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Despite all the rain we get in our region, a supply of clean, safe water remains a most precious commodity. Making sure we have it in the future means planning for it today.
Looking to that future, we as regional partners worked together towards a solution. The cities of Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner guaranteed they will have water to meet the needs of our communities. Working with the Cascade Water Alliance, the new owner of Lake Tapps, a solution has been reached that is a win for everyone - and water for us all.
Just a few years ago, there was considerable doubt about the future of Lake Tapps. Puget Sound Energy was halting hydroelectric production and there was a possibility that the lake would literally dry up. But concerned citizens rallied and formed the Lake Tapps Task Force to find a way to save the lake for future generations. Using the lake as a drinking water supply was a potential solution.
At this same time, the Cascade Water Alliance was being formed. Its members were looking for new municipal water supplies which would meet the growing needs of the region. Cascade became an enthusiastic party in the Lake Tapps negotiations. But could a solution meeting Cascade's future needs work for Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner too? Read Full Story >
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In the spirit of regional partnership and working toward solutions, the cities of Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner signed an innovative and unique agreement with the Cascade Water Alliance to ensure the four cities have water to help them meet their water needs over the next 50 years.
The agreement, several years in the making, is the result of regional collaboration following Cascade's purchase of Lake Tapps from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for future municipal water supply. It was signed by Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson, Buckley Mayor Pat Johnson, and Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow. Cascade Water Alliance CEO Chuck Clarke signed the agreement for Cascade.
Read Full Story & See More Photos >

Mayor Pete Lewis, City of Auburn; Mayor Pat Johnson, City of Buckley; Mayor Neil Johnson, City of Bonney Lake; and Mayor Dave Enslow, City of Sumner, along with Lloyd Warren, Chair, and Chuck Clarke, CEO, Cascade Water Alliance, during the signing ceremony.
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| Lloyd Warren |
Cong. Dave Reichert |
Chuck Clark & Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis |
Cong. Jay Inslee |
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Governor Christine Gregoire issued a proclamation naming February 5, 2010 Lake Tapps Celebrate New Beginnings Day, which praised all of the parties for coming together to save Lake Tapps. In her letter she states "Today, we have the exciting opportunity to celebrate new beginnings and highlight an exceptional example of regional collaboration. Pierce County leaders, and the Lake Tapps Task Force have worked tirelessly to ensure the long-term viability of Lake Tapps, and, with Cascade Water Alliance's (Cascade) purchase of Lake Tapps from Puget Sound Energy, that mission has now been fulfilled.
Read Proclamation (PDF) >
Read Letter From Governor (PDF) >
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Cascade hosted an Open House
on February 10, 2010 to meet members of the
Lake Tapps community |
Lake Tapps residents came out Wednesday, Feb 10 to North Tapps Middle School to meet their new neighbor, Cascade Water Alliance. Cascade invited the public to an open house to let residents get to know the new owner of the lake, to share information about Cascade and to hear from the neighbors. Issues discussed included lake levels, how to reach Cascade with questions and what its plans are for the lake. For individuals who couldn't make the meeting, they are encouraged to contact Cascade at 1.877.299.0930 or at contact@cascadewater.org. Read More >
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Cascade Water Alliance issued its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lake Tapps Reservoir Water Rights and Supply Project on January 29, 2010, and will be accepting comments through March 15, 2010.
In February 2008, Cascade's Board of Directors approved the purchase of the Lake Tapps Reservoir, including the White River Hydroelectric Project facilities, three municipal water rights applications, a pre-code water right claim, and a change/transfer application from Puget Sound Energy. On December 18, 2009, the purchase and sale was completed and Cascade became owner of the project. Read Full Story >
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Cascade Water Alliance Offers a $100 Rebate on High Efficiency Toilets (HETs)
In tough economic times, water conservation can help reduce not only your home's water and wastewater charges, but also your energy bills. One of the most effective ways to conserve is by replacing your old water guzzling toilets with more efficient models. And, Cascade Water Alliance offers even more savings with a $100 rebate for upgrading to the next generation of toilets called "high efficiency toilets," or HETs.

If you purchased one of the first generation low-flow toilets back in the 1990s, you may equate high efficiency with poor performance. Many early model low-flow toilets required multiple flushes and clogged frequently establishing a bad reputation that still endures. How times have changed. Today's top performing HETS have been redesigned. They work great and conserve valuable water resources.
About HETs and WaterSense®
HETs use a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush, or 20% less than standard toilets. The best performing HETs receive a special label called WaterSense®. WaterSense® is a national program that awards the WaterSense® label to HETs that have demonstrated equal or superior flushing performance. The label is only awarded to toilets that are certified by an independent laboratory to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency.
Read Full Story > |
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Interested in hearing more about Cascade Water Alliance or regional water issues? Cascade staff and board members regularly present to business, civic and community groups. If you'd like a speaker at an upcoming meeting, just let us know. Contact Cascade at info@cascadewater.org or 425.453.0930. |
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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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