|
About SPU
>
Water System
>
Water Supply
Current Water Supply Conditions and Outlook
June 25, 2009
Seattle Public Utilities supplies water to 1.3 million people and businesses in the region. Nearly all this water is from the 90,000-acre Cedar River Watershed and the 13,300-acre South Fork Tolt River Watershed in eastern King County. Our operations must be protective of the environment, particularly the fish and wildlife resources of the Cedar and Tolt River watersheds, while we provide a reliable source of high quality drinking water. This weekly update is intended to provide the latest information on water supply conditions and outlooks.
|
Chester Morse Reservoir (East 21) taken on 6/21/09 by Lloyd Buster
|
Supply Outlook
The Message on Our Water Supply and Instream Resources.
Our overall water supply situation and outlook are good.
Last week, 2.37 inches and 1.02 inches of precipitation were recorded in our Cedar and South Fork Tolt River watersheds, respectively. Snowpack measurement is close to the long term average for this time of the year in the Cedar and Tolt watersheds. The snowpack is melting off and is contributing to reservoir inflows.
Chester Morse Lake at the Overflow Dike is at elevation 1562.7 feet, about 0.3 feet lower than last week, and about 2.4 feet above its long-term average (based on the years 1989 to 2005). Masonry Pool Reservoir at Masonry Dam is at elevation 1562.6 feet, about 0.3 feet lower than last week, and about 2.6 feet above its long term average. The South Fork Tolt Reservoir at the South Fork Tolt Dam is at elevation 1763.8 feet, about 0.5 feet lower than last week, and about 2.1 feet above its long-term average. Water releases from reservoir storage are actively being managed to balance water supply, fish habitat, and flood management objectives for both the Cedar and South Fork Tolt Rivers.
Water consumption for the previous seven days averaged approximately 157 mgd. That is more than the 136 mgd consumed during the same period last year, and less than the average of 164 mgd used during the same period over the years 1994-2000.
The spawning of resident and adfluvial trout in the Cedar is complete and steelhead have completed spawning in the South Fork Tolt River. Steelhead and trout fry are emerging from their redds and will continue to emerge through late July. Recently emerged coho salmon fry are rearing in both systems. This year’s return of adult summer-run steelhead is entering the Tolt system. Most of these fish enter the system during the summer and fall, then hold in the upper reaches of the South Fork Tolt River where they will spawn next winter and spring.
We will be providing continuous updates on supply conditions through our website and regular announcements.
Related links
Landsburg Mitigation
Water Sources and Treatment
|
|
