Water providers urge conservation as drought pressures increase in Bend
From:
Jacob Larsen, Public Affairs & Communications Manager
541-647-0696,
jlarsen@bendoregon.gov
Water providers urge conservation as drought pressures increase in Bend
The City of Bend and local water providers Avion Water Co. and Roats Water
System are alerting customers of increasing strain on our water systems as
drought conditions worsen in Central Oregon this summer. With a dry winter
behind us and irrigation season beginning, outdoor water use is placing
significant pressure on community water systems.
To maintain reliable drinking water, preserve adequate fire flow and avoid
potential service interruptions, customers from all three water providers
are strongly encouraged to take the following immediate steps to reduce water
use, particularly outdoor water use:
Follow your water provider’s irrigation days and times
Use your water provider’s guidelines for watering on even- or odd-numbered
days and during approved hours. Following these guidelines helps distribute
demand more evenly throughout the week, allowing water systems to recover and
maintain stable levels in storage reservoirs located throughout the City.
Use efficient irrigation scheduling
Apply only the amount of water your landscape requires:
* Lawns need about 1.5 inches per week during the peak of summer, and less in spring and fall.
* Drought-tolerant plants need about 0.7 inches per week.
* Trees need about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter per week. That means a tree with a 5-inch-wide trunk would need 50 gallons of water per week, with less frequent watering for mature trees.
Understanding your sprinkler system’s application rate will help you set
accurate runtimes. The City of Bend has information and resources, including
free rain gauges, to help residents follow best practices for watering
landscapes. Visit
WaterWiseTips.org.
Perform regular irrigation system maintenance
Inspect your system routinely and fix leaks, misaligned or obstructed
sprinklers and mixed sprinkler types. These problems reduce efficiency and
lead to water waste.
Monitor your water consumption
Review your monthly water use through your bill or, for City of Bend
customers, through the
WaterSmart online customer portal.
Comparing current use to previous years can help identify problems early,
prevent emergencies by identifying broken or malfunctioning equipment and
reduce utility costs.
This advisory is intended to help the community avoid mandatory outdoor
watering restrictions later in the season. Taking simple steps now can help
keep water systems stable and protect Bend’s water supply throughout the
summer. For more helpful information and programs visit
WaterWiseTips.org.
About City of Bend Water Services
City of Bend Water Services has provided safe, reliable drinking water to Bend
residents since 1926 and now serves 80,000 people. We promote responsible
water use to help protect and sustain the community’s water supply. Visit
bendoregon.gov/water.
About Avion Water Co.
Avion Water Co. is a private water system serving 35,000 people in Deschutes
and Crook counties, including areas within the City of Bend. Visit
avionwater.com.
About Roats Water System
Roats Water System is a private water system serving 6,400 people in south
Bend. Visit roatswatersystem.com.
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