Seattle Leads Puget Sound Water Conservation Program
Seattle's Mayor Paul Schell has announced the beginning of a major water conservation effort to be undertaken in cooperation with water suppliers and cities throughout the Puget Sound area of Washington State.
To be known as the 1% Water Conservation Initiative, its goal is to reduce personal water consumption 1% every year for ten years. The mayor has planned to release information about the program on Friday, September 11 at the Volunteer Park reservoir. This water storage facility holds 20 million gallons, which is said to be the amount of water the region can save by embarking on and completing this ten year effort.
The cities and water districts which purchase water from Seattle have voted to participate in the program, including several key areas, such as Bellevue and Kirkland. "By committing to a 1% per person reduction each year for the next ten years, Seattle alone will save over 9 million gallons per day. When joined by suburban customers and remaining water suppliers throughout King County, we will meet the needs of 130,000 new households or the estimated level of growth within King County over the next ten years, using no more water than we use today," according to Mayor Schell.
The recent federal government announcement of a proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing for Chinook salmon serves as a wake-up call to any governmental agency whose operation has a potential impact on the Chinook. "As Central Puget Sound's largest water supplier, we believe it's time to step up to the challenge of doing our part to help save the Chinook," noted Mayor Schell.
He continued: "As water suppliers, the most obvious action within our control is how we use our water supply: we must be able to show that we are using it responsibly." For example, the 1% Water Conservation Initiative will offer residential and commercial customers cash incentives for purchasing water efficient appliances and fixtures.
The Initiative will begin by accelerating existing programs first, while concurrently designing and testing new programs. The idea is to move ahead with expansion of proven programs quickly and to work closely with the Purveyor Conservation Committee over time to develop effective new programs for the Central Puget Sound.
"As our region enters the millennium, we are challenged to create livable communities that accommodate growth and are respectful of the needs of salmon, and other species living in and around Puget Sound. The 1% Water Conservation Initiative will allow us to live a little more lightly, and to use what we have a little more wisely," concluded the mayor.
Also, by following the ABC's of Conservation: Awareness, Behavior and Consumption, customers can greatly reduce the effect water consumption has on salmon, their habitat -- and water bills. The announcement provided examples of ABC's. Make the connection between the water consumed and the water that supports the salmon population by practicing Natural Lawn Care (888/860-LAWN). Fix leaks in homes, install low-flush toilets, wash full loads of clothes, install low-flush shower heads and sweep driveways instead of always washing them down.
Local citizens can obtain more information by visiting the following web site: www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/cedarfac