As we enjoy the rewards of another summer in the Northwest (long-awaited after the wet, cool spring!), it is important that we recognize that the warmer weather brings with it a significantly higher level of demand for water. With the seasonal impact on the water system, the occasion of summer seems a particularly good time to reflect on the topic of water supply planning.

After serving for more than four years now on the Board, I am increasingly persuaded that planning for the continued availability of our water resources is the most important task we confront as the elected representatives of the growing body of customers of this water utility. Despite the relatively wet climate, water may well become as precious a commodity in this area in the new century as it was in the more arid regions of the country in the last. As the news over the last few years continues to remind us, the lack of an adequate supply of potable water is impacting many areas of this region already. The future undoubtedly holds more challenges for all of us.

We are very fortunate in the District to enjoy the natural bounty of a series of confined aquifers located within our borders. These aquifers are water-bearing geologic formations which store large quantities of clean water. Because the supply of water in the aquifers is not infinite, however, and the overuse of the groundwater supply can lead to adverse environmental conditions, the District continues to develop monitoring wells which will help us manage the withdrawal of water from our producing wells. This will allow us to obtain the maximum safe yield of water from the aquifers.

The biggest news on the water supply planning front over the recent past is the development of the Second Supply Pipeline. Over a span of time much greater than my tenure on the Board, it has been recognized that in order to meet the long-term demands for water, we would need to incorporate an external source of water into our supply system. The Second Supply Pipeline, of which we have purchased a one-ninth interest, can yield a supply of more than four and a half million gallons of water a day to our customers. With some hesitation by the City of Seattle to continue their participation in this project, we are poised to acquire a larger share of the supply from the pipeline, should it become available.

We continue to pursue federal funding for a water reclamation project. Many areas around the country already utilize treated wastewater effluent to supplement the available supply of water for non-potable uses. Our treatment plants are sending millions of gallons of water a day into the Puget Sound that, with the right level of treatment, could be reclaimed to safe uses within our community.

There can be no thorough review of the topic of water supply planning without touching on the subject of water conservation. Just like water pumped from a well, conserved water is a source of supply that is available to be put to use when and where it is needed. We are extremely pleased to find that community education about water conservation is working in the District and you should be proud of the efforts you have made to use the resource wisely. Through voluntary conservation and the planning efforts discussed above, we have been able to avoid the difficult specter of mandatory forms of conservation, such as watering restrictions and moratoriums on new connections.

It continues to be a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to your participation in our water supply planning efforts in the future.

The District is presently conducting a search to retain a lobbyist for the 2002-2003 legislative year. We hope to conclude this process and have a lobbyist on board by the end of the month of July. This will allow us plenty of time to prepare for the 2003 legislative session.

It is still too early to know what the shape of the 2003 legislative agenda will be. It is expected that many of the items on the 2002 agenda will be back, along with some additions to reflect the ever-changing world of operating a public water/sewer utility in the new millennium.

One new item of note is that the Department of Ecology has now circulated draft rules to implement the aquifer storage and recovery legislation we were able to gain passage of in the 2000 session. Input from water agencies and other interested stakeholders will undoubtedly provide the Department an opportunity to refine and improve the rules before they are officially adopted into the Washington Administrative Code.

Let us know if you have any items of interest for the next legislative year.

It's the time of year when we start up our irrigation systems. Irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier and save time, BUT, water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can be back-siphoned (backflow) into our drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by approved backflow prevention assemblies could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood, or community.

All irrigation systems, new or existing, must be equipped with an approved backflow prevention assembly. Only properly installed, state approved backflow assemblies that meet the plumbing code will provide health protection for your family and neighbors. According to State Code WAC 248-54-285, these assemblies must be tested annually, after installation, and after repair, by a State certified backflow assembly tester.

If you have any questions regarding backflow assemblies, cross-connections, or would like a list of State certified backflow assembly testers, please contact Chris Zoepfl, Cross-connection Manager, at 253) 946-5427.

Business Contributors were Applebee's Restaurant, Big Five Sporting Goods, Boaters World, Costco Wholesale, Cinnabon, Great Harvest Bread, Hallmark Shop Hill's, Longs Drug Store, Ritz Camera, Safeway, Shirtz to Go and Westfair Home Décor.

Congratulations to the following poster winners: Adam Lee, Alisha Burns, Anthony Foster, Carmen Leung, Chayce Baldwin, Courtney Bogart, De Vante Denson, Lacey Kido, Min Ji Kim, Nakia Shearer, Shin Kang, Tony Larios and Vicky Quach.