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The 2026 State Legislative Session: Here’s a Recap of SPU Priorities

March 25, 2026

Washington’s 2026 state legislative session concluded on March 12 after passing a supplemental budget. This year, state legislators struggled with declining revenues and negative budget impacts from the federal government. Here’s a report on the outcomes of SPU’s legislative priorities and shares how the Utility will continue to work toward the goal of more affordable rates while protecting clean water, building healthy communities, and creating a… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & Compost, Legislation, Protecting Our Environment

Is Your Toilet Running (Non-Stop)?  

March 16, 2026

It’s Fix-A-Leak Week By Allie Sarfaty (they/them), Indoor Water Efficiency Program Intern  “Hey, do you mind coming over and taking a look at my toilet? I think it’s leaking.”  As I receive this message from a friend in my building, I roll my eyes. A leaking toilet, no big deal. We live in an old apartment, things break.  Plus, as renters, we don’t pay for our water.  “Be over in a minute.”  A quick… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Protecting Our Environment, Water

City Statement on Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Consent Decree

March 4, 2026

We are pleased that the City of Seattle, King County, and Boeing (the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group or LDWG) have negotiated an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) in a proposed Consent Decree to govern cleanup of the Lower Duwamish… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Protecting Our Environment

It’s That Time of Year: SPU Prepares for the 2026 State Legislative Session

November 12, 2025

After a landmark 2025 session, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is preparing for a short, 60-day state legislative session where lawmakers are expected to struggle with declining revenues and negative budget impacts from the federal government. Beginning on January 12, 2026, the Legislature will convene to pass bills and a supplemental… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News, Protecting Our Environment

Ready in 2026 – A New Tree Nursery 

October 28, 2025

Over the past few years, our Trees for Neighborhoods program has needed a more consistent supply of climate change-ready tree species. Getting the right trees, at the right time, and in the right quantities has been challenging—especially when you do not have a place to store them year-round. This year,… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Protecting Our Environment

Meet the new 2025 SWAC Members Helping Shape Seattle’s Zero Waste Future

October 8, 2025

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is excited to introduce five new members to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) for 2025: Phil Churilla, Travis Close, Marcus Johnson, Jacob Melaragno, and Mike VanReken. These individuals join a group of community, nonprofit, and industry representatives who play an important role in shaping how… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & Compost, Protecting Our Environment

Use Water Wisely – Even with the Fall Rains Ahead

September 12, 2025

The weather is starting to change, but it has been mostly sunny and dry — and we’re not out of the woods yet. Our water supply remains below normal for this time of year. While upcoming fall storms will help, we need consistent rainfall to fully refill our reservoirs. With… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Drinking Water, Protecting Our Environment

Why Plastic Bags Returned to Seattle’s Stores

September 2, 2025

Seattle City Council banned plastic carryout bags back in 2011. So why are they back— in a thicker form? Seattle residents likely can remember a time between 2012 and 2020 where plastic carryout bags were not offered at grocery stores and other retail establishments. Only paper bags were available. This… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Garbage, Recycling, & Compost, Protecting Our Environment

Celebrating 25 Years of the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan

August 28, 2025

It was a glorious day at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Watershed Headquarters in North Bend, WA, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) – a 50 year plan that was prepared under the Endangered Species Act. Check out more event photos on Flickr…. [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Drinking Water, Protecting Our Environment

It’s been a dry summer, just like we expected! Please use water wisely.

August 21, 2025

This summer has been another hot and dry one, and the dedicated team of water managers at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) was prepared. Since we started the year with lower-than-average snowpack, they began refilling our mountain reservoirs earlier in the year and topping them off higher than usual to help… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Drinking Water, Protecting Our Environment