To support a long-term water supply agreement between Cascade Water Alliance and Tacoma Water, Bowman was engaged as an independent advisor to lead the development of a fair, adaptable pricing structure. With Lake Tapps not expected to come online until the 2060s due to the scale of required infrastructure investment, Cascade needed a flexible approach to securing interim supply from Tacoma’s existing system.
Bowman worked closely with both utilities to structure a hybrid capacity model, dividing Cascade’s purchase into permanent and temporary commitments. Our team led the technical and financial analysis, developed cost allocation methodologies aligned with industry standards and facilitated stakeholder discussions. The final model included a system development charge for permanent capacity and a rental-based pricing mechanism for temporary use, allowing Cascade to scale back over time.
Approved in early 2025, the agreement reflects Bowman’s ability to navigate complex, multi-party negotiations and deliver financial strategies that support long-term infrastructure planning and regional resource optimization.
Read the project case study for a deeper look at this project.