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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Seattle Removes Water Supply Advisory
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/7/2005 4:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andy Ryan (206) 684-7688
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Seattle Removes Water Supply Advisory
Water Supply Conditions Returning to Normal
SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor Nickels announced today that he is removing the advisory
asking Seattle Public Utilities customers to voluntary reduce their water use
because the city’s water supply is returning to normal.
“Seattle has more than 40 billion gallons of water in storage for use
over the summer and into the fall. Reservoir levels are on target, removing
our earlier concerns about the city’s water supply,” reported Nickels.
On March 16, after one of the driest winters on record, Nickels took action
and directed Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to issue a water shortage advisory.
Given the record-low snow pack and dry conditions, Seattle water managers were
concerned that the stage was set for a water shortage in the summer months.
“Thankfully, more rain and lower water use have brought our supply back
to normal,” said Nickels. “I want to thank our all of our customers.
Their cooperation played an important role in managing consumption levels during
challenging times.”
Nickels also praised the work of Seattle water managers who succeeded in refilling
mountain reservoirs early and, despite very dry watershed conditions, have
continued to maintain reservoir levels within the normal target range. Managers
also made a number of important adjustments in the operation of the municipal
water distribution system to maximize water conservation.
“We are confident that there is sufficient water to meet customer needs
through the summer,” said Chuck Clarke, Director for Seattle Public Utilities. “But,
we all need to remember that we share our water supply with fish and other
important aquatic resources. Currently, SPU is able to provide supplemental
flows for fish. Customers can help us to insure optimum conditions for fish
and other species that live in our watersheds by continuing to use water wisely
every day.”
Seattle’s water supply is dependent on weather conditions and customer
usage. For current water supply information and tips on how to save water,
refer to www.savingwater.org
In addition to providing more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan
area with a reliable water supply, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage,
solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain
the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's
environmental resources.
Get the mayor’s inside view on initiatives to promote transportation,
public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for
The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm.
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Office of the Mayor
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