PORT HADLOCK — Jefferson County Public Utility District produced a record volume of water Tuesday — 1.5 million gallons — and the agency’s water resource manager says it’s time for PUD customers to conserve, especially since an upswing in temperatures is expected.
“It’s definitely weather-related, and it does correspond with the fact that we have more than 220 new customers on Marrowstone,” Bill Graham said of the island where PUD finished installing a new water system more than a year ago.
The all-time PUD water production high Tuesday came after a record day Monday of 1.4 million gallons.
“Right now, we’re producing more water for customers, it appears, than ever before,” Graham said.
Normal summer use has averaged between 1 million and 1.1 million gallons a day, he said.
An overcast Wednesday was expected to lessen water use, but clouds parted in the afternoon.
The PUD area covers 2,432 customers from Kala Point to the Tri-Area, he said.
“People have been using water during the heat of the day,” Graham said.
“People need to water or turn their timer to a few hours before sunrise and a few hours before sunset.”
Another concern is PUD water pumps might have to run for 24 hours, which could overburden the system and increase expenses.
PUD issues the following tips to conserve on outdoor water use:
• Water efficiently by using a sprinkler with a low application rate, about 1/3 inch per hour, and check for even coverage. Established grass only needs an inch of water each week.
• When you do water, water long enough for moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good.
• Make the most of mulches — 3 to 4 inches of mulch on top of the soil, especially before spring and fall rains, will reduce water needs, moderate soil temperature and inhibit weed growth.
• Choose climate-friendly plants. Many native plants can survive on rainwater alone, and they’re more disease- and insect-resistant.
• Care for what you plant. Weed and prune regularly to ensure water is going where it’s needed.
Other water-saving tips:
• Wash only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Don’t run water continuously when washing dishes by hand.
• Attach “low-flow” faucet aerators to faucets.
• Take short showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires about 36 gallons of water. A five-minute shower using a flow restrictor will use just 15 to 25 gallons.
• Install “low-flow” shower heads and toilets. Reduce toilet flushing as much as possible.
• Don’t leave the water running when brushing your teeth or shaving. With the tap running at full force, shaving takes 20 gallons of water, teeth-brushing takes 10 and hand washing takes two.
• Check for leaky faucets and toilets, and repair them immediately. A leaky tap, dripping once per second, wastes 6 gallons of water a day.
• Don’t run water continuously when washing your car. Use a nozzle on the hose to stop the water flow between rinsings. Clean the car with a pail of soapy water.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
