As climate change continues to impact King County and the broader Pacific Northwest, the City of North Bend remains committed to leading the way in water conservation.
The City has implemented various initiatives to preserve this vital resource, including reducing leaks in the distribution system, upgrading environmental infrastructure at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, replacing aging water mains, educating customers on conservation practices, and enforcing the Water Conservation Ordinance (WCO), which began in 2020.
The WCO is a proactive approach to addressing our region’s ongoing water scarcity issues. On April 16, 2024, the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency as the state’s water supply dropped below 75% of normal levels.
An unusually warm spring accelerated snowmelt in the upper Snoqualmie River watershed, further straining our water resources.
Stage 1 of the WCO will be implemented starting Thursday, August 15. This ordinance applies to all property owners within the City limits and all North Bend water customers, regardless of location.
This annual practice is familiar for some, while others may be new to the community and eager to learn how they can contribute to water conservation efforts.
Your participation in these efforts to conserve water and protect the Snoqualmie River is greatly appreciated. To read the full WCO and learn more about Stage 1, please visit www.northbendwa.gov/166/Water-Conservation.
The WCO aims to promote conservation education and awareness, benefiting the North Bend community and the entire Snoqualmie Valley.
Stage 1 Guidelines:
- Irrigation: It is permitted daily from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. This schedule minimizes evaporation, making watering more efficient and potentially lowering your water bill.
- Hand/Manual Watering: Allowed at any time throughout the day during Stage 1.
- Drip Irrigation Systems: Properties that rely solely on drip irrigation are exempt from the WCO.
- Recreational Water Use: Short-term recreational use of water is permitted under the WCO.
Examples of Wasteful Water Use:
- Water runoff from over-irrigation
- Free-flowing hoses
- Pool and pond draining and refilling (except for health, maintenance, or structural reasons)
- Washing concrete surfaces
Monitoring and Compliance:
The WCO is designed to encourage voluntary compliance through education and awareness. While the City does not monitor water usage or issue fines for initial violations, continued non-compliance could result in penalties.
If a violation is observed, the City will first contact the person verbally or in writing. Depending on the severity and recurrence, persistent violations could lead to fines ranging from $50 to $200 per day.
If the City advances to subsequent stages of the WCO, residents will be informed through official announcements on the City’s website and social media channels. For more information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click HERE.
