Over the past few months, we’ve shared updates about the effect this summer’s dry weather has on our water supply. As rain returns to our region, our outlook remains optimistic.
Recently, we’ve had significant rainfall in the mountain reservoirs that collect and store our drinking water (thanks, atmospheric river!).
After a dry summer, we are encouraged by more wet weather in the forecast even though water levels in our reservoirs remain below normal for this time of year. As our water levels gradually improve, each rainfall helps our supply return to normal, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely.
How our reservoirs refill
In the Seattle area, our drinking water comes from the Cedar and Tolt River watersheds. These reservoirs depend on a combination of steady fall and winter rains and accumulated snowpack in the mountains that melts gradually in the spring and summer. It’s a yearly cycle – our reservoirs fill to the top by early summer, and we rely on that stored water through the dry months until the fall rains begin to refill them again.
However, early fall rains mostly soak into the dry soil. It takes consistent, sustained rainfall to saturate the ground before water collects in our mountain reservoirs.
As fall and winter rains replenish our supply, it’s important to continue to use water wisely.
Fall water-saving tips:
- Turn off your sprinkler system. The rain’s got you covered! Your lawn and established plants don’t need extra watering.
- Opt for shorter showers instead of baths. Showers use much less water, and even a minute less makes a difference.
- Check for and fix leaks. Even small leaks can waste a surprising amount of water!
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures. It’s a great time to replace older, inefficient
fixtures like toilets – rebates are
available! - Sweep, don’t spray. Use a broom to clean sidewalks and driveways instead of a hose.
Regular updates and more tips
We update the public on our water supply conditions weekly. For more water-saving tips and programs, please visit SavingWater.org.