In a March 7 water supply update from the Washington state Department of Ecology titled “There’s snow doubt, we’re still in drought,” questions were raised about how homeowners can manage their water use in times of short supply.
The first day of spring was Thursday, March 20. Despite March being significantly wetter than February, Ecology reports that statewide snowback — snow water equivalent — is just 71% of normal. Ecology’s statewide drought lead Caroline Mellor said in the update that Washington would need significantly above-normal precipitation and cold temperatures to address the current snowpack deficit and drought concerns.
The current drought was declared in July of last year for 12 watersheds in 12 counties and is set to expire at the end of June. The statewide drought advisory is still in effect, Ecology stated.
Clark Public Utilities Public Information Officer Dameon Pesanti relayed information for how homeowners can conserve their water, and what water supply the utility manages in correlation to a drought call continuing since last summer.
“We have a diversified groundwater supply that includes multiple local aquifers and system interties to ensure a steady supply even as groundwater conditions fluctuate,” he stated in an email. “Also, as part of municipal water law and in the spirit of conservation and stewardship, Clark Public Utilities implemented a water use efficiency plan in 2008 with an update in 2024 that includes both supply-side and demand-side water conservation goals.”
Pesanti stated that the utility is expecting a warm summer with typical seasonal precipitation locally.
“We will continue to encourage customers to use water wisely with proven conservation practices that help protect communal supplies in the long-term while keeping household water bills predictable and manageable,” Pesanti stated.
In the summer months, some jurisdictions implement water restrictions. Pesanti provided ways to reduce water waste, adding that these practices are recommended year-round.
• Attaching low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators limits both water consumption as well as water heating costs.
• Fix leaks right away, even small ones — dripping faucets or running toilets can waste large volumes of water and drive up water bills.
• Purchasing high efficiency washing machines and dishwashers and washing only full loads.
• Wash dishes with a dishwasher — they use a fraction of the water that washing by hand does.
• Calibrating and testing automatic irrigation systems — lawns and landscaping often require much less water than people think. Adjusting the system to water in the early mornings or evenings and at the correct volumes reduces wasted water. Also, purchasing WaterSense-certified sprinkler heads and control units (among other efficiency products) can help maximize effectiveness while reducing overall water use.
• Instead of sprinklers, use drip irrigation to get water directly to the base of plants.
• Landscape with native plants or drought resistant plants adapted to the local climate that require less water and minimal maintenance.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off.
Year-round conservation is a smart practice to help preserve water, reduce water waste at home and keep utility expenses low, Pesanti added.
“And often a little attention to when, where and how we use water can result in significant savings without sacrificing healthy gardens or conveniences at home,” he stated in the email.
