The Columbia River is the main source of drinking water for Richland, West Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick. In summer 2021, algal blooms on the river resulted in the detection of anatoxin-a in water samples. The Cyanobacteria Program monitors and responds to future algal bloom events on the river.

Management and Response Plan
Recent Sample Results

Watch a Video About Nutrient Runoff:

A cross connection is any connection where non-drinking water could enter a water system. The Cross Connection Control Program protects the public water system from contamination via cross connections. Learn more about the program and related procedures here.

Cross Connection Brochure

A backflow preventer keeps drinking water from becoming contaminated. Backflow preventers are installed at cross connections to prevent contaminated water from flowing into your drinking water system. Read more about the importance of backflow preventers here.

The City maintains a list of approved backflow testers. To ensure your backflow prevention system is working properly, have your system tested regularly.

City-Approved Backflow Testers

Review reports on the City of Richland's water quality from 2018 to present.

• 2024 Report
• 2023 Report
• 2022 Report
• 2021 Report
• 2020 Report
• 2019 Report
• 2018 Report
• Susceptibility Assessment Report

Richland Irrigation Systems

The City of Richland operates and maintains four irrigation systems:

• Central Richland: Columbia Point
• North Richland: Horn Rapids
• North Richland: Smart Park
• Meadow Springs: The Heights of Meadow Springs

 Irrigation Schedule:

• Residential
  • Start to turn on the second Monday in April
  • Start to turn off the third Monday in October

Please direct questions about any of these four systems to the Water Maintenance Division at: 

(509) 942-7670,
Monday thru Friday,
7:00am to 3:30pm. 

If you need to report a leak after hours, please call
(509) 545-2763.

Regional Irrigation Districts

There are other irrigation districts that serve Richland residents. If any of these districts supplies your irrigation water and you are experiencing an outage or leak, please give them a call.

Directions for Service Line Inventory Search

Service Line Inventory Map

In the Tri-Cities area, water plays a crucial role in controlling dust on construction sites. To help contractors manage the challenges of windy days, Richland provides hydrant meter rentals, offering a practical solution to reduce dust and improve site conditions.

Please refer to the link below for the requirements and process to rent a hydrant meter for your construction project. 

Hydrant Meter Rental