PORT ANGELES — Clallam PUD is urging customers in several North Olympic Peninsula water systems to begin conserving water as drought concerns continue to grow across Washington.
The utility announced Tuesday it is moving to a Stage 2 response under its Drought Response Plan for the Carlsborg, Evergreen, Port Angeles Composite, Clallam Bay Sekiu, Island View and Panoramic Heights water systems.
The move follows a statewide emergency drought declaration issued by the Washington Department of Ecology last month after another winter of below-normal snowpack and forecasts calling for warmer and drier conditions this summer.
PUD officials say the Stage 2 response is currently voluntary and is aimed at encouraging conservation early in the season while preparing customers for the possibility of stricter measures later this summer if conditions worsen.
The Island View system west of Sekiu is expected to face the greatest drought risk because it relies entirely on surface water and does not have a groundwater backup source. In past drought years, the PUD has implemented mandatory conservation measures there and trucked in supplemental water from the neighboring Clallam Bay Sekiu system.
Customers are being encouraged to reduce outdoor watering, repair leaks, shorten showers and run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
PUD officials say groundwater supplies have historically remained reliable during drought conditions, but operators will continue monitoring water sources throughout the summer.