Skagit PUD Sets Six-Year Water Use Efficiency Goals

Pressure on Skagit public Utility District's water resources comes from many sources, including population growth, instream flows (protecting fish, wildlife and recreation), and business needs. Water systems using their water efficiently allow growth in their communities and water for other environmental uses. The efficient use of water helps ensure reliable water supplies are available for our customers.

In 2007, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) established a Water Use Efficiency Program to ensure efficient operation and management of water systems. With it came new requirements that require municipal water suppliers to set conservation goals and report annually on their performance to customers and the DOH.

Through a public forum process held earlier this year, the PUD established measurable water-saving goals for the next six years for both the supply- and demand-sides of our distribution system. These goals will provide a benchmark for achievement and play a significant role in defining the success of the PUD's water use efficiency program.

The goals are as follows:

1. Reduce unaccounted for water (fire flows, hydrant testing, water system flushing, unmetered consumption and leaks) by one percent.
   
   
2. Reduce consumption per Equivalent Residential Units from 178 gallons per service per day to 175 gallons per service per day.
   
   
3. Reduce the summer peak flows from 1.7 times Average Daily Demand to 1.6 times Average Daily Demand.