Drought Declaration
On April 8, 2026, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued a statewide emergency drought declaration. Ecology stated, however, that the areas served by Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett water utilities planned for drought conditions early in the winter and do not anticipate any impacts for their customers. Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade) purchases water from Seattle and therefore falls into this category.
This is the fourth year in a row that at least a portion of Washington State has been in a drought emergency. Lower snowpack in the region has become more common in recent years and is expected to continue in the future. Cascade recommends that customers take steps to reduce their outdoor water use moving into the future. See below for outdoor water-saving tips.
Snowpack
This year, the region experienced the third lowest snowpack on record. Snowpack is important to water supply because, as the weather warms and people start using more water, melting snow refills mountain reservoirs.
To find the latest water supply conditions, including current water supply graphs, please visit Seattle Public Utilities’ Water Supply Conditions page.
Outdoor Water-Saving Tips
Water consumption roughly doubles due to outdoor use in the summer, when significantly lower precipitation limits the replenishment of mountain reservoirs. Using water wisely helps maximize our existing drinking water supplies and delay the need for costly new water sources.
Reduce your outdoor water use by following these tips:
- Install weather-based controllers and rain sensors on your irrigation system
- Avoid watering your lawn and plants during rain and for several days after a heavy rain event
- Fix leaks and replace broken sprinkler heads
- Replace portions or all of your lawn with native or drought-tolerant plants
- Add mulch to your landscape to reduce evaporation
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation
- Wash your car at a commercial car wash