Greenspace » Water

Peak water rates in effect May 16

BoawnJ — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:21:48 +0000

Peak residential water rates are in effect from May 16 through September 15 each year. Peak rates incorporate a three-tiered rate structure with progressively higher rates as water consumption increases over a 60-day billing period. For example, the first 10 CCF (or 7,480 gallons) costs $4.43 per CCF. The second tier rate (for up to 26 CCF) increases to $5.15 per CCF.

During the warmer, drier summer months, we depend on water stored in our mountain reservoirs to meet customer demand while leaving enough water in the rivers for fish. The tiered rate structure helps to ensure that we all help conserve water.

So, what can you do to save water and money?

Check out the Saving Water Partnership site for lots of great information, rebates and tips on saving water. In addition, Seattle Public Utilities has new income guidelines for receiving up to 2 free low-water use toilets, including installation! Learn more at their site.

Changes to Seattle’s Shoreline Rules

BoawnJ — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:20:51 +0000

A required update to the City’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is underway and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) just released the second draft of the updated regulations.

The SMP includes the goals, policies and regulations that govern land use and activities within the Seattle Shoreline District. Seattle’s Shoreline District includes the Duwamish River, the Ship Canal, Lake Union, Lake Washington, Green Lake, Puget Sound, associated wetlands and floodplains, and all land within 200-ft of these water-bodies. Uses include public access, floating homes, setbacks for homes on shorelines and protection of environmentally critical areas.

SPU is looking for your feedback until December 6. You can submit your comments to Maggie Glowacki at margaret.glowacki@seattle.gov, (206) 386-4036. You can also send comments to: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000, P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124-4019.

SPU asking for customer feedback

WysockS — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:47:23 +0000

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is reaching out to the public to ask their thoughts on on plans to reduce waste and improve recycling, food and yard waste composting, and other solid waste services. How we manage our waste (both individually and on a municipal level) is a critical component to our overall environmental impact.

The survey should take about 15 minutes. Please take it here.

Water Saving Resources & Rebates

BoawnJ — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:35:19 +0000

With all the cool weather lately, it can be easy to forget that Seattle summers are typically very hot and dry. It makes sense to use smart watering practices in your yard to save water and money, since water rates are higher in the summer. And it helps the environment too, by causing less runoff of pesticides and fertilizers into waterways.

Check out the Smart Watering Guide and other information available on the Seattle Public Utilities site. If you’re interested in an automated sprinkler system, there are rebates available for those as well. Everyone wins when we water smart!