Current:Home > ScamsWater restrictions in rainy Seattle? Dry conditions have 1.5M residents on asked to conserve -Wealth Empowerment Academy
Water restrictions in rainy Seattle? Dry conditions have 1.5M residents on asked to conserve
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:51:29
As one of the rainiest cities in the country contends with an unusual stretch of dry weather, utility officials in Seattle have asked the surrounding community to reduce their water consumption.
There is the potential for steady rain showers to be delayed if dry conditions persist as forecasted, which has water supply managers with Seattle Public Utilities concerned about having enough water for people and fish.
Seattle, on average, is consuming about 149 million gallons per day as of Sept. 18, according to an announcement from SPU.
About 1.5 million people, including Seattle residents, businesses, and those who get water services in other cities and other water districts in King County will be asked by SPU to conserve water.
“Our hydrologic model suggests a deep drawdown of our mountain reservoirs. Water levels are already lower than average, and we are adjusting to sustain adequate water supply for our customers and the rivers this fall,” according to SPU water resources planner Elizabeth Garcia.
The best way to help is by voluntarily reducing water use, Garcia said.
Midwest drought:Mississippi River water levels plummet for second year: See the impact it's had so far
What is the goal?
The goal is to reduce the number of gallons consumed per day by about 49 million gallons. That means the stretch goal for Seattle residents, businesses and other areas serviced is to only consume a total of 100 million gallons of water per day.
Ideally, the region will remain at that water consumption quantity or just below it until there is enough rainfall to refill the mountain reservoirs sufficiently, SPU said.
“If we work together to reduce water use in our homes, businesses, and outside, we can meet this goal. Everyone can help by doing things such as taking shorter or fewer showers, stopping lawn watering, washing only full loads of laundry and dishes, and fixing water leaks, especially running toilets,” SPU water conservation manager Anna Dyer said.
Climate change:Gen Zers turn up the heat on President Biden. They want climate action, not words
How much is a million gallons of water?
The best way to visualize how much a million gallons of water might be is to think about a bathtub filled to brim with water. A good-sized bathtub can hold about 40 gallons so a million gallons would be best held in 25,000 bathtubs, according to United States Geological Survey’s website.
When was the last time Seattle had to watch their water?
Despite the increase of dry conditions present in the region over the years, SPU hasn’t asked Seattle-based residents to reduce their water use very often.
To provide some context, the last time SPU activated a Water Shortage Contingency Plan was in 2015.
In fact, Seattle Water customers are known to be great water stewards, SPU said.
Even though the regional water system went from providing water to 1.5 million people instead of 1 million people in the last four decades, the region still uses the same amount of water they did in the 1950s.
“Our customers do a great job using water wisely every day. We’re just asking them to do a little more right now until our water supply improves,” Dyer said.
What is the best way for me to conserve water?
Seattle Public Utilities has provided a handy tip sheet to help customers in the region conserve water.
Here are the tips outlined for homes:
- Take shorter or fewer showers
- Take a shower instead of a bath
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes
- Check for and fix leaks, especially running toilets
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth/shaving
- Use water wisely and encourage friends and family to do the same
veryGood! (64)
Related
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Wendy's introduces new Orange Dreamsicle Frosty flavor to kick off Spring
- Five most overpaid men's college basketball coaches: Calipari, Woodson make list
- Michigan shooter's father James Crumbley declines to testify at involuntary manslaughter trial
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Dozens of performers pull out of SXSW in protest of military affiliations, war in Gaza
- Massachusetts governor to pardon hundreds of thousands with marijuana convictions
- As Texas' largest-ever wildfire nears containment, Panhandle braces for extremely critical fire weather conditions
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Horoscopes Today, March 13, 2024
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Meg Ryan Isn't Faking Her Love For Her Latest Red Carpet Look
- TikTok bill that could lead to ban faces uphill climb in the Senate
- James Colon to retire as Los Angeles Opera music director after 2025-26 season, end 20-year tenure
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Utah prison discriminated against transgender woman, Department of Justice finds
- Pennsylvania’s Governor Wants to Cut Power Plant Emissions With His Own Cap-and-Invest Program
- Psst! Your Fave Brands Now Have Wedding Dresses & Bridal Gowns—Shop From Abercrombie, Reformation & More
Recommendation
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
Judge schedules sentencing for movie armorer in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin
California Votes to Consider Health and Environment in Future Energy Planning
Love Is Blind’s Jimmy Reveals He’s Open to Dating AD After Calling Off Chelsea Wedding
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
Ben & Jerry's annual Free Cone Day returns in 2024: Here's when it is and what to know
California Votes to Consider Health and Environment in Future Energy Planning
Kemp signs Georgia law reviving prosecutor sanctions panel. Democrats fear it’s aimed at Fani Willis