Explore Seattle's Water System

Discover the process of how water flows from mountain forests to faucets in the greater Seattle area.

In this category:

The Water System

  Seattle's Drinking Water

Video | 1 minute

Seattle Public Utilities video about the protected Cedar River and Tolt River watersheds that provide the drinking water for Seattle.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXoiZBkKsDo


  Seattle Water System

Website | 5 minutes

This brief overview describes the history of Seattle's water system and the process of delivering water from two mountain rivers to customers’ faucets.

URL: http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/services/water/water-system-overview

Photo of a dam at the watershed


  The Source: A Story of Seattle's Tap Water

Video | 30 minutes

The Cedar River Watershed has been an important place to people since time immemorial. But global climate change is affecting us all.

URL: http://www.seattlechannel.org/misc-video?videoid=x20410

Photo of a glass under a water faucet


  How Clean is Seattle's Drinking Water?

Article | 9 minutes

Water quality varies widely in cities across the United States. Find why Seattle has some of the best water in the world and what’s being done to monitor it.

URL: https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/How-clean-is-Seattle-s-drinking-water-888354.php

Photo of a glass under a water faucet

 

The Water Cycle

  Join NASA to Learn About the Water Cycle!

Website and Activities | 15+ minutes

NASA's Precipitation Education website is full of videos, articles, images, and lesson plans for all ages. They have information identified for formal, informal, and outreach education as well as divided by grade. Dive in!

URL: https://gpm.nasa.gov/education/water-cycle

Graphic of the natural water cycle


  An In-Depth Look at the Water Cycle

Video | 7 minutes

A longer, more in-dept look at the Water Cycle. Full of great vocabulary and concepts. Can be used as an introduction to the Water Cycle or as a deeper exploration of how water moves around the planet.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al-do-HGuIk


  Introducing the Water Cycle!

Video | 3 minutes

A great introduction or refresher to the Water Cycle. Includes definitions and written graphics.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO9tT186mZw


  Join GoNoodle and Blazer Fresh in a Water Cycle Extravaganza

Video, Song and Dance | 3 minutes

Dance and sing along with this amazingly creative presentation of the Water Cycle. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience!

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM-59ljA4Bs


  Become a Waterdrop and Journey Through the Water Cycle!

Activity | 15+ minutes

Print out these materials, grab your classmates or friends, and take a fun journey through the Water Cycle. Visit the ocean, rivers, and mountains. Learn how plants and animals participate in the Water Cycle. Learn, Laugh, and Move!

URLs for Download:

Graphic of the natural water cycle

 

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.