We are working with customers to reduce per capita water consumption by 10-percent between 2000 and 2010. In 2001, as part of a regional water supply project, Tacoma Water and several utility partners signed an agreement with the State of Washington committing to the 10 percent reduction. The 10 percent water conservation goal applies to both retail and wholesale water customers.
The 10 percent water conservation goal will help ensure that there is enough water available regionally to meet the needs of people, animals, and the environment. It makes it possible to use existing water supplies more efficiently, provides opportunities for the development of a regional water supply and fish enhancement programs, and promotes water conservation.
In order to achieve this goal and develop a conservation program that ensures the efficient use of water, in 2006, we conducted a water conservation program assessment. The program assessment:
- evaluated the existing water conservation program;
- determined base use in 2000 against which to measure water use reduction;
- identified water conservation programs that Tacoma Water can implement to meet the 10 percent water conservation goal; and
- proposed possible implementation strategies.
The public was invited to a kick-off meeting for the program assessment and interested parties participated throughout the process. The Water Conservation Plan that was developed based on the program assessment is available for public review.