For many of Seattle Public Utilities’ projects, there’s often more benefit than meets the eye. Such is the case for the Swale on Yale project, a green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) project started in 2012 and now in its second phase. At first glance, the project’s garden-like swales, built on the 300 and 400 blocks of […]

If you choose to use fireworks in a region that allows them,* please keep the following disposal tips in mind: Used fireworks If disposed of improperly, used fireworks can pose a danger to employees who handle trash at local transfer stations. Make sure used fireworks are completely burned out and cooled down by submerging them […]

UPDATE: July 1, 2019Golden Gardens is back open! Based on the most recent water tests, conditions have improved greatly and the water at Golden Gardens beach is now safe for contact. SPU crews removed “Closed” signs in the early afternoon of July 1. UPDATE: June 28, 2019Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle/King County Public Health are […]

Seattle has some of the best water in the nation—water that is fresh, safe and tastes great. Each year we send a Drinking Water Quality Report to every residential mailing address in Seattle, so that you can learn what makes our city’s water so great. As always, this year’s report contains water quality testing results, […]

Just west of the Ballard Locks, nearly 50 feet below the floor of the Ship Canal, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) recently installed a new sewer force main to bring flows from the north side of the waterway to the south to be discharged into the King County Lawton Tunnel and ultimately conveyed to King County’s […]

Seattle Public Utilities is pleased to announce that its work to control flooding in one Seattle neighborhood is prominently featured in a full-length documentary film at the 45th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. The unique film focused on the collaborative, groundbreaking project was one of only about 400 selected out of more than 5,000 submissions. […]

Fossil fuel-free collection fleet supports Seattle’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 Seattle Public Utilities announced today the rollout of the City’s fossil fuel-free, primary collection fleet. The SPU “Green Fleet” will be made up of close to 200 contractor trucks powered by electricity, renewable natural gas and renewable diesel. The fleet includes two all-electric, full size recycling trucks. The Green […]

Summer is on its way! That means warmer, drier days around the Puget Sound area – a great time to practice using water wisely. Here are a few of our favorite tips for smart outdoor water use during the summer months: Brown is the new green Let your lawn go dormant! Most lawns only need […]

You may have noticed some recent changes to your curbside garbage collection bins. Our contacted haulers, Waste Management & Recology are replacing 20-gallon trash bins with wheeled carts with an insert. The new wheeled carts are easier for you to move to the curb as well as safer for our haulers to load. Carrying heavy […]

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is committed to protecting public health and the environment and enhancing our natural resources. As part of our strategy to protect our local waterways, SPU and King County have begun construction on a 2.7-mile long tunnel, running from Ballard to Wallingford. How will a tunnel protect our local waters? The answer […]