PORT ANGELES — The city declared a Stage 2, or “serious,” water shortage Monday due to low flows in the Elwha River, the main source of water for taps in the city and several surrounding areas.

The declaration means immediate voluntary reductions in water use by residents and other city water customers.

Among the Stage 2 recommendations from city officials:

Residents water their lawns sparingly, and only in the mornings or evenings, car washing should be cut back, showers should be shorter, leaky faucets should be repaired, and dishwashers and clothes washers should only be used with full loads.

The city’s Public Works and Fire departments also will reduce water consumption and keep the public informed of the water shortage situation.

The city gets its water from the Ranney Collector on the Elwha River. It also can draw from Morse Creek and has reservoirs around the city that can sustain water supplies — but not for an extended period.

The Elwha River water level at McDonald Bridge west of Port Angeles dropped dramatically from 10.3 feet and 490 cubic feet per second at noon Saturday to 9.95 feet and 305 cubic feet per second at noon Monday.

PUD customers affected

The Clallam County Public Utility District, as a wholesale water buyer from city supplies, is obligated to follow with an equivalent declaration under its water shortage response plan.

Clallam PUD Chairman Will Purser said Monday afternoon that interim General Manager Shelley Burgett will declare a Stage 2 water shortage under the district’s response plan, and commissioners will affirm it at their next meeting.