As summer progresses in the Snoqualmie Valley, we have seen high temperatures as well as cooler temperatures, yet the Snoqualmie River flow this time of year remains lower than usual. The City of North Bend’s Water Conservation Ordinance (WCO) is a positive way to actively help conserve water right now for our community and local wildlife, as well as others in the Snoqualmie River Watershed.
Beginning August 15, the city entered Stage 1 of the WCO.
The WCO pertains to all property owners within city limits and all City of North Bend water customers within or outside city limits.
Due to the Snoqualmie River’s lower flow rate this time of year, the city will enter Stage 2 of the WCO on Wednesday, August 20. Learn more about Stages 1 and 2 by reading the Water Conservation Ordinance.
How to comply with Stage 2:
- You can irrigate landscaping three times per week rather than each day as provided in Stage 1. The volume of watering users choose for their irrigation is not affected by the WCO, though the city urges users to be cognizant of their water use at any time, as conservation results in better health of the Snoqualmie River.
- You can water between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. when less evaporation occurs. This is a continuation of the WCO Stage 1 directive.
- Landscape and pasture irrigation – except drip irrigation – is limited to a maximum of three days per week, based on the following odd-even schedule:
- Customers with odd street addresses can irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Customers with even street addresses can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- No irrigation is allowed on Mondays. Public and private streetscape landscaping (medians and frontage) will be watered on the same odd/even schedule.
- While hand and manual watering follow the same odd/even house number schedule, it may be done at any time during the day.
- There will be no washing of streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, buildings or other hardscape surfaces, except as necessary for health, sanitation or fire protection purposes.
- Water will only be served upon request at restaurants.
- No water from the city water system will be used for construction purposes without prior city approval.
As a reminder, if you install or already have a drip irrigation system and that is your sole source of watering, you are exempt from the WCO.
Examples of wasteful use of water under the WCO:
Wasteful water usage occurs when water significantly runs off a resident's property, such as over irrigation, free flowing hoses, pool and pond draining and refilling (except as necessary for health, maintenance, or structural considerations), and washing concrete surfaces.
Resources and more information about local water conservation and weather events:
Stay up to date on the WCO and other local city news by:
- Signing up for “Notify Me,” a free online subscription tool that allows you to pick from a range of topics that will be sent to your email or mobile device
- Visiting the City News Release webpage
- Follow the City on social media, via Facebook, X and NextDoor
Efficient use of water remains a key component to the overall management of water. The city appreciates your efforts to help conserve this limited natural resource.
