From June through September, Lacey water customers’ daily water usage more than doubles – from about 6 million (in the winter) to 15 million gallons (in the summer) per day.
Rather than add costly infrastructure to meet the big increase in demand for only 4 months a year, in 2006, the City adopted the odd-even watering schedule to reduce peak water
demand during the summer. This helps manage demand and keeps costs down. Prior to starting the odd-even watering practice, Lacey’s summer peak water demand was 17
million gallons a day. In 2021, this was reduced to 15 million gallons a day—a considerable decrease even though the number of Lacey water customers increased!
The City does not limit the amount of water you can use. However, if we all take turns, we can deliver enough water with our existing system and our community can avoid
building additional water infrastructure needed for only 1/3 of the year. A new well would cost about $2 million, which would mean a rate increase.
You can apply for a temporary exemption or variance if you planted a new lawn (sod or seed) or landscape area, or have an irrigation system that waters areas on both sides of the
street at the same time. To apply, contact Water Resources at (360) 486-8707 or WaterResources@ci.lacey.wa.us.
For more information about the mandatory summer watering schedule, effective June 1 to Sept. 30, call (360) 491-5600, visit cityoflacey.org/Odd-Even-Outdoor-Watering
Schedules.
Learn more about our other Water Resources programs on Water Quality, Water Conservation, and Drinking Water Programs.
Original source can be found here.
