Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and its partners were recognized on June 2 at the U.S. Water Alliance Wavemakers Award Ceremony in Saint Paul, Minnesota for the “remarkable commitment to centering community perspectives” in a program for future water professionals. The recognition highlights the Water Systems Career Exploration Pilot, which introduced… [ Keep reading ]
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. This year started with below-normal snowpack: we’re currently at around 50% of… [ 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 ]
On January 26, 2026, the City of Seattle (City) filed an Initial Study Report (ISR) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This is a required step in relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. What is the ISR? The ISR is a formal progress report on the 24 studies the City is conducting as part of the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project relicensing process. These studies include some that were required by FERC in their Study Plan Determination and others agreed to between the City, Tribes, and other Licensing Participants (LPs). The ISR… [ Keep reading ]
The Cascade foothills are home to the small but important South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. We are currently in the process of renewing the project’s license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This process takes several years. A significant part of the work is to identify gaps in our current… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
