Chuck Clarke was named the new Chief Executive Officer of Cascade Water Alliance by its Board of Directors last week.

He will begin his duties with the regional water planning and supply system Jan. 20, 2009.

Clarke, who has been the Director of Seattle Public Utilities since 2002, brings years of experience in management of public utilities to Cascade, said Board Chair Lloyd Warren.

““We can’t think of anyone more experienced and capable than Chuck to run Cascade and we are delighted to welcome him as our new CEO,” Warren said.

Cascade Water Alliance is a consortium of eight municipalities and water districts that joined together in 1999 to provide water supply for current and future needs. It includes the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond and Tukwila and the Covington Water District, the Skyway Water and Sewer District and the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District. The agency serves more than 350,000 residents and 22,000 businesses. Members contribute to the costs of purchasing water, developing water supplies and operating the systems. Although Cascade purchased Lake Tapps from Puget Sound Energy earlier this year, it will not begin using Lake Tapps as a water supply until the mid 2020s. For more information visit www.cascadewater.org