Water resources at Skagit PUD face increasing demands from our growing population, environmental needs for healthy in-stream flows, and expanding business requirements. By embracing water efficiency throughout our system, we create capacity for community growth while protecting vital ecological functions. Our commitment to responsible water management ensures reliable, sustainable supplies for all customers today and for generations to come.

Water Use Efficiency

In 2007, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) established a Water Use Efficiency Program to ensure efficient operation and water systems management. 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.

In January 2008, Skagit PUD established measurable water-saving goals for both supply and demand aspects of its distribution system, as required by the Municipal Water Law. These goals, which must be developed through a public process, provide benchmarks for measuring success of the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program.

The PUD re-established its 6-year WUE goals in 2013 as part of the Water System Plan update, covering 2014-2019. These goals were later extended for 2020-2024. The updated WUE program for 2024-2034 maintains continuity by incorporating the following 10 measures outlined in both the 2014 Water System Plan and its 2021 Limited Update.

The goals are as follows:

1. Reduce consumption from 146 gallons per day per Equivalent Residential Unit [gpd/ERU] to 138 gpd/ERU by 2030 and 136 gpd/ERU by 2034. 
   
   
2. Maintain distribution system leakage (DSL) 3-year rolling average at 10% or less of total water supplied annually. 

Water Use Efficiency measures:

1. Public Outreach
2. Indoor Retrofit Kits 
3. Shower Timers
4. School Outreach
5. Toilet Leak Kits
6. Soil Moisture Meters
7. Rain Barrel Program
8. System Leak Detection & Repair
9. Bill Showing Consumption History
10. Large Meter Testing