PORT ANGELES — A fuel spill near the Elwha River prompted a rapid emergency response and a temporary “Do Not Drink” order for City of Port Angeles water customers, which was lifted Sunday evening after testing confirmed the water was safe.
The incident began Friday when a tanker truck overturned on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge, spilling petroleum into Indian Creek — a tributary feeding the city’s primary drinking water source. As a precaution, the City shut down its Elwha Water System Intake and relied on stored reservoir water.
By early Sunday, reservoir levels dropped to a critical low, prompting the City to resume water processing and issue a “Do Not Drink” advisory. The order remained in place for about nine hours and was lifted by 5:15 p.m. after state and federal agencies confirmed no fuel-related contaminants were present.
Governor Bob Ferguson visited the site Sunday.
“There has been so much work, effort, and investment by so many people to make this place what it is today—to bring back salmon and restore this incredible habitat. The events of the past 48 hours are clearly a setback. You can’t sugarcoat that.
That said, after multiple briefings, it’s clear to me that the situation could have been far worse. It’s largely thanks to the immediate and coordinated response by individuals, organizations, and all levels of government,” said Ferguson.
Lower Elwha Tribal Chair Frances Charles, and other local, state and federal leaders, praised the coordinated response.
“I want to raise my hands to everyone here today, standing with us in the face of this devastating event. Indian Creek is one of our villages along the Elwha River, and we’ve spent decades working to restore the resources our ancestors cared for—especially the salmon runs.
What has happened over the past 48 hours is heartbreaking. Our hearts sank that day. Our hearts sank,” said Charles.
Cleanup efforts continue with support from state, tribal, and federal partners.
On Sunday, the City distributed 81 pallets of bottled water and delivered supplies to critical facilities and homebound residents.
Voluntary water conservation remains in effect as reservoir levels recover.