Posted: June 18, 2009 12:12:16 PM PDT
The City of Bellingham is implementing a voluntary outdoor watering schedule effective from June 15th through September 15th to help reduce the stress on our water supply during the warm, dry summer months.
Residents are asked to adhere to the following schedule:
City officials said Wednesday's brief rain shower is the first measurable rainfall since May 26. This, combined with the fact that the city is unable to divert water from the Middle Fork Nooksack River due to damages sustained during the winter storms, makes it especially important to promote outdoor water conservation this year.
Average daily water consumption often doubles during the summer when outdoor water use is highest. Lawn watering and other outdoor water use can account for up to 30% of residential water consumption.
While we encourage residents to let their lawns go dormant for the summer, grasses only need one inch of water per week to stay healthy and green. In addition to using the voluntary watering schedule, other ways to reduce outdoor water consumption include:
As a member of the Whatcom Water Alliance, Bellingham joins other municipalities and water utilities in Whatcom County that are implementing similar conservation measures. The goal of the Whatcom Water Alliance is to improve management of our water resources. Current members include: Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas, Birch Bay Water and Sewer, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer, Point Roberts Water District, Water District #2 and Water District #7.
For more information, please visit www.cob.org/services/environment/conservation/index.aspx or email waterconservation@cob.org.
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Media Contact:
Ted Carlson, Assistant Public Works Director, 778-7700
