Following recent rainfall events, the Snoqualmie River is flowing well and is anticipated to continue to flow above minimum in-stream flows during November and December. Therefore, the City of North Bend has exited its Water Conservation Ordinance (WCO) Stage 1 for the 2021 calendar year.
This was the second year for the City’s WCO, with Stage 1 beginning each year on August 15th. Although this summer started off with record heat and dry conditions, WCO Stages 2 and 3 were not triggered.
North Bend continues making good progress on its Water Distribution System Leak Reduction Program, which increases water conservation in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. This summer a leak study was conducted that identified approximately 35 minor water system leaks that were repaired.
This leak reduction is anticipated to decrease the distribution system leakage by 5-10% when 2022-2023 water consumption is compared to 2021-2022 consumption.
The city is also in the process of replacing aging water meters throughout its service area, which reduces unaccounted water in the system. In the first two years of the replacement program, 204 water meters were replaced. So far in 2021, 205 meters have been replaced. The remaining 1,500 meter replacements will occur in 2022 and 2023 before the program wraps up.
The Hobo Springs Expansion project was recently completed with approval from Seattle Public Utilities. The expanded mitigation system at Hobo Springs provides an additional supply of cold, clean spring water, resulting in a more resilient and robust mitigation system that keeps the City in compliance with its Centennial Well Water Right and protects the health of the Snoqualmie River.
For additional information, tools and tips to conserve water around your home, including valuable rebates for replacing aging plumbing fixtures and appliances included with the City’s membership in the Saving Water Partnership, visit the City website Water Conservation page.
