Seattle’s current water supply conditions at its reservoirs are good.
However, Seattle Public Utilities is closely monitoring and tracking our water supply and instream resources as we are now into the spring reservoir refill season.
Last week, 1.12 inches and 2.30 inches of precipitation were recorded in our Cedar and South Fork Tolt River watersheds, respectively. New snow accumulated in our watersheds last week as snowpack continued to build. Snowpack is still below the long-term average for this time of the year.
Chester Morse Lake at the Overflow Dike is at elevation 1555.4 feet, about 0.5 feet higher than last week, and about 1.0 feet above its long-term average (based on the years 1989 to 2005). Masonry Pool Reservoir at Masonry Dam is at elevation 1555.3 feet, about 0.8 feet higher than last week, and about 2.3 feet above its long term average. The South Fork Tolt Reservoir at the South Fork Tolt Dam is at elevation 1757.7 feet, about 0.3 feet higher than last week, and about 1.4 feet lower than its long-term average. Water releases from reservoir storage are actively being managed to balance water supply, fish habitat, hydropower and flood management objectives for both the Cedar and South Fork Tolt Rivers.
Water consumption for the previous seven days averaged approximately 103 mgd. That is less than the 108 mgd consumed during the same period last year, and less than the average of 116 mgd used during the same period over the years 1999-2008.
Seattle Public Utilities asks its customers to continue to use water wisely.
Weekly Conservation Tip:
Build healthy soil with compost and mulch for plants with deeper roots, fewer pest and weed problems, and lower water needs.