Sustainable Thurston Report Card

Goal: Ensure that the region’s water supply sustains people in perpetuity while protecting the environment.

Targets

  • Reduce per capita water use by 15% (from 2010 levels) by 2020.
  • Reduce per capita water use by 33% (from 2010 levels) by 2035 to achieve no net increase in water use in Thurston County.

Outlook

SunnySunny, future looks bright.
The region is on schedule to meet its 2020 target.

  1. Water Use Per Capita
  2. Total Water Usage

Data Table

Why is this important?

Thurston County’s water supply comes from groundwater aquifers and surface water sources like lakes and rivers. For many years, water use increased along with the region’s population. As population continues to grow, using the water we have more efficiently will help ensure our region has adequate water to sustain both people — including residential, commercial, and agricultural activities — and stream flows that provide good habitat for fish and other wildlife, and support recreation and other uses.

Key Observations

Water use per capita decreased significantly between 2010 and 2015, the last dates for which data are available. With an increase in population, use of domestic and public supply water also increased. However, reductions in water use for industry, irrigation and aquaculture have offset this. Overall, water use has decreased since 2005, and the region is on schedule to meet its 2020 target.