2009 Regional Water Supply Outlook
The 2009 Regional Water Supply Outlook is a comprehensive assessment of municipal water supply and demand in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. The Outlook contains current and projected municipal water demands for each county within the three-county region. It includes an analysis of regional water supplies, and details of potential future municipal water supply options including enhanced conservation, and wastewater reuse.
The 2009 Regional Water Supply Outlook found that there is currently sufficient water supply to meet the regions reasonably anticipated demands through 2050, including the projected effects of climate change. While there could be shortages beyond 2050 under some conditions - population growth beyond current expectations or climate change without adaptive resource management, many potential additional supplies have been identified which could be developed when needed.
The Outlook found that single-family residential water use has been reduced significantly within the region, dropping from more than 275 gallons per day per household in 1990 to just under 200 gallons per day per household in 2005. Commercial and industrial water users have also significantly reduced their water use as well.
2001 Regional Water Supply Outlook
In 2001 the Forum has produced the first 20-year regional water supply assessment, the Central Puget Sound Regional Water Supply Outlook (Outlook). The 2001 Outlook was an extensive assessment of water supply and demand in the three-county area including King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.
The Outlook gathered information from the 158 largest water utilities that supply water to over 90 percent of the three-county population (estimates were prepared for the remaining areas). It included current and projected water demands (to 2020 for individual utilities, and to 2050 regionally), an analysis of regional water supplies, and details of potential future water supply options. The 2001 Outlook was created to provide a foundation for regional water resource planning and coordination.