Prepare for High Tide Flooding Downtown
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Winter can bring a higher risk of flooding to downtown, and Olympia is working to stay ahead of it. Tidal flooding happens when very high tides, called "king" tides, happen at the same time as heavy rains or low air pressure. These floods usually end quickly and go away as the tide goes out. If Budd Inlet water levels spill over the shoreline, parts of Downtown Olympia can experience 18 inches or more of flooding. This can cause road closures for several hours and damage to cars and buildings.
Flooding can look different depending on the weather, but we do know when high tides are expected. If you live, work, shop or play downtown, it's a good idea to prepare for potential flooding ahead of time.
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Visit the downtown flooding webpage to see maps of where flooding is likely to occur and the days we expect "king" tides.
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Sign up for Thurston Community Alerts and select "Budd Inlet Flood Advisory" to receive flood advisory alerts.
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Have a plan for what your business/family will do if flooding is expected.
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Olympia Fire Station 1 Goes Solar
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Olympia Fire Station 1 is taking a big step toward a cleaner future with the installation of a new solar energy system. The new solar panels will meet 100% of the station's energy needs by generating 140,000 kWh of renewable electricity every year. In its first year, the system is expected to reduce energy costs by about $30,200. Over the next 25 years, those savings will add up to more than $756,000 - freeing up funds that can be used to serve our community. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the system will also offset 223,689 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually. That's equal to avoiding 156,896 miles of driving every year. Want to learn more about going solar in Olympia? Check out our solar resource page at olympiawa.gov/solar. This project is supported with funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington's climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at https://www.climate.wa.gov.
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Warming Up to Heat Pump Water Heaters
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The City of Olympia is wrapping up 19 installations of energy-efficient heat pump water heaters in low- and moderate-income households through the Energize Thurston program. These upgrades are expected to save approximately 22,848 kWH of energy per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 107 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over 15 years! Water heating is the second-largest energy use in your home. Heat pump water heaters are 3 to 5 times more efficient than other water heater equipment, including tankless gas water heaters. This all-electric solution can provide all the hot water you need, while saving energy and reducing your emissions. There is still funding available for a few more subsidized heat pump water heater installations for City of Olympia residents. For more information about how to apply, email [email protected] or visit https://www.energizethurston.org.
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Home Energy Federal Tax Credits Expiring Soon
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Due to recent changes in federal legislation, tax credits for rooftop solar, battery storage, and home energy efficiency improvements will expire at the end of this year. These credits apply to a wide range of projects, including energy audits, heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, and battery storage. If you're thinking about making these upgrades, acting now, before these incentives are phased out, could potentially save thousands of dollars. And remember, these tax credits can be stacked with PSE utility rebates for even greater savings!
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Heat pump air conditioner/heater (25C): up to $2,000; installations before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Heat pump water heater (25C): up to $2,000; installations before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Weatherization/insulation (25C): up to $1,200; installations before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Electrical panel (25C): up to $600; installations before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Home energy audit (25C): up to $150; audits completed before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Rooftop solar installation (25D): 30 percent of qualifying costs; purchases made before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Battery storage installation (25D): 30 percent of qualifying costs; purchases made before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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Geothermal heating installation (25D): 30 percent of qualifying costs; purchases made before December 31, 2025, are eligible.
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EV charger (30C): up to $1,000; chargers placed in service before June 30, 2026, are eligible.
Disclaimer: The list of tax credits presented here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific tax guidance. For questions regarding your individual taxes, we suggest consulting with your tax advisor.
Not sure where to get started? Check out the Switch Is On for guidance on home electrification, as well as tools to find incentives.
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Contact
Dr. Pamela Braff, Climate Programs Director
City Manager's Office
360.753.8249
[email protected]
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