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WASWD Update for October 20, 2025
- By: WASWD
- On: 10/20/2025 10:48:23
- In: WASWD Updates 2025
- Comments: 0
| WASWD publishes this bi-weekly e-newsletter to convey current information about legislative and regulatory issues, other issues of importance to districts, and upcoming training and other events |
| WASWD Updates Archive |
| La Niña Meets "The Blob": Ocean Tug-of-War Could Shape Washington's Winter |
| A familiar climate clash is unfolding offshore. A newly formed La Niña—which typically brings cooler, wetter winters to the Pacific Northwest—has arrived just as a vast pocket of warm ocean water known as “The Blob” hovers off the West Coast. The National Weather Service confirmed that equatorial Pacific waters have cooled enough to trigger La Niña conditions expected to last through winter. Normally that means more snow in the Cascades and improved drought outlooks—a welcome forecast with 97 percent of Washington still experiencing drought. While warm water has reached Alaska, British Columbia, and California, cool upwelling currents have so far shielded Washington and Oregon's coasts from the most extreme temperatures. According to University of Washington oceanographer Jan Newton, “It hugs the Alaska Coast, and then it goes offshore, and so we're not seeing it in our Washington and Oregon coastal waters... for right now.” |
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| A familiar climate clash is unfolding offshore. A newly formed La Niña—which typically brings cooler, wetter winters to the Pacific Northwest—has arrived just as a vast pocket of warm ocean water known as “The Blob” hovers off the West Coast. The National Weather Service confirmed that equatorial Pacific waters have cooled enough to trigger La Niña conditions expected to last through winter. Normally that means more snow in the Cascades and improved drought outlooks—a welcome forecast with 97 percent of Washington still experiencing drought. While warm water has reached Alaska, British Columbia, and California, cool upwelling currents have so far shielded Washington and Oregon's coasts from the most extreme temperatures. According to University of Washington oceanographer Jan Newton, “It hugs the Alaska Coast, and then it goes offshore, and so we're not seeing it in our Washington and Oregon coastal waters... for right now.” A Recurring and Intensifying Pattern NOAA's Blobtracker program reports that five of the last six years have seen the largest marine heat waves on record in the eastern North Pacific since monitoring began in 1982. The current event, while less severe than the infamous 2014–2016 Blob that devastated salmon and shellfish populations, fueled toxic algal blooms, and led to the deaths of an estimated four million seabirds, still poses risks to marine life, weather patterns, and long-term ecosystem stability. Why This Matters to Washington's Water and Sewer Districts Although the Blob is an oceanic event, its effects ripple inland. Changes in ocean temperature and circulation influence weather, rainfall, drought frequency, and wildfire conditions — all of which directly affect water supply, treatment, and infrastructure resilience in Washington State. |
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| Around the Globe: |
| Wastewater From greenhouse gas emissions to infrastructure renewal and water reuse, wastewater utilities worldwide are at the center of critical environmental, technological, and public health discussions. Three recent stories highlight how global trends are shaping the sector — and offer insight for Washington's local utilities. 1. Hidden Climate Impact A new Princeton University study reveals that U.S. wastewater treatment plants emit twice the methane and nitrous oxide previously estimated by the EPA. These gases are powerful climate pollutants, and researchers say improved monitoring and process optimization could make wastewater operations part of the climate solution rather than a growing source of emissions. Why it matters: Wastewater utilities are now recognized as key contributors to — and potential mitigators of — greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding process-level emissions helps utilities improve energy efficiency, evaluate biogas recovery, and anticipate future climate reporting or regulatory requirements. 2. Investing in Resilience The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission recently completed a $717 million upgrade to its Southeast Treatment Plant — improving odor control, earthquake resilience, and sea-level-rise protection. The project reflects a broader international trend: aging infrastructure is being re-engineered to meet climate and community expectations while integrating modern automation and energy recovery systems. Why it matters: For Washington utilities facing aging infrastructure and seismic risks, this project demonstrates how integrated capital planning can address resilience, public perception, and operational modernization simultaneously. It underscores the need to link climate adaptation and asset renewal in long-term capital strategies. 3. Reuse and Emerging Contaminants As water scarcity drives the reuse of treated effluent for wetlands and irrigation around the world, new studies warn of PFAS contamination in reused water. Utilities in the U.S. and abroad are grappling with how to remove these “forever chemicals” cost-effectively while maintaining public trust and regulatory compliance. Why it matters: PFAS management is fast becoming one of the defining challenges for wastewater utilities. Lessons from global reuse programs show that early monitoring, technology assessment, and transparent communication are essential to protect public confidence and prepare for future treatment mandates. |
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| Drinking Water 1. Saratoga Springs Reports Declining Water Source Capacity In this article, a consulting study found that the city's primary drinking-water source — Loughberry Lake — saw a 7% decrease in usable capacity and a 22% decline in safe yield since 2001. Why it matters: Every utility should monitor not only infrastructure condition but also source-water reliability and trends over time. Declining yield can presage future supply or quality restrictions. In the UK, CK Infrastructure is calling for temporary renationalisation of Thames Water, citing its large debt burden and reliance on high-cost financing to sustain operations. Why it matters: Utilities here too face tight finances, rising costs, aging infrastructure and possible restructuring. Ensuring robust governance, sound financial planning and infrastructure investment is critical for long-term viability. An opinion piece from Lakeway Municipal Utility District supports Texas's Proposition 4, which would allocate up to $1 billion annually from sales tax for a water fund to address state-wide utility infrastructure problems (including drinking water). Why it matters: Large-scale funding mechanisms and capital-investment strategies are becoming pivotal. Periodic discussion about funding models, renewal cycles and regional rate impacts is essential for utility managers. |
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| NRWA Releases Guiding Principles on Voluntary Water System Consolidation |
| The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has released its new Consolidation Guiding Principles to support voluntary partnerships among small and rural water and wastewater utilities. Announced on October 9, 2025, these principles are part of a grassroots effort to identify the factors local systems weigh when considering whether consolidation is the right fit for their communities. The guiding principles emphasize that any consolidation effort should:
NRWA's framework highlights how voluntary, incentive-based collaboration—rather than forced mergers—can strengthen service reliability while maintaining local governance. For Washington's small districts, these principles reinforce the value of shared services, regional coordination, and equitable funding access as part of long-term resilience planning. Learn more: NRWA Regional Partnership Program
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| Pacific Northwest Water Summit Showcases Research Shaping Tomorrow's Water Solutions | ||
| November 4 | Boise State University | In-Person + Virtual Option The Idaho Department of Water Resources and Boise State University will host the Pacific Northwest Water Summit on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Boise State's Student Union Jordan Ballroom. This annual regional forum brings together scientists, state agencies, and utility leaders from Idaho, Washington, and Oregon to explore how drought, snowpack, and climate variability are reshaping water management across the Northwest. Focus Areas The 2025 agenda emphasizes research and collaboration that can strengthen drought and climate resilience across sectors dependent on water resources. Key highlights include:
Participation is in-person with a virtual option for select sessions. Learn more and register |
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| AWWA - Partnership for Safe Water Summit |
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Join water utility professionals from around the country to learn about advancing utility excellence. The program brings together operators, managers and supervisors across drinking and wastewater systems to explore cutting-edge topics in operations, technology and resilience.
Highlights
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY
Dates: December 2–4, 2025 Registration & Info |
| Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Water Sector Resources |
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the water sector is squarely in focus. The EPA invites water and wastewater systems to strengthen their defenses and boost resilience against evolving cyber threats. EPA
In support of this, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has released updated tools for water utilities:
Access EPA resources: Cybersecurity Awareness Month | EPA |
| Regulatory News |
| Understanding the Nooksack Adjudication |
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The Washington Department of Ecology has launched the state's first full water-rights adjudication in decades for the Nooksack Watershed (WRIA 1). The process will determine the legality and seniority of water use in Whatcom County and set a framework for future water management across the state.
Rumors have circulated about household wells, water shut-offs, and metering requirements. Ecology stresses that adjudication will not shut off domestic water, and permit-exempt wells do not need meters. All water users within WRIA 1, however, must file a court claim form with Whatcom County Superior Court by May 1, 2026. Ecology – Nooksack Adjudication Information |
| WASWD News | |
| WASWD 2025 Fall Conference Photos | |
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The photos from the Fall Conference are available on the WASWD Website! From insightful sessions to the epic 90's dress-up, it was a night to remember.
Check out the highlights and relive the fun by scrolling to the bottom of the page here. |
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| Upcoming Meetings |
| Links to all virtual meetings are available on the Committee Documents webpage of the members only section of the WASWD website. |
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WEBINAR: Retrospective Rating Program |
October 21, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Section I & II Meeting |
October 23, 2025 @6:00PM |
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Executive Committee Meeting |
October 27, 2025 @9:30AM |
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Board of Directors Meeting |
October 27, 2025 @10:30AM |
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Finance Committee Meeting |
November 3, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Membership Committee Meeting |
Date & Time TBD |
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CANCELLED - Section III Meeting |
November 11, 2025 @6:00PM |
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Workforce Development Meeting |
November 12, 2025 @1:30PM |
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Government Relations Meeting |
November 13, 2025 @10:00AM |
| Trainings, Conferences & Events |
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WEBINAR: Retrospective Rating Program |
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Wednesday, October 21, 2025, 10:00AM to 11:00AM | ||||
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Join us for an informative webinar led by Tim Lundin, where he'll dive into the Retrospective Rating Program. This voluntary safety incentive program allows participating members the chance to earn refunds on their workers' compensation premiums. If you're interested in joining the program, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the application process and how you can benefit from this exclusive refund opportunity. Don't miss out—no registration needed! |
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NEW - WEBINAR: The Future of Automation in Waster & Wastewater Operations |
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 8:00AM to 9:00AM | ||||
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Water and wastewater utilities are moving beyond incremental change toward fully integrated, software-defined automation. This keynote will explore how Schneider Electric and AVEVA are redefining control, configuration, and deployment to improve energy efficiency, asset performance, and operational resilience.
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NEW - King County Regional Utility Rate Summit |
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Friday, November 14, 2025, Time & Location: To Be Announced | ||||
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Sound Cities Association and King County will host the Regional Utility Rate Summit on Friday, November 14, 2025, bringing together elected officials, utility leaders, and regional partners to address rising utility costs across the Puget Sound region.
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NEW - Calling All HR Leaders - Registration Now Open for the HR Heroes Summit 2026! |
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 8:00AM to 4:00PM | ||||
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With the launch of the new WASWD HR Group, this is a great opportunity for district HR leaders to learn, connect, and share strategies with peers across the region.
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| Associate Member Spotlight |
| Gray & Osborne, Inc. |
| Since 1935, Gray & Osborne has been dedicated to helping special purpose districts in Washington manage growth, preserve the environment, and improve the quality of life in their communities. Our experienced staff of more than 145 professionals works closely with our clients to provide only the highest level engineering services. Our mission is to assist our clients in their efforts to plan, design, construct, and maintain their infrastructure today to ensure a higher quality of life tomorrow. |
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