Published July 1 2015
How do we use water and why do we need it? Those are questions posed by an innovative display unveiled today at Bellevue Downtown Park, intended to begin a conversation with residents throughout the region about water and how each individual values it.
The City of Bellevue and Cascade Water Alliance, who are sponsoring the innovative campaign, have placed a unique, blackboard-like structure in Downtown Park, encouraging individuals who walk by to take a moment and think about the importance water plays in their daily lives. Attendants supply colorful chalk to record these thoughts, as well as provide information on water-saving ideas and actions.
"Our goal in this interactive display during the Family Fourth celebration is to start our community talking about this important resource," said Mayor Claudia Balducci. "Our growing economy, our wonderful schools, parks and high quality of life is made possible because our planning today means water for our residents for generations to come."
"Bellevue is proud of its outstanding delivery of high-quality, good-tasting water to its residents," said Councilmember John Stokes, who is a member of Cascade's board of directors. "We have more than 40,000 connections, 620 miles of pipes, 22 pump stations, 25 reservoirs storing 42.5 million gallons of water and more than 5,800 fire hydrants throughout Bellevue, which simply means that when you turn on the tap anywhere in Bellevue, you will have water."
In this time of water shortages throughout the state, Bellevue and the Puget Sound region have sufficient water for normal activities through planning, strategic investment and a commitment to serve its residents. It is also critically important to use it wisely.
"Cascade is proud to help foster this discussion," said Cascade Water Alliance CEO Chuck Clarke. "We are lucky to be part of a Seattle system that was able to plan ahead and store water for our normal activities during this time. But long-term, water is critical to our growth, development and quality of life. We look forward to hearing from those who get our water to tell us why it’s important to them."
As part of the interactive display, everyone is encouraged to post photos, videos and comments at http://weneedwaterbecause.org or on social media at www.facebook.com/weneedwaterbecause or to tweet with the hashtag #weneedwaterbecause. More information on the display, and what people are saying can be found on the program website, along with conservation ideas, tips and free water-saving items, and the chance to win prizes.
Cascade provides safe, clean, reliable drinking water to more than 350,000 residents and 20,000 businesses throughout Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Tukwila, Sammamish Plateau and Skyway. Collectively, its members have 275,000 connections, 1,600 miles of pipe, 60 pump stations, 25 wells, 11 treatment facilities and 25,000 fire hydrants.
After Saturday, the display will be placed in another city served by Cascade. The "We Need Water Because…" campaign will continue into October, with stops throughout Cascade's service area.