The city of Airway Heights is following suit and joining Medical Lake and Cheney in conserving water this summer.
At Monday’s City Council meeting, interim Public Works Director Ross Dunfee and Lance Peterson, public works water lead, informed the council they have enacted level 1 and 2 water restrictions in the city. The restrictions are a result of the hot weather’s effect on the city’s wells, as well as water across Washington state.
“The system’s water supply to the system is down and we are currently monitoring those levels,” Dunfee said.
Peterson explained that at level 1, the Public Works Department mailed a letter to residents which asks them to cut back on irrigation as well as provides conservation measures. The department is also providing water conservation kits for residents who bring in their most recent water bill. The kit includes a flow-reducing showerhead, sink and toilet adapters.
At level 2, the department imposes irrigation restrictions. Current restrictions include no irrigation from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. and watering no more than three days per week. The city has already cut back on watering its parks.
“Levels 3 and 4 are drastic, but if we take these actions now, we’ll never have to go to those stages,” Peterson said. “If we cut back on non-potable use, we’ll save more in the future.”
Another method the city has suggested is that residents with addresses with odd numbers should water on odd days while properties with even numbers water on even days, a method the city used last year. The city of Cheney enacted this measure in 2014 and earlier this year.
Mayor Patrick Rushing suggested that 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. was too late and suggested a timeframe of 7 a.m. — 7 p.m. He added that watering at night is a better option than during the day.
“The winds tend to die down,” Rushing said. “Starting the restriction at 10 a.m. is a little late, but that’s just my opinion.”
Peterson agreed with Rushing about watering at night and suggested council could change the time restriction.
Councilwoman Tanya Dashiell asked about the timeframe of the water restriction. Peterson said the department’s projection for the restrictions to last until late September.
“We’re currently focusing on managing water levels,” Peterson said. “Once we can manage those, the restriction may be lifted.”
Anyone violating the irrigation restrictions will receive a written warning. A second violation results in a civil infraction and a third and subsequent violation is a misdemeanor.
Peterson said Public Works wants to focus on education and not have to worry about enforcement at this time. As for consumers who use large quantities of water, Peterson has already reached out to them.
“We’re handling those on a one-on-one basis,” Peterson said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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