Cascade Water Alliance announced its new officers who will serve the seven-member water provider for 2018 through 2019.

Bellevue Councilmember John Stokes was elected to serve as board chair. Kirkland Councilmember Penny Sweet will serve as vice chair, and Redmond Council President Angela Birney will serve as secretary treasurer.

Other members of the board include Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, Lloyd Warren, president of Sammamish Plateau Water, Jon Ault, president of the Skyway Water and Sewer District and Tukwila Mayor Allan Eckberg.

Cascade is a municipal corporation that provides water to members Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Tukwila, Sammamish Plateau Water and the Skyway Water and Sewer District. Cascade serves more than 350,000 residents and 20,000 businesses.

“Cascade is committed to ensuring safe, clean, reliable water supply to the people and businesses in our members’ service areas in a cost effective and environmentally responsible manner,” said Chair Stokes.

Currently, Cascade gets its water from Seattle, and it also owns and operates Lake Tapps reservoir in east Pierce County for eventual municipal water supply.

“Cascade is proud to work collaboratively with other water providers in the region to use every drop of water prior to developing new sources,” he added. “Lake Tapps reservoir remains a resource for the future, an insurance policy for the region.”

Cascade is active in its service area helping engage and educate the public around the importance of maintaining a clean, reliable water supply. Residents will see Cascade’s booth and special chalkboard wall, entitled “We Need Water because….”, at community events throughout the area, starting with the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival happening now through Feb 11 at the Washington State Convention Center.

At these events, people will have the opportunity to engage with staff regarding how best to use water wisely at home, at work and in their yards. Cascade presents the Cascade Gardener program, offering about 30 special classes showing residents how to have lovely gardens and landscaping while using less water.

These classes are offered from February through April and are free but interested parties are asked to register at www.cascadewater.org Students at all levels throughout the region learn conservation and the importance of water in their classrooms using a special curriculum provided by Cascade Water Alliance.

For more information about Cascade visit www.cascadewater.org.