Shape Our Water’s community vision is a guiding light for decision-making about what drainage and wastewater investments should be part of our 50-year plan.

During two years of outreach and engagement, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) learned about our community’s goals for community and environmental health, resilience, multi-benefit investments, and community-centered partnerships.

The resulting Shape Our Water vision plan shares our community’s values and priorities. We use the Community Vision to guide future investment priorities for infrastructure, policies, and programs, in tandem with real-world data and analysis of our current system’s needs.

All illustrations by Natalie Dupille.

  • Community and environmental health

    Investments in water quality should lead to equitable outcomes, including the health of our communities and our local environment.

    An illustration shows an underwater octopus clinging to a pipe while a kayaker paddles on the surface of the ocean. Image credit: Natalie Dupille.

  • Resilience

    Future infrastructure investments need to be resilient and adaptable to the climate challenges Seattle will face in the years ahead.

    An illustration shows multiple people enjoying a boardwalk over water, some reading, enjoying an ice cream, fishing, and bird watching. Image credit: Natalie Dupille.

  • Multi-benefit investments

    Drainage and wastewater investments should provide multiple benefits such as public space, economic development, and community cohesion, in addition to improving water quality.

    An illustration shows the Seattle skyline transformed with more green space as people skateboard, walk and sit. Image credit: Natalie Dupille.

  • Community-centered partnerships

    To build truly multi-benefit investments, Seattle Public Utilities must build meaningful partnerships with local communities, environmental organizations, other government entities, and many others.

    An illustration shows a group of people talking together of different ages, abilities, and racial and cultural backgrounds. Image credit: Natalie Dupille.

Color our Community Vision

What’s your vision for Seattle’s water future? Download our printable coloring pages to bring your own colors and creativity to scenes of Seattle’s natural waters.

All illustrations by Natalie Dupille.