August 12, 2002- Mayor Nickels'
plan to strengthen basic water service was approved by the City Council today through passage
of several measures ranging from covering the city's open reservoirs to replacing aging water
mains and pipes.
"One way we can make a difference in people's lives is providing
clean water when you turn on the tap," said Nickels. "Investing in this vital basic service
means our citizens get high quality drinking water delivered reliably. I commend the Council
for its support of this mission."
Ordinance 114266, sponsored by Councilmember Margaret Pageler,
passed by a vote of 8 to 0. The bill supports the mayor's plan to bury city reservoirs,
creating open space for parks or other public uses. The legislation authorizes burial of
Lincoln (already underway), Volunteer and Beacon Hill reservoirs as a first step in the
program.
"The Mayor's reservoir plan gives us a great opportunity to add
76 acres of open space in a crowded city," said Pageler. "We can't afford all the parks
amenities now, but we can build cost-effective platforms for long-term community improvements."
"This is a big step in making good on my commitment to bury all
seven reservoirs," said the mayor. "As planned, we'll get busy on the first three and then
we'll do the rest. Burying the reservoirs costs somewhat more than using soft covers, but it
achieves a double public benefit: security for our water system and new open space in our
neighborhoods."
Ordinance 114276, approved by a vote of 8 to 0, establishes a
rate stabilization fund to strengthen the finances of Seattle Public Utilities, the city
department that provides drinking water to 1.3 million residents in Seattle and throughout
King County.
Ordinance 114277 passed by a vote of 8 to 0. The measure would
increase the number of ratepayers who qualify for low-income assistance, from 125 percent to
200 percent of federal poverty level income.
Ordinance 114250, approved by an 8 to 0 vote, will fund
reservoir burial, replacement of aging water mains and pipes, construction of the Cedar River
water treatment facility and environmental protections in the watershed. Under the measure,
the monthly water bill for a typical single family home in Seattle will increase by $3.13 in
2003 and by $1.56 in 2004. Commercial rates in Seattle would go up 21.3 percent in 2003 and
18.4 percent in 2004. The increases are less than originally proposed because the city saved
millions when it recently opted out of the Tacoma Second Supply project. The new rates go into
effect September 16.
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