| |
|
Cascade currently
utilizes a combination of local groundwater supplies and regional
supplies purchased on a wholesale basis to meet the water needs
of its Members. The local supplies are owned and operated by Cascade
Members. Cascade has entered into long-term wholesale water purchase
contracts with Seattle Public Utilities and Tacoma Water.
SEATTLE AGREEMENT
A contract between Cascade and Seattle Public Utilities (Seattle) for
the sale and purchase of potable water was signed in 2003 with an
effective date of January 1, 2004. Under the "50-Year Declining
Block Water Supply Agreement between the City of Seattle and the Cascade Water
Alliance", Seattle is obligated to provide potable water (and Cascade
is obligated to purchase it) through December 31, 2053. The quantity
through year 2023 is 30.3 MGD on an average annual day basis (additional
water is provided during the Peak Season and Peak Month). The amount
of water available under this agreement declines in 5 MGD increments
every five years, beginning in 2024. For the last 10 years of the
agreement, Cascade will receive 5.3 MGD (average daily supply) from
Seattle. Water in excess of the amounts listed in the contract may be
supplied by Seattle at a surcharged rate. However, Seattle does have the
option to refuse Cascade's request for additional supply.
TACOMA CONTRACT
In October 2005, Cascade and Tacoma Public Utilities (Tacoma) executed
a contract for the wholesale purchase of water from Tacoma by Cascade.
Tacoma's available excess supply will help fulfill Cascade's supply
needs beginning in 2008. A portion of the water purchased (4 MGD
average daily supply) is permanent supply for Cascade.
Tacoma will also reserve an additional 6 MGD (average daily supply) for
Cascade through 2026. From 2026 through 2030, the amounts of water
reserved for Cascade decline. The contract provides a schedule of
minimum annual purchase amounts through 2025. Cascade may request
additional water if Tacoma has excess supply available.
|
|
 |
