Explore Seattle's Water System

Water flows over a portion of a dam on the Cedar River

Discover the process of how water flows from mountain forests to faucets in the greater Seattle area.

The Water System

Seattle's Drinking Water

Video, 1 minute

Seattle Public Utilities video about the protected Cedar River and Tolt River watersheds that provide the drinking water for Seattle: Seattle's Drinking Water Source.

 

Seattle Water System

Website, 5 minutes

This brief overview describes the history of Seattle's water system and the process of delivering water from two mountain rivers to customers’ faucets.

The Tolt dam from above.

 

The Source: A Story of Seattle's Tap Water

Video, 30 minutes

This video about the Cedar River Watershed shows how it has been an important place to people since time immemorial. But global climate change is affecting us all.

A glass filling under a water faucet.

 

How Clean is Seattle's Drinking Water?

Article, 9 minutes

Water quality varies widely in cities across the United States.Find out why Seattle has some of the best water in the world and what’s being done to monitor it in the article How clean is Seattle's drinking water?

Children looking at Cedar Falls.

 

The Water Cycle

Join NASA to Learn About the Water Cycle!

Website and Activities, 15+ minutes

NASA's Precipitation Education website is full of videos, articles, images, and lesson plans for all ages. They have information identified for formal, informal, and outreach education as well as divided by grade. Dive in!

The natural water cycle.
The water cycle: precipation in the mountains flows in to surface runoff and groundwater, then evaporation from oceans, lakes, and streams, as well as transpiration from plants moves water vapor to the atmosphere where condensation happens, forming clouds and completing the cycle.

 

An In-Depth Look at the Water Cycle

Video, 7 minutes

A longer, more in-depth look at the water cycle in How the Hydrologic Cycle Works video. Full of great vocabulary and concepts. Can be used as an introduction to the water cycle or as a deeper exploration of how water moves around the planet.

Video still of animated mountain scene with the text "stream flow".

 

Introducing the Water Cycle!

Video, 3 minutes

A great introduction or refresher in the All About the Water Cycle for Kids video. Includes definitions and written graphics.

Video still of the water cycle with precipitation, evaporation, and condensation noted.

 

Join GoNoodle and Blazer Fresh in a Water Cycle Extravaganza

Video, 3 minutes

Dance and sing along with this amazingly creative presentation of the Water Cycle. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Video still of three dancers in a school library with animated clouds and rain.

 

Become a Waterdrop and Journey Through the Water Cycle!

Activity, 15+ minutes

Print out these materials, grab your classmates or friends, and take a fun journey through the Water Cycle. Visit the ocean, rivers, and mountains. Learn how plants and animals participate in the Water Cycle. Learn, Laugh, and Move!

A splash from a drop of water.

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

Sign Up for Latest Updates

Subscribe

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.