Why should we conserve water? The Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District relies on both groundwater and surface water for its water supply. Groundwater comes from deep in the earth, where the water is stored until pulled to the surface by pumps installed at wells and sent to your home. The District supplements its groundwater supply with water from the Tolt and Cedar River Watersheds, managed by Seattle Public Utilities. Although our area is favored with abundant rainfall in the winter months, much of the rain flows to our lakes and streams as surface water runoff, especially with an increase in paved areas such as roads and parking lots. That means that less water is available to seep into the ground and replenish groundwater aquifers. In addition, aquifers can only hold a certain volume of water. Water suppliers must stay within state regulations when they withdraw water from the supply source.

We also experience a summer dry season in the Pacific Northwest. Water used during the summer will not be replenished until the rains return in autumn and winter. The summer is also the season when we see the greatest demands in water consumption, mostly for lawn and garden watering. Increasing demands on our water resources will continue as our area grows in population. Conserving water means that more water will be available for our fish and wildlife. We will all have a better quality of life if we can share our clean, pure water, and will be able to ensure fresh water for our use for years to come. The future of our water supply is in our hands.