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All newsPUD Encourages Water Conservation – Drought is a Concern
The PUD is asking water utility customers in the upper Fairview Water District to begin voluntary water conservation measures as a result of the area’s drought.
Tom Martin, PUDs Water and Wastewater System Assistant Superintendent, says, “Our water customers in the upper Fairview Water District will be impacted by the lack of snowpack. This part of the water district is located between O’Brien and Deer Park Roads, and uphill from about where the BPA transmission lines cross these roads to Township Line Road. Their source of water is Morse Creek. The streamflow in the creek is expected to drop to extremely low levels during this spring and summer.”
There are many ways PUD customers can work to conserve water. Many of these tips were shared in the quarterly PUD HotLine Newsletters. These tips can also be found at: http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/
Recognizing the potential for drought related issues, the PUD also began water conservation measures on all of its properties in March of this year. Doug Nass, PUD General Manager, says, “It’s important for everyone to conserve water during these times of drought so we too are taking action.” The PUD is working to conserve water by cutting back on the watering of its lawns and other greenery, and reducing vehicle washing.
These water conservation measures and concern about the drought are not unique to the PUD. In March, Governor Inslee declared a drought emergency for the North Olympic Region due to the lack of snowpack. Read the Governor’s statement here: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/governor-inslee-declares-drought-three-washington-regions
The Status of Other PUD Water Systems:
Lower Fairview, Evergreen and Carlsborg Water Districts depend on groundwater. Groundwater levels are currently high, which is normal for this time of year. It is uncertain whether the groundwater levels will drop below normal levels this summer and fall which can impact other creek and river streamflows. This ground-surface water interaction will be watched closely this year. The outcome could be that the District issues outdoor water restrictions in all of our other water districts. We have to wait and see about taking these measures.
Gales Addition, Monroe and Mt. Angeles Water Districts depend on purchased water supplied by the City of Port Angeles. We share their water source, which is the Elwha River. The PUD will coordinate with the City on their drought response.
The west-county water districts (Clallam Bay-Sekiu and Island View) do not depend on snowpack and may not experience drought-related problems.
For additional information about the PUD’s Drought Response Plan, click here.