Clallam County PUD #1 is requesting that water utility customers prepare to conserve water this year, in response to a statewide drought emergency issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

On April 16, Department of Ecology officials declared a statewide drought emergency due to low snowpack levels and forecasted impacts to drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, fisheries and instream resources.

In response to the forecasted impacts to drinking water supplies, PUD officials said they are taking the following actions to ensure drought readiness and resiliency in the area:

• Activating a Stage 1 Drought Response in accordance with the PUD Drought Response Plan

• Preparing groundwater wells which we will rely upon when surface water flows are low

• Exploring grant opportunities to fund improvements to drought resiliency and preparation

How to help

PUD officials said they are also seeking to educate customers on ways to save water. They offered these tips:

• Limit outdoor water use for irrigation

• Find and fix leaks in household plumbing and irrigation systems

• Install water efficient fixtures and appliances

• Wash vehicles and boats at a carwash that recycles its water

For a comprehensive list of actions to save water or to access more information on water conservation, visit home-water-works.org/water-conservation-tips/home.

For more information about Ecology’s drought declaration, see tinyurl.com/SEQ24drought.