Regional Water Supply

In the past, growing communities met their water needs by finding and developing new water sources. Today, we know water is limited, even in the Pacific Northwest. Water is important for people, businesses, and wildlife. Healthy salmon runs provide food and fishing opportunities. They are also important to Native American cultures and to the recovery of Southern Resident orcas.

How climate change may affect our water supply

Climate change may affect when and how water reaches the Green River Municipal Watershed. The total amount of rain and snow may not change much, but less water may fall as snow. Less rain in the summer can also reduce the amount of water available for homes and businesses after streamflow needs are met.

Working together to manage water

We need to plan carefully for how we use this limited resource. One way is to manage water supplies as a region. In 2002, Tacoma Water partnered with the City of Kent, Covington Water District, and Lakehaven Water and Sewer District to create the Regional Water Supply System.

Through this system, Tacoma Water developed the Second Supply Project, which allows us to store water in the spring and use it during drier months. Based on our current water rights, we expect to meet customer needs for the next 30 to 50 years.

Preparing for future needs

After that period, meeting future demand may require us to use water more efficiently and consider other water sources. Tacoma Water’s Conservation Program is developing ways customers can use less water during the summer, when stream levels are low. We are also checking our water pipes to find and fix leaks.

In the future, we may also need to consider water reuse along with new water sources. Other communities in Washington state and across the country already include water reuse in their long-term water plans.