The Cascade Water Alliance announced that it is joining the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett in moving to the lowest stage of their Water Shortage Response Plans, the advisory stage, saying conditions no longer warrant being in the “voluntary” stage in which customers were asked to reduce water use by 10 percent.

Cascade and its members, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Tukwila and the Sammamish Plateau and Skyway Water and Sewer Districts, get their drinking water from the Seattle water supply.

Cities of Seattle, Everett and Tacoma reported that rains have improved the region’s water supply and they are cautiously optimistic about water supply conditions.  The advisory stage means that a potential water supply problem may exist. This is still the case due to an ongoing strong El Nino that is expected to bring warm weather through the spring. While in the advisory stage, the Cascade asks customers to continue to use water wisely by not wasting it.

Cascade Water Alliance and its member cities and water districts thank their customers for helping the region stretch its water supplies to meet the needs of people and fish in this unprecedented year. “Residents and businesses in the region have exceeded requests by water providers like to reduce water use 10 percent by collectively cutting back use by 14 percent,” said Cascade Board Chair John Marchione, mayor of the City of Redmond.

For more information about the advisory stage announcement visit www.seattle.gov/util