Stage 1 — Forecast Alert
The key elements of Stage 1 are forecasts to alert utility commissioners and personnel to the risk of drought conditions and to prepare for a possible drought response. Forecasts are made during two periods. From January through May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides forecast maps, at about the middle of each month, of streamflow during the upcoming spring-summer season. The forecast report shows a map of the percent of normal streamflow across the western states. District Staff will review the NRCS forecasts every month. The NRCS forecasts indicate both ground and surface water source availability because, in general, both sources are hydraulically connected.
Also, the alert will require PUD personnel to review the following hydrological monitoring station reports on at least a semi-monthly basis:
The snowpack data will be used to indicate when to begin reviewing streamflow data. The hydrographs will be examined to identify the beginning of a streamflow recession pattern. After 2 weeks from the beginning of the streamflow recession, mean daily streamflow data from this 2- week period will be collected. These data will be analyzed using linear and log regression techniques. The results of the analysis will be used to predict streamflow recession. The predictions will be used to forecast the date when streamflow drops below critical levels. Forecasts will be updated weekly.
Stage 2 — Voluntary Conservation
The key elements of Stage 2 are communication of public information and cooperation from customers. The goal of this stage is to notify customers to anticipate an increase in drought response later in the dry season and to begin taking voluntary conservation measures. The Water Use It Wisely website describes how customers can conserve water.
- The PUD prepares News Releases and distributes them to newspapers, radio stations, local television, PENCOM, and associated web pages.
- Water conservation information is made available to customers through News Releases, mail-outs, handouts, etc
- The PUD will provide education for employees on the cause and effect of the shortage and the message that should be conveyed to customers.
- The PUD will begin water conservation measures in its own facilities.
- Fire districts will be alerted to the shortage and requested to minimize unnecessary use of water.
- Begin semi-monthly well water level monitoring.
- 1 week before the estimated date of Morse Creek streamflow dropping below 25 cfs, begin Deer Park Road Booster Pump System operations.
- When Morse Creek streamflow drops below 25 cfs cease creek diversion.
Stage 3 — Outdoor Restrictions
The key elements of Stage 3 are to reduce and/or eliminate outdoor use of water. The goal of this stage is to reduce water consumption by 10%.
- Customers will be expected to comply with alternating days for outdoor watering. Even-numbered addresses water only on even-numbered days, odd-numbered addresses water only on odd-numbered days, and all customers minimize watering use. Minimizing total use will be emphasized.
- Customers will be provided information on outdoor watering requirements for lawns and landscaping such that only the amount absolutely necessary is used.
- News releases are released to indicate the need for a greater reduction in water consumption.
- Information will be provided to customers on water-efficient appliances.
- Vehicle washing will be prohibited except for safety-related purposes.
- Water will not be available from PUD systems for construction projects to reduce dust or other routine County road surface preparation.
- Continue semi-monthly well water level monitoring.
- Continue Deer Park Road Booster Pump System operations.
Stage 4 — Mandatory Outdoor Restrictions & Indoor Conservation
The key elements of Stage 4 will be to eliminate outdoor use and minimize indoor use by consumers. The goal of this stage is to reduce consumption by 10 to 20%.
- News releases are revised to communicate information applicable to this stage.
- A message is inserted with PUD bills or a direct mailing made.
- No outdoor use is permitted except in critical or emergency situations.
- Customers are asked to reduce indoor use of water.
- Door hangers or personal contact is used to notify violators.
- Repeat violations will subject the consumer to potential shutoff.
- Begin weekly well water level monitoring.
- Begin preparations for lowering well pumps and/or deepening shallow wells.
- Continue operation of Deer Park Road Booster Pump System.
- Begin water trucking operations for the Island View water system.
Stage 5 – Water Rationing
The key element of stage 5 is to ration a limited supply of water so as to serve only essential uses. The goal of this stage is to continue to reduce consumption from 20% upwards of 30%.
- News releases and other communications emphasize that only essential use of water is allowed.
- A direct mailing to customers is utilized to ensure that information about the severe nature of the situation is communicated.
- Non-critical accounts are turned off after notification to the customer.
- Penalties, such as monetary or shutoff, will be applied for violations.
- Water availability in areas may be reduced or other restrictions applied by the PUD at its discretion
- Continue weekly well water level monitoring.
- Lower pump intake levels and/or deepen shallow wells if they become inoperable due to low groundwater.
- Continue operation of Deer Park Road Booster Pump System.
- If Deer Park Road Booster Pump System is inoperable, set up water filling station at Old Olympic Well Site.
- Continue water trucking operations for the Island View water system.
Essential Use — water consumption associated with personal use only.
Examples: cooking, drinking, bathing, sanitation, personal hygiene.
Non-critical Account — irrigation, lawn watering, vehicle wash facilities.