Media Release (PDF >)
 |
 |
| Lloyd Warren, Chair, Cascade Water Alliance |
Pete Lewis, Mayor, City of Auburn |
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?
What looked like an intractable situation – a stalemate on all sides – has now been resolved. Concerned leaders, two Tribes, local communities, and homeowners around Lake Tapps sat down with Cascade and hammered out agreements ensuring everyone’s needs would be met from the Lake Tapps system and local water sources. Water – for people, for fish and for recreation.
As leaders, we can tell you; this was not an easy process. It was a protracted series of tough negotiations. But we can also tell you It is regional leadership at its best. We are proud of the results of our efforts to make sure Lake Tapps remains the wonderful regional jewel it is while we provide water for decades to come for all of our citizens. Cascade is a welcome part of this community.
