The Puget Sound area is prone to earthquakes. Members of the Water Supply Forum are working together to safeguard our region’s water supply in case of such a disaster. Access to an adequate and functioning water supply after an earthquake saves lives. Water utilities and other government agencies aren’t the only ones that need to get our region ready for earthquakes. Preparedness is everyone's job.
Water utilities in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties serve approximately 2.3 million people over an area of 1,200 square miles. Earthquakes can significantly damage water systems at the local and regional levels. If this happens, access to water for drinking and cooking, firefighting, healthcare services, and other critical needs will be impacted. For the past several years, the Water Supply Forum has worked to improve our region's resiliency to earthquakes and other major events.
Residents, schools, and businesses in Puget Sound should plan ahead for a disaster. During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services - including water, may not be available. Residents should have a two-week supply of drinking water safely stored away for each person in their home. The recommended amount is one gallon of water per person per day.
Funding is critical to ensuring the resiliency of our water systems over the next 50-100 years.
