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About SPU
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Water System
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Water Supply
Water Supply Safety Questions and Answers
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides water to 1.3 million people in Seattle and King County. SPU delivers direct water service to Seattle residents and businesses and sells water wholesale to 25 purveyors in King County. SPU’s 2 primary watersheds along the Tolt and Cedar rivers are closed to the public. No recreation or logging is allowed in the watersheds.
Has Seattle Public Utilities been advised of any threat to its water system?
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has not been advised of any specific threats to its water system. There have been no known threats to any SPU facility.
However, the FBI has issued precautionary warnings to utilities nationwide. SPU had already stepped up security at the time it received notice of the precautionary warning.
Even though there are no known threats to our water supply, how has Seattle Public Utilities responded to the September 11 terrorist attacks?
Immediately following the terrorist attacks, SPU heightened security throughout its water system.
How are reservoirs belonging to Seattle Public Utilities protected?
SPU's reservoirs are under regular surveillance and have a security plan. SPU employs extensive security measures at all of its reservoirs and has a state-approved plan to cover its open water reservoirs. Reservoir covering projects are already in the design or construction phase.
How can I find out more about Seattle Public Utilities’ security systems?
For the safety of our customers, we do not provide detailed information about our specific security measures.
How would we know if there was a problem with our water?
In the unlikely event of a problem with water quality, Seattle Public Utilities would immediately notify citizens affected by it. The utility has a number of ways to alert customers about a problem, including (but not limited to) the local news media. In addition to proactively notifying customers about a problem, the city can activate the Emergency Response Center, which would be constantly staffed to answer calls from customers. Depending on the extent of the problem, the city could also activate its Emergency Operations Center to provide a coordinated response to any major water emergency in the city.
Who should we call if we think we have a water quality problem?
Non-emergency water quality concerns can be reported to a water quality inspector during business hours by calling (206) 684-5941 or by calling (206) 386-1800 after hours, holidays and on weekends. Call 911 to report life-threatening emergencies.
What potential risks are associated with terrorism and water supply?
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site has information about the security of the nation’s water supplies at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/.
Public Health -- Seattle & King County (the health department) can answer questions related to biological agents. Please call (206) 296-4949 or visit http://www.metrokc.gov/health/bioterrorism/. This web site also provides online links to other sources of health information.
How is the city protecting dams?
Seattle Public Utilities has increased security at its dams. As required by federal regulations, SPU has safety programs in place for all of its dams. These programs include not only prevention and detection methods, but also early warning features should there be an emergency at a dam.
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