In partnership with cites around Puget Sound, Marysville is asking city residents to reduce water usage by 10 percent because of the increased chance for a water shortage.
Ways to reduce water use include letting lawns go dormant and watering plants only twice per week, reducing shower times at home or the gym, and checking indoor and outdoor plumbing for leaks.
“We’re asking people to reduce their use so we can continue to meet the demand for water throughout the summer and fall,” said Marysville Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen. “It’s equally important that we have enough water in our local streams and rivers to keep our salmon population healthy.”
The city is taking its own steps to conserve water. Cedarcrest Golf Course has sharply reduced its use, saving up to 50,000 gallons per night by only watering essential turf and landscape areas. The Parks and Recreation department has shortened Spray Park hours by two hours a day – instead of being open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the park is now open from noon to 7 p.m. – and has reduced watering at Comeford and Jennings parks by 33 percent.
Earlier this week, Everett, Seattle and Tacoma reached Stage 2 of their drought response plan – which asks residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10 percent. The cities are managing water supplies for residents and fish to ensure that water supplies last through the summer and that sufficient stream flow exists to support healthy runs of salmon and other fish.