Regional Water Supply Replenished with Robust Recent Rainfall

Published on December 12, 2023

Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) announced they are no longer requesting customers to conserve water, thanks to recent rainfall and water conservation efforts by customers. The water reservoirs that the City of Kirkland utilizes have been replenished, and there is enough water to sustain both humans and fish for the foreseeable future.

In response to the unusually dry summer that depleted Seattle’s and our region’s reservoirs at a rapid pace, the City of Kirkland joined other cities in the region in urging around 1.5 million people to conserve water starting September 21. The request came after extended dry conditions over the summer drew down reservoirs faster than normal. The forecasted prolonged dry spell in the fall and winter months raised concerns about the availability of water through the end of the year and into next.

Storms in November and early December significantly helped replenish our water supply. Residential, commercial, and wholesale customers did their part to stretch the water supply by reducing their water use.

“Our customers answered the call to voluntarily reduce their water use, and we can’t thank them enough,” said SPU General Manager Andrew Lee. “It’s not always easy or convenient to change one’s routine when it comes to lawn watering, showering, or addressing toilet leaks. Our customers took our tips to heart and reduced their water use to help achieve our goal.”

Currently, fall rains have increased our water storage to 100% of normal in the Cedar and Tolt watersheds.  Water stored in the Cedar Reservoir has reached normal levels for this time of year. Water stored in the South Fork Tolt Reservoir has also increased but remains below normal for this time of year. With the overall amount of water stored and continued wet weather, SPU anticipates reaching normal levels in the Tolt Reservoir in the next few months.

Community members are encouraged to visit the Cascade Water Alliance website at cascadewater.org for information about voluntary water conservation measures and other information.

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