Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is ready to break ground on the Lakeridge Slope Stabilization Project. This is an important step toward restoring Taylor Creek and protecting the Rainier Beach community from flooding and environmental harm. What is the Lakeridge Slope Stabilization Project? SPU owns and maintains a sewer line buried… [ Keep reading ]
Spring is a great time to help keep Seattle clean, green, and connected. As the days get longer, Seattle Public Utilities invites residents to take simple actions that support healthy neighborhoods, reduce waste, protect water, and care for the environment. Whether you volunteer, reduce waste, prevent pollution, or conserve water,… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
