convicted in this state or elsewhere of:

1. A Serious Crime
2. A Domestic Violence Offense (RCW 10.99.0020)
3. A Harassment Offense (RCW 9A.46.060)
4. A Felony in which a Firearm was used or displayed.
5. Any felony violation of the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act.
6. Three D.U.I.s within five years.
7. Illegal Possession by a person under 18 years old.
8. Violation of the provisions of a Restraining Order, (Domestic Violence, Harassment, or Dissolution).
9. Any Felony with a deadly weapon verdict.
10. Any sexually motivated Class B Felony.

Crimes listed above in 1, 2, & 3:

• Arson
• Assault
• Assault of a child 1 & 2
• Burglary (includes residential)
• Child molestation
• Coercion
• Criminal trespass
• Harassment
• Homicide by abuse
• Incest
• Indecent liberties
• Kidnapping
• Leading organized crime
• Malicious harassment
• Malicious mischief
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Rape
• Rape of a child
• Reckless endangerment
• Stalking
• Telephone harassment
• Unlawful imprisonment
• Vehicular homicide
• Vehicular assault

The difference between Anti-Harassment Order and an Order for Protection is whether domestic violence is an issue in the situation. If domestic violence is involved, an Order for Protection will need to be obtained from Superior Court. If no domestic violence is involved and no assault or children, and the issue is just harassment, whether by phone or in person, then an Anti-Harassment Order would be obtained from District Court, 509.527.3236.

The unlawful harassment statue does not allow an order for protection from civil harassment to be issued in any action covered by the domestic violence laws (Chapters 10.99 and 26.50 RCW). Domestic violence is defined as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault between family or household members; or sexual assault of one family or household member by another. "Family or household members" include adults or juveniles who are spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together, or who have resided together in the past, and persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time. This also includes roommates.

The downtown area generally bordered by Rose Street, Palouse Street, Poplar Street and 6th Avenue. Maps of the Downtown parking are available from the Police Department or Downtown Walla Walla Foundation.

Reference: WWMC 10.17.010. The Police Department is authorized to issue a construction parking permit to contractors, service companies and other specific persons to use in connection with work or work projects that require them to park in controlled parking zones. The permit covers all controlled areas of the City.

A restraining order is actually called an Order for Protection. It may be obtained from Superior Court, if it involves domestic violence and children. Superior Court is located at 315 W. Main Street in Walla Walla, 509.527.3221. The Superior Court Judge must sign the order for it to be valid; signing of the orders occurs from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the weekday. If you need help filling out the forms and you are a victim of domestic violence, you may call Chalese Calhoon, the Domestic Violence Services Officer. Please refer to the Domestic Violence page under the Police Department or contact Chalese directly at 509.527.4434.

Forms for Orders for Protection may be obtained from Superior Court or District Court. You will get 1) Petition for Order for Protection 2) Law Enforcement Information Sheet 3) Temporary Order for Protection. Remember that an Order For Protection usually involves an assault, domestic violence and children.

The City contracts with Basin Disposal, Inc. who provides bi-weekly curbside service using side-loader trucks. The trucks deposit the comingled recyclables at Walla Walla Recycling, where it is bundled for transport (“baled”). From there, trucks take the recyclables to a material recovery facility (MRF) in Tacoma, where it is sorted by machine and by hand. The sorted material is then shipped overseas or to domestic mills, where it is turned into raw material for manufacturing.

The simple answer is that you, as a ratepayer, may end up paying more for the service. The more contaminated that recyclable material is, the less manufacturers will pay for it, and the less the City of Walla Walla receives for the materials. Depending on the market, the benefits or costs are passed on to you, the customer. Contamination could include nonrecyclable items, items soiled with food, wet items, yard debris, or medical waste. It’s much easier to reduce contamination by keeping it out of curbside containers. When in doubt, throw it out.

Drastic changes in the recycling commodities world market began in 2017 when the revenue the City used to receive from the processing and sale of commodities ceased and it became an expense. Since September 2017, the City’s recyclables processing cost/ton rose from $51 to as high as $168. We are hopeful that recycling will return to a revenue generator as the world market recovers and improves.

Put only acceptable items in your recycling container to keep the value of the commodities as high as possible.

Contact Basin Disposal, Inc. directly at 509.547.2476.  Commercial accounts include businesses and multi-facility complexes of more than 10 units. Business and multi-family units can also self-haul material for free drop-off at Walla Walla Recycling, 509.525.1482.

About 150-200 tons each month.

Acceptable items 

Paper

• Newspaper including ads and inserts
• Corrugated cardboard
• Mail
• Cereal, cracker and shoe boxes (Non-freezer Chipboard)
• Office paper and file folders
• Magazines, catalogs, phone and paperback books

Metal

• Household (tin and aluminum) cans

Plastics — #1, #2, and #5 — remove lids as they can't be recycled

• Bottles (8 ounces and larger)
• Jugs (milk, laundry, etc.)
• Tubs (dairy, coffee; no clear tubs)
• Buckets, and flower pots with ridges (no lids, no handles)

You can drop off electronics (including computer towers, monitors, cables, laptops, and televisions) for free at the following disposal locations:

• CEP Recycle – N. 11th Ave. - 509.200.1100
• Goodwill Industries – 1017 NE C St., College Place – 509.525.5992
• Lillie Rice – 2616 E. Isaacs Ave. – 509.525.5433 Ext. 109
• Walla Walla Recycling – North 13th Avenue and Elm Street – 509.525.1482

The City of Walla Walla contracts with Basin Disposal, Inc. to service recycling containers. For service questions, call Basin Disposal, Inc. (BDI) at 509.547.2476; for billing questions, contact the City at 527.4479, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

No. Utility services for a single residential property are billed on a combined utility bill.

If the bill is not paid, a shut-off notice will be mailed 40 days after the original billing date for services to both the owner and the tenant.

The monthly utility bill and any closing bills can be mailed to your property management company. Submit an Owner/Manager Agreement form to Customer Service located in City Hall. 

Tenants are eligible to receive an extension. Tenants and owners are eligible for a three (3) day extension every 12 months. With the extension, a formal Promise to Pay agreement must be signed and returned to City Hall no later than the day prior to the shut-off, the full balance owning must then be paid by close of business on the Friday of that same week.

Either the owner or tenant should notify us of the scheduled move out date. Once a tenant moves out the bill is automatically switched to the owner’s name/mailing address, no closing bill is posted. A final meter read will be scheduled for the move-in date for the new tenant. At that time a closing bill will be sent to the property owner for the existing account, prior to new account creation for the new tenant.

The permit and license must be renewed annually. Applicable standards of Chapter 20.139 must be met and the following renewal requirements must also be met:

• Verification that all business and lodging taxes for the previous year have been paid to the Washington State Department of Revenue.
• Schedule the annual inspection. Owners are responsible for scheduling the inspection.
• Renewals must provide proof that Type 2 short-term rental use continued throughout the preceding year. If such use has been discontinued or abandoned, then the Type 2 short-term rental must cease operation. Intent to discontinue and abandon shall be presumed if a location was not rented at least a total of 29 days during the preceding year. Discontinued and abandoned uses may not be reestablished, and no permit or license for a discontinued or abandoned Type 2 short-term rental use shall be renewed.

The City will enforce the ordinance as we do the other regulations within the municipal code. See Section 20.139.100 of the amended short-term rental regulations and enforcement is process as outlined in Walla Walla Municipal Code Chapter 20.42.

Failure of the owner or the authorized agent or local contact of a Type 2 short-term rental to respond to a nuisance complaint to the Walla Walla Police Department arising out of the occupancy and use of the Type 2 short-term rental by a tenant, or the tenant's visitors or guests is a violation and will be fined as follows:

• First call and violation received is no charge;
• Second call and violation is $750.00; and
• Third call and violation is $1,000.00; and
• Fourth call and violation results in revocation of permit and license

"Short-term rental" means temporary lodging for charge or fee at a dwelling for a period of less than one month, or less than 30 continuous days if the rental period does not begin on the first day of the month.

Short-term rental Type 1 means short-term rental at a dwelling that is the owner's principal residence and where either (1) rooms are rented and the owner is personally present at the dwelling during the rental period, or (2) the entire dwelling is rented no more than 90 total days in a calendar year. Portions of calendar days shall be counted as full days. The room(s) for rent may be located within a detached or attached accessory dwelling unit.

Short-term rental Type 2 means short-term rental at a dwelling that is not the owner's principal residence.

City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2017-33, which bans new Type 2 short term rentals (non-owner occupied). Non owner-occupied short-term rentals within the city which existed prior to Nov. 9, 2017, may potentially continue operation as a non-conforming use – provided that the owners applied for a Short Term Rental License before February 1, 2018 and demonstrated the following as part of the permit application:

• Property was used as a short-term rental during 2017 prior to Nov. 9, 2017;
• The property continued as a short-term rental as of Nov. 9, 2017 and was not merely intermittent or occasional;
• The owner fully and timely paid all applicable taxes for short-term rental use that occurred prior to Nov. 9, 2017.

As long as the Type 2 short-term rental has been determined to be lawfully established and existing and the use has not been abandoned, non-conforming status runs with the property. If the new owner wishes to continue the non-conforming use of the property as a Type 2 short-term rental, then the new owner is required to obtain a Type 2 short-term rental permit and license and comply with regulations.

Only those Type 2 short-term rentals that were lawfully established and existing prior to November 9, 2017 will be allowed as non-conforming uses. Only properties which have a current permit in good standing are considered to be lawfully established and existing.

Residential customers who subscribe to the curbside Green Waste pick up service are eligible to request a smaller garbage can. Green Waste subscribers can elect to keep their 90 gallon garbage can for the regular monthly rate or get a 64 gallon garbage can for a reduced monthly rate.

• Container must be at curb by 7 a.m.
• Container must be at least 3 feet from obstacles including other containers.
• Container must be placed with the lid opening toward street.
• Do not overfill; lid must close.
• Do not place additional items on the ground beside your container.
• Do not wedge branches in the container or it may not empty properly.
• No plastics, landscape fabric, or other garbage.
• No dirt, rock, or sod.
• No pet waste.
• No food waste.
• No diseased plants or vegetation.
• No branches larger than 4 inches in diameter and/or 3 feet in length.

• March 1 - October 31 - Monday through Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• November 1 - February 28 - Monday through Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Container must be at curb by 7:00 a.m.
• Container must be at least 3 feet from obstacles such as cars, utility poles, and other containers
• Do not place containers directly under low-hanging items such as branches, utility lines, or basketball hoop stands.
• Container must be placed with the lid opening toward street
• Do not place additional items on the ground beside your container
• Do not wedge items in the container or it may not empty properly
• Overfilled container will be charged an additional fee if lid is open more than 45 degrees or container is too heavy
• Bag small, loose items (such as Styrofoam peanuts) to keep material from blowing away when can is emptied
• Do not place household hazardous waste (HHW) items in your container; take to Sudbury
• Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Facility for FREE disposal; available to residents of Walla Walla County only, no business waste accepted
• Customers unable to take their container to the curb can sign up for carry-out service for an additional charge. Contact us for details.

All residential customers whose services falls on a holiday will be serviced the next working day. This includes garbage, recycling, and green waste services.

Fluorescent bulbs (compact fluorescent lights/CFL’s) and linear tubes are accepted free of charge at the Household Hazardous Waste facility located at the Sudbury Road Landfill. Effective January 1, 2013, it is illegal under Washington state law to dispose of mercury-containing lights in the garbage. For more information, please visit the Department of Ecology website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/mercurylights/.

Please dispose of glass in your regular garbage container. Effective July 27, 2012, the City suspended the glass collection/recycling program. Walla Walla Recycling also stopped accepting glass as of June 1, 2012.

Sharps generated by households can be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Sudbury Road Landfill. Sharps must be placed in labeled, sealed, and puncture-resistant containers; an old bleach bottle or laundry detergent bottle works well for this. Sharps generated by care-facilities should be treated as medical waste and handled according to the facility’s disposal plan. Commercial medical waste pickup and disposal service is available from the Sanitation Division.

The Landfill is located approximately 3.5 miles west of Walla Walla at 414 Landfill Road. Going west on Highway 12, turn right (North) on Sudbury Road, then right on Landfill Road (heading East).

Residential single family homes, duplexes and triplexes are charged a flat fee per unit per month.  Non-residential properties are charged based on the amount of impervious surface (hard surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, gravel parking and storage areas and any other areas where natural vegetation has been disturbed for parking, driving or storage) on the parcel.  Impervious surface is calculated by either on-site measurement or by using the City’s most recent GIS orthophotography for every parcel located within the city limits.

Monthly stormwater fees are based on an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) measurement.  Parcels with drainage characteristics of a single-family residential property receive a flat rate of 1 ERU.  The average single-family residential parcel in Walla Walla is assumed to be 3,000 square feet of impervious surface.  Therefore, the definition of 1 ERU is the amount of impervious surface equal to 3,000 square feet. 

Monthly stormwater fees for non-residential parcels that are occupied by businesses, industries, farms, apartment buildings, mobile home parks and other non-residential land uses are calculated based on the amount of impervious surface that exists on each parcel.  For example, if a commercial business on a parcel has 12,000 square feet of impervious surface area, the monthly charge will be based on 12,000 square feet divided by 3,000 square feet/ERU which equals 4 ERUs. 

The City of Walla Walla is subject to a myriad of federal and state surface water, groundwater, water quality and habitat related requirements, such as:

• National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, as required by the Clean Water Act (CWA);
• Underground Injection Control (UIC) Rule, as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA); and
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) and associated Salmon Recovery Plan and Sub-basin Plan for Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) #32.

The NPDES Phase II Permit outlines stormwater program activities and implementation milestones that permittees must follow to comply with the federal CWA.

The Phase II Permit is broken down into six components, and the implementation and enforcement of the six components is collectively referred to as a municipality’s Stormwater Management Plan.  The revenue collected from monthly Stormwater fees is used by the City to pay for the costs that the City incurs to maintain and operate its municipal stormwater system and stay in compliance with the Phase II Permit.  Activities that Stormwater fees are used for include water quality protection and clean-up activities, educational activities, storm drainage construction and maintenance activities and the implementation of a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).

The SWMP is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from municipalities to the maximum extent practicable to satisfy the state requirement to apply “All Known, Available and Reasonable methods of prevention, control and Treatment” prior to discharge, and to protect water quality in our creeks and rivers. The Phase II Permit requires that specific activities from each category above be completed each year in order to achieve full permit compliance.

To this effect, in 2001, a stormwater fee was placed on all properties within the city of Walla Walla. Stormwater management in the unincorporated areas is the responsibility of Walla Walla County.

The City’s stormwater program helps address flooding and pollution of surface and ground water sources. Many of the current programs are mandated by Federal and State regulations. The City is currently required to comply with the requirements of a State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) permit. Information on this permit can be found at this DOE web page.

Continuing programs that are required to maintain the stormwater infrastructure and to stay in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Ecology permit necessitates a dedicated revenue source that does not compete with other City services such as Police and Fire.

The primary purpose of the stormwater utility is to fund activities required by the DOE National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit such as:

1. Implementing a program for public education and outreach – distributing educational materials to the community about the impacts of stormwater and what they can do to help.
2. Implementing a program for public involvement and participation – allow for the public to have input on the stormwater management program.
3. Develop a program for detecting and eliminating illicit discharges – includes planning, inspection, and enforcement actions.
4. Developing runoff controls for new construction sites.
5. Developing runoff controls for new development – ongoing programs to ensure that controls that minimize water quality impacts are in place.
6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping programs for municipal operations – train staff and implement measures that minimize pollutant runoff from municipal operations.
7. Record keeping and reporting – The DOE permit requires the City to keep records of our stormwater management activities, and prepare and submit a regular annual report.
8. Pay for the DOE permit fee.
9. Pay for regular maintenance such as street sweeping, cleaning catch basins, and jetting pipes.
10. Fund stormwater capital projects such as culvert replacements, and water quality improvements.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363. To report an issue after hours, please call the nonemergency dispatch at 509.527.1960.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363. To report an issue after hours, please call the nonemergency dispatch at 509.527.1960.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363 or email pwinfo@wallawallawa.gov.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363. To report an issue after hours, please call the nonemergency dispatch at 509,527.1960.

Get the address of where the light is located, each pole has an identification tag – reporting this tag number is helpful, then call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363 and let us know the exact location and direction of travel. To report an issue after hours, please call the nonemergency dispatch at 509.527.1960.

Call the Street Division office at 509.527.4363. To report an issue after hours, please call the nonemergency dispatch at 509.527.1960.

Our leaf collection map is updated daily during leaf season. You can follow our progress by visiting our Leaf Collection page or calling the Street Division office at 509.527.4363.

Visit our Snow and Ice Control page for snow plowing information.

Snow removal from the sidewalks along your home or business is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. The best time to shovel snow is immediately after it falls and before ice begins to form. The Street Division maintains a list of volunteers to assist the elderly or disabled with snow removal. Click the button below to see the current list.

• Snow Removal Assistance

No. Area dumping facilities include:

• Lyons Park, Larch Street and S.E. 12th Street, College Place, Washington
• Cenex Convenience Store, 706 W. Rose Street, Walla Walla, Washington
• 76 Station, 9th Avenue & W. Rose Street, Walla Walla Washington

No, the plant staff can direct you to a commercial laboratory.

Tours are available by appointment only; call 509.527.4509 to schedule.

All career opportunities are listed at Jacobs.

Visit the State of Washington Department of Ecology for information.

• For sewer service problems call 509.527.4363, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• For after hours emergencies, call 509.527.1960.
• For billing questions, call 509.527.4423.

Septic tank issues are directed to the County Health Department, Kevin Tureman, Director of Environmental Health, 509.524.2650.

Baker Commodities, Grandview, WA - 509.882.2123

Contact the Engineering Division at 509.527.4537.

Contact Jacobs IPP Coordinator at 509.527.4509.

Contact a septic hauler of your choice. They are listed in the yellow pages.

The City does not fluoridate the water, although there can be trace amounts of fluoride in the water due to natural erosion as water travels through the ground water aquifer.

The City Finance Division receives all utility bill payments including the water bill. They are located in City Hall at 15 North Third Avenue. You may also pay your bill online.

Walla Walla’s water meets and exceeds all drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Health.

If the USFS determines it is necessary that fire retardant be applied within the Mill Creek Watershed, an avoidance zone of 300' on either side of Mill Creek will be maintained. If determined necessary, the city can switch to groundwater as a precautionary measure whenever the use of fire retardant is anticipated. Fire retardant contains nitrogen which spurs algae growth if it enters a water body.

The different colored paint markings on your street or on your property represent underground utilities. A locate must be called in by law before all excavations deeper than one foot. A box painted in white stripes will indicate where the excavation is to take place. To learn more about Dig Safe Washington, visit the Dig Safe Washington website.

13.04.450 Meter assemblies ' Ownership and installation. The City will install all the necessary meter assemblies for measuring the water service used by the customer. However, the meter assemblies, even though the meter charge has been paid by the customer, will remain the property of the City. (Ord. 99-4 ' 8, 1999: Ord. A-3639 ' 1(part), 1990).

13.04.550 Meters ' Access for agents to install, read or repair authorized when. The City or its duly authorized agents or employees shall have the right to install meters on the customer's premises and shall at all reasonable times have the right to enter or leave the customer's premises for the purpose of installing, reading, repairing, testing, maintaining or reinstalling the meter and its related appurtenances. (Ord. A-3639 ' 1(part), 1990).

If a fire should occur in the Mill Creek Watershed, water from the creek will continue to be used until it no longer can be treated to meet Federal and State Drinking Water Standards. Should a fire impact water quality in Mill Creek, the City can provide 100% of the city's needs with well water. The deep basalt aquifer from where the water is pumped has sufficient supply to meet the City of Walla Walla's demand for 10 years or longer when supplemented by the City's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Program. The ASR program stores water in the aquifer with treated Mill Creek water that meets Federal and State Drinking Water Quality Standards.

Please contact the Finance Division at 509.527.4423 for your Temporary Hydrant Meter needs.

90% of our water is surface water from Mill Creek, the remainder is ground water taken from seven deep basalt wells.

It is not unusual for the screen on your faucet to plug up. Remove the screen from the end of the faucet, clean any scale or debris which have accumulated, and reinstall. This may take care of the problem, but if not, you may have a separate plumbing issue. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Water Division at 509.527.4380.

This can be a result of air in the line, seasonal flushing of fire hydrants or the spring to summer flow changes which can, due to increased flow velocities, stir up the water within the distribution piping. Generally it is temporary and can be remedied by running your water for a short time until it clears up. If possible, run the water outdoors on your lawn as opposed to running it to the drain.

Water pressure in Walla Walla is controlled throughout four separate pressure zones; the pressure at each residence in that zone can vary depending upon your location. Depending upon your location and the fact that as water is heated it creates additional pressure which can cause the PRV to drip. Unfortunately we cannot lower each residence’s water pressure separately, but you can control the dripping by installing a small expansion tank ahead of your hot water heater which should solve the problem. If you already have an expansion tank and it is dripping, the tank may have failed and will need to be replaced. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Water Division at 509.527.4380.

The addition of chlorine is required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health for water systems such as Walla Walla’s which uses surface water as their water source. Chlorine is added to the water to maintain continued disinfection throughout the distribution and service piping that carries water to your home in order to assure that your water is safe to drink.

The following reasons may be why you currently do not have any water.

• The Water Division shuts off water service for non-payment typically on Wednesdays. Contact the Finance Division at 509.527.4423 if you believe this might be the case.
• Water may be shut off due to an emergency or water main break. Contact the Water Distribution Division office at 509.527.4380 to learn more.
• Plumber, landlord or family member shut off water to perform plumbing repairs.