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Summer is always the time water providers worry about – will we have enough water? This year was mild and cool during the recent summer months despite a hot day here and there. More importantly, residents, homeowners and businesses from Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah and Tukwila and in the Sammamish Plateau, Covington and Skyway districts have used conservation measures, including new more efficient faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, toilets and irrigation systems. The result – overall just about every water provider in the region is experiencing less usage than in previous years.
Why is this important? Cascade is in the middle of its 2010 Transmission and Supply Planning process. We determine how much water we'll need and where we will get it. Right now most of our water is purchased from the City of Seattle. We are working with the City to continue this relationship. We also have a contract to purchase water from the City of Tacoma and are in conversations with them about the future as well. We have purchased Lake Tapps – and, if our planning and partnership work are successful – we may not need it as a municipal water resource for many decades to come.
The combination of lowered demand projections and new water supplies has put our region in a good water supply position for the foreseeable future. The key now is to determine the best way to use these supplies to meet demands, minimize costs to customers and maximize beneficial uses for people and the environment. Our 2010 Transmission and Supply Plan is the vehicle to determine this path for Cascade.
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Lloyd Warren
Chair of the Board
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 Cascade is finishing its first summer of operating Lake Tapps – and quite a summer it has been!
Lake Tapps is not only important to Cascade and its residents from Bellevue to Tukwila and Sammamish to Covington, but also to Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner. Why? Because this magnificent recreational and residential lake is also an eventual municipal water source for Cascade, its members and the four cities. Should we need to use it for water decades from now, there will be clean, safe reliable water in everyone's tap for years to come.
As the new owners, we want to make sure it's the safest and healthiest lake it can be. It was full and quite beautiful this summer.
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Working with the state Departments of Ecology and Health, Cascade Water Alliance and LOTT Clean Water Alliance in Thurston County began an effort to explore a pathway for public entities that want to get together to provide essential public services. Currently, no legal framework exists to support these regional initiatives. As issues around water, sewer and/or flood control become more complex, it becomes more costly for these entities to provide services on their own. The result is they are increasingly looking to voluntarily regionalize their efforts, but, currently, no legal framework exists to support these regional approaches.
The Departments of Ecology and Health convened a group that would look into finding any options that could help existing entities and those looking into future formation. This summer more than 30 entities statewide participated in two meetings with at least one more meeting planned.
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The Department of Ecology issued approval of Cascade Water Alliance's water right on September 16, completing a decade-long effort to identify and develop a way to preserve the Lake Tapps reservoir from drying up.
"The work to decide who gets to use the public's water is some of the most difficult we face at Ecology," said Ted Sturdevant, Ecology's director. "I believe we've struck the right balance with this decision. The key interests in each party have been preserved, reflecting the art of compromise necessary for good water decisions. It's an approach we could use more of to ensure we have a water smart future for Washington."
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 Cascade has begun implementation of its multi-year plan to eradicate milfoil from Lake Tapps. Milfoil growth in Lake Tapps has expanded significantly in recent years. As owner, Cascade must keep the lake as free from this noxious weed as possible to ensure a healthy environment.
The first treatment occurred in August, with follow up treatments in September and October. Homeowners and lake visitors have and will continue to receive ample notification of the dates, treatment areas, chemicals used and other details starting 48 hours in advance as required by law.
Homeowners are an important partner in the milfoil eradication plan. Smart use of lawn fertilizers and proper disposal of milfoil pulled from boats or from waterfront areas is critical to keeping new growth from happening.
Look for more information about milfoil on Cascade's website at www.cascadewater.org
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New Irrigation Video Helps Save Money, Water; Free to Cascade Member Customers
Want to know how to manage your sprinkler or irrigation systems? Cascade's new video, available on DVD, is entitled "Beautiful Landscapes Through Smart Watering: A Homeowner's Guide To Becoming Sprinkler Savvy". The video takes homeowners through the steps of inspecting, scheduling and making basic repairs and upgrades to their in-ground sprinkler system. There is also a chapter for residents who water their lawns and gardens manually with portable sprinklers.
Why is Cascade promoting smarter home irrigation? To reduce peak season demand by eliminating unnecessary outdoor watering and improving the efficiency of sprinkler systems. Plus homeowners will save money, too!
The video has a running time of 23 minutes and is available free of charge to Cascade member customers through Cascade's website and at Cascade's WaterSense Road Shows. If you have questions, contact Mike Brent at 425.453.1810 or mbrent@cascadewater.org. |
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CEO Clarke on DC Panel Discussing Freshwater Crisis
An alliance among leading businesses, environmental non-governmental organizations and farmers is calling for major changes to how we use and consume water in order to avert a looming freshwater crisis.
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Cascade's Traveling Conservation Road Show In The Community
Cascade has been touring the community recently with its Conservation road show.
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Look for Cascade's show next in at Issaquah Salmon Days, October 2 and 3 and at the Kirkland PCC later that month. Have an event in the Cascade service district you'd like the conservation road show at? Email us at contact@cascadewater.org.
Proud Sponsor!
Cascade was a proud sponsor of the Bonney Lake Labor of Love Triathlon on September 4. Congratulations to all the participants! See Photo >
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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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