PORT ANGELES — The water level in Morse Creek east of town has fallen to the point that the Clallam County Public Utility District has declared a mandatory water conservation alert for the 1,500 customers of the Fairview Water System.
Because unusually low rainfall has dropped the Morse Creek water level to about 23 cubic feet per second, the state Department of Ecology ordered a Stage 3 alert on Tuesday, said Jeff Beaman, PUD executive communication coordinator.
The Stage 3 plan provides an alternate day watering schedule for outdoor watering, among other restrictions, with the goal of cutting water use by 10 percent.
“This is an action that normally occurs at September,” Beaman said, “but with dry spring we had this year, and the unusually dry summer so far, it’s hit a little earlier.”
None of the other eight water systems PUD operates have restrictions, Beaman said. Fairview is one of two that are stream-fed, the other being Island View Water System on the West End. The rest are on wells, or have water supplemented through purchases from Port Angeles, he said.
Restrictions likely will stay in effect until “the rains resume,” Beaman said.
And, if dry conditions continue, restrictions could become tighter before they are relaxed.
“This is the first time in recent memory we’ve gone to a Stage 3,” Beaman said. “We’ve normally gone to a Stage 4, which is more restrictive on outdoor watering.”
Customer notifications began Tuesday through a dial-out system, Beaman said. Those who can’t be reached by phone will be given written notification.
The Fairview Water System extends from Deer Park Road east to Shore Road, and from Township Line Road to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The PUD is required to put the Stage 3 plan into effect when the Morse Creek water level falls to 25 cubic feet per second or lower. Flows reached that level Sunday, Beaman said.
Restrictions call for outdoor watering only on even-numbered days for even-numbered addresses, and odd-numbered days for odd-numbered addresses. Also, vehicle washing is prohibited other than for safety-related purposes, and no water can be used for construction projects.
More information about water conservation is available at www.wateruseitwisely.com.
