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Since Cascade's inception, its goals were based on partnerships, collaboration and cooperation for the greater public good – providing clean safe reliable water to our members throughout the region.
As our work broadened to finding a new water supply, that ethic of regional collaboration has really taken hold. Regional cooperation is critical to achieving the dual goals of being wise stewards of this precious resource while being cost effective for residents throughout our service area.
 Cascade is in its 12th year. We identified a new municipal source of water – Lake Tapps – and its use has been authorized by the state. We work hand in hand with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to ensure sufficient water is in the White River for fish and habitat.
Our work has included making sure the cities round the lake – Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner – will have sufficient water for their growing cities in the future.
And our neighbors around the lake are pleased with our lake management and operations. Together, we met with the community to establish a plan for how Lake Tapps will operate.
We collaborated with Pierce County, the Executive, the Sheriff's office and Councilmember Dan Roach on issues like parks and enforcement. The end result? Letting the public know how best to safely enjoy Lake Tapps.
And our collaboration is not limited to our service areas or Lake Tapps communities. Cascade led the effort statewide to enable creation of joint municipal authorities that would help public entities join together to form municipal utilities to provide essential public water related services. During the 2011 Legislative Session, more than 30 agencies statewide, including the Departments of Health and of Ecology and municipalities like Clark and Lewis Counties to Spokane, joined with us to establish creation of joint municipal authorities for water provision. The legislation was adopted and signed into law, and Cascade is considering how best to implement it so that Cascade can become the change it sought to create.
Looking ahead over the summer months, Cascade will be finalizing its updated strategic plan. We will continue to focus on providing clean, safe and reliable water to the region now and in the future, building on our partnerships and spirit of regional collaboration.
Lloyd Warren
Chair of the Board
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 In & Around Lake Tapps | Who to Call and Lake Tapps Management Plan
View the Summer 2011 Supplement to the Bonney Lake Courier-Herald & the Auburn Reporter >
Cascade Announces
Lake Tapps Dike Policies
In May Cascade Water Alliance adopted policies regarding dike usage around Lake Tapps, which it now owns. Cascade's Board of Directors decided to continue the previous owner's policy that the public's use of the Cascade controlled dikes is and will be considered tresspassing.
The Board's adopted policy is that dikes not associated with public parks or the Puget Sound Energy camp are closed to the general public and that trespassing on these dikes will be subject to enforcement by the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. Read May 23 News Release Here >
Milfoil Surveyed in May, Treatment to Follow Later This Summer
 A visual survey of Lake Tapps to evaluate success of last year's milfoil treatment and to determine potential areas of treatment for 2011 was conducted in late May. Assessment of the findings will determine an appropriate treatment schedule set for later this summer.
"Eurasian milfoil is a non-native, invasive aquatic plant that spreads rapidly, crowds out native plants, and forms dense surface mats on Lake Tapps. If the milfoil is not contained or controlled, it will pose a serious threat to this lake," said Jon Shimada, Cascade's Capital Projects Director.
Milfoil is common throughout lakes in the Pacific Northwest. It disrupts natural water flow, impacts water quality, and limits recreation, in particular, boating, swimming, and fishing and aesthetic enjoyment.
Read May 9 News Release Here >
Centennial Celebration! October 1, 2011
 Mark your calendar! On Saturday, October 1, 2011, Cascade will throw a community party at the Powerhouse on East Valley Highway, Sumner in honor of the 100th anniversary of the White River Project, including Lake Tapps and the Powerhouse. Have any old photos or stories related to the White River Project or the Powerhouse? Let us know and we may publish them, or include them on display at the event.
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Natural Lawn Care for the Summer
Lawns are beautiful, but also tremendous users of our time and our water. Lawns account for about 50% of our total summer water use and have an impact on our water quality as well. Watering, rain water and overwatering can wash pesticides into the lakes and streams.
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Here are some tips to help keep your lawn (and our waters) healthy, beautiful, and pesticide free while using less of our precious water.
• Water deeply and infrequently. Wet the entire root zone each time and then let it mostly dry out before you water again. Even in the heat of the summer, most lawns don't need more than ONE inch of water per week.
• Fertilize moderately and with a slow-release or organic fertilizer. At most, fertilize lawns twice a year, in late May and early September.
• Mow high, about two inches, and leave the grass clippings on the lawn. They will add nutrients back to the soil and you won't have to fertilize as much.
• Help unhealthy lawns by top-dressing them with compost. Spread a 1/4 inch layer and rake it in when you would normally fertilize. If the soil is compacted, try aerating first.
• Think twice before applying pesticides; they may harm our health and may end up in our water supply. If you must use pesticides, spot spray instead of broadcasting it. |
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Cascade Water Alliance
11400 SE 8th Street
Suite 440
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.453.0930 Phone
Email >
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