PORT ANGELES — Customers of the Fairview Water District east of Port Angeles, which takes its water from Morse Creek, must stop all outdoor watering except in emergencies.
The Clallam County Public Utility District said Thursday low water flow in Morse Creek prompted the state Department of Ecology to require a Stage 4 alert be put into place for the 1,500 customers of the district.
This calls for mandatory elimination of all outdoor water use — except in critical or emergency situations — and minimal indoor use.
Since Aug. 25, the district has been under a Stage 3 alert which required alternate-day outdoor watering. Outdoor watering and vehicle washing are no longer allowed.
Protect habitat
The alert was called to protect fisheries habitat in Morse Creek, the PUD said in a prepared statement.
The goal is to cut water use by 10 to 20 percent.
Alerts are called when water flow dips below 25 cubic feet per second.
Morse Creek levels spiked to 70 cfs on Sunday and Monday because of rain but have fallen since.
They are now below 25 cfs, said Jeff Beaman, PUD spokesman.
The PUD began notifying customers of the added restrictions Thursday.
The Fairview System extends from Deer Park Road east to Shore Road and from Township Line Road to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Fairview is one of nine water systems operated by the PUD.
Recommendations
Recommended indoor conservation actions include:
• Use water-efficient appliances.
• Fix all leaky faucets and toilets.
• Take shorter showers, not baths.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Operate automatic dishwashers/clothes washers only when full.
• Reuse clean household water by collecting water that runs while customers are waiting for hot water to reach their faucets and use the water for houseplants or outdoor plants.
For a more comprehensive list of actions to save water or to access more information on water conservation, see www.water useitwisely.com or phone the PUD at 360-565-3216.