Lower-than-average snowpack, an early spring melt and very little precipitation in recent months have contributed to increasingly dry conditions in the Snoqualmie River Watershed.
Beginning Saturday, August 15, Stage 1 of North Bend’s Water Conservation Ordinance will take effect for all property owners within city limits and all City of North Bend water customers, including those outside the city.
The city also anticipates moving to Stage 2 earlier than usual this year, possibly in late August or early September.
Under Stage 1, irrigation of yards, gardens, orchards and ornamental landscaping is allowed daily between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. Hand watering is allowed at any time.
Properties that use drip irrigation as their sole source of watering are exempt from the ordinance. Short-term recreational water use is also allowed.
The ordinance prohibits wasteful water use, including overwatering that causes significant runoff, free-flowing hoses, unnecessary draining and refilling of pools or ponds, and washing concrete surfaces.
The city says the goal of the ordinance is education and voluntary compliance, not enforcement. Police will not be monitoring residents for midday watering.
If a violation is reported or observed, the city will first make verbal or written contact. Continued violations can lead to a notice to correct and penalties of up to $50 per day. Further violations can result in administrative penalties of up to $200 per day.
If North Bend moves to a higher conservation stage, the public works director will issue a declaration, and the city will notify residents through its website and social media channels.
The full Water Conservation Ordinance and additional conservation information are available on the City of North Bend website.
[Information provided by the City of North Bend]
Comments
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the city watering at all times of the day including sprinklers on when it’s raining!