Submitted by the City of Redmond

Residents in the City of Redmond and Cascade Water Alliance have water, in the midst of statewide drought, because of long-term planning, strategic investment and a commitment to serving its residents.

But how residents use that water and why they need it is the focus of an innovative effort by Redmond and Cascade Water Alliance to continue the conversation with residents throughout the region as to the need of water, and how individuals value it.

Redmond and Cascade will unveil a unique cube/wall encouraging individuals who walk by to take a moment and think about why water is needed. The blackboard-like structure, located on City Hall Campus during this weekend’s Derby Days event, asks for residents’ thoughts and comments. Attendants supply colorful chalk for passersby to record their thoughts and information for more water saving ideas and actions.

“The interactive display at City Hall Campus during the Derby Days celebration will continue the Redmond community’s conversation about this important natural resource,” said Mayor John Marchione. “Keeping Redmond clean and green and our quality of life is made possible because our foresight today means water for our residents for generations to come.”

“Cascade is proud to help foster the discussion,” said Cascade 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 snap photos and videos and submit their comments or post them to www.weneedwaterbecause.org or #weneedwater. More information on the display and what people are saying can be found there along with conservation ideas, tips and free water-saving items.

“We know how to use water wisely, and those who respond will be able to get some wise water use items free, or enter a contest to win other prizes,” said Clarke.  “But we want to hear from everyone on why they think we need water.”

Cascade Water Alliance provides safe, clean, reliable drinking water to more than 350,000 residents and 20,000 businesses throughout Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Bellevue, 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 — all always on and always at residents’ service.

For more information on the display, visit we need www.weneedwaterbecause.org or #weneedwaterbecause.

For information regarding the City of Redmond, visit www.redmond.gov.

For information regarding Cascade Water Alliance, visit www.cascadewater.org.