Sims lauds King County's water conservation, says climate change requires continued savings

Executive says reclaimed water source an important part of future plans

2005 Archived News

King County's ongoing water-conservation efforts have saved more than 42 million gallons of fresh water during this year's drought, and County Executive Ron Sims says water conservation by county departments should continue in light of predictions that warmer winters will lead to tighter water supplies in the future.

"The return of fall rains has improved conditions in our streams and rivers, so that they are now running at or near normal seasonal flows, which is good news for spawning salmon," Sims said. "Water utilities have reported, with a few exceptions, that their supply conditions are also within normal ranges."

"However, seeing this year what we can accomplish with a sustained focus on conservation and water use efficiency, I am asking King County departments and staff to continue their efforts, and include these practices in our normal operations," he said.

"Given the long-range weather forecasts for this region, which will likely produce unstable water supplies for both people and fish, I think we continue our water-wise ways, and even be more creative in the future."

King County developed a Water Conservation Plan in response to the 2001 drought. County staff expanded the program this year after Gov. Christine Gregoire's statewide drought declaration in March.

Specific examples of water savings by King County this year include:

• Approximately 9.7 million gallons saved at King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, primarily through an ongoing program to install low-flow shower heads;
• More than 8.2 million gallons saved through reduced watering at King County Parks facilities;
• More than 1 million gallons saved by installing low-flow nozzles at King County Metro Transit's bus-washing facility and reducing the bus-washing schedule.

King County, along with many other counties in western Washington, relies on winter snowpack for much of its yearly water supply, a fact that makes global warming a very real concern. The impact of global warming on water supplies was a major focus of the 2005 King County Climate Change Conference that was attended by 700 people in Seattle on Oct. 27.

Sims expects discussions about future water supplies to include reducing demand for fresh water by increased use of reclaimed water. Each year, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division produces more than 350 million gallons of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation and industrial uses.

The volume of reclaimed water available for use is expected to increase dramatically when King County's Brightwater wastewater treatment plant comes online in 2010.

"Reclaimed water is perfect for irrigation, and it allows existing drinking-water sources, including rivers and wells, to be reserved for other uses," Sims said. "It is available year-round, even during dry summer months or when a drought strains other water supplies. Reclaimed water also allows us to reduce impacts on rivers and streams, which will benefit endangered fish species and their habitats."

Sims has proposed in his 2006 King County budget a $26 million capital investment to deliver reclaimed water from the Brightwater wastewater plant when it opens in 2010.

The entire base flow from Brightwater will be treated to the state's "Class A" reclaimed water standards, which is the highest classification the state has, and is suitable for all water uses, except drinking.

"Our research has shown that there is a possible market for additional reclaimed water in King County, and we expect to deliver this resource at affordable prices for large water users, such as golf courses, farmers and other irrigation users," Sims said.

"Eventually, we will be able to make reclaimed water available to numerous utilities and self-supplied customers in north and east King County through Brightwater's pipeline distribution system," he said. "We plan to make the investment now, and reap the benefits for decades to come."

Sims noted that anticipated tight water supplies in the future increases the need for enhanced planning and coordination between water suppliers and consumers, and for more thoughtful discussions on future water supply needs for both people and fish. Such planning is under way, spurred by an agreement between King County and the Cascade Water Alliance in February of this year.

The Cascade Alliance is a group of eight local governments and special purpose districts that joined together to ensure current water supplies, and plan ahead to develop additional water supply to meet the needs of growing populations while enhancing water levels for fish.

The agreement between King County and Cascade calls for developing a regional water supply planning process for King County, and potentially a broader area.

"I am pleased to see progress on water-resource management issues being made on several fronts," Sims said. "Now is the time to come to grips with our water challenges, so that future generations will have a water heritage that will sustain them in the way it has sustained us and our ancestors for generations."

More information on King County's Water Conservation Program is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/waterconservation/. More information on current stream flows is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/waterres/hydrology/. More information on reclaimed water is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/reuse/.