PUD #1 of Clallam County (PUD) is asking water utility customers in the Clallam Bay/Sekiu Water System to begin mandatory outdoor water restrictions. This is a Stage 3 Response from the District’s Drought Response Plan. Vehicle washing, except for safety related purposes is prohibited. Even numbered addresses may water outdoors on even numbered days, odd numbered addresses may water outdoors on odd numbered days.

Water for the Clallam Bay/Sekiu Water System is supplied from a well field near the Hoko River. Groundwater sources do have a greater resiliency to drought compared to surface water sources; however, streamflow is used an indicator of upcoming groundwater shortages in this region. Based on Hoko River streamflow data collected by the USGS, the PUD predicts that the Hoko River streamflow will drop to about 14 cfs in about 1 week. According to the District’s Drought Response Plan, this forecast meets the criteria for a Stage 3 Response.

The Clallam Bay/Sekiu Water System is located in western Clallam County and serves the communities of Clallam Bay and Sekiu as well as the Middle Point area and the Clallam Bay Corrections Center. There are 363 active customer water accounts served by the Clallam Bay/Sekiu Water System.

The objective of the Stage 3 plan is to encourage customers to conserve water wherever possible and reduce water consumption by 10 percent. Some ways water can be conserved by customers include:

• Reduce outdoor water use – water only on odd or even days.

• Fix all leaky faucets and toilets.

• Take shorter showers, not baths.

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

• Operate automatic dish and clothes washers only when full.

• Reuse clean household water. Collect all water that is wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach your faucet. Use this water for houseplants or outdoor plants.

• Use water-efficient appliances.

For a more comprehensive list of actions to save water or to access more information on water conservation go to www.wateruseitwisely.com.