MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION NOTICE

THE MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION NOTICE HAS BEEN RESCINDED

Issued: 12/05/2023, 4:20 PM 

Effective immediately, the Town of Cathlamet is implementing mandatory water conservation measures for all customers served by the Town of Cathlamet and Wahkiakum PUD Puget Island Water systems. Cathlamet is permitted to impose use restrictions on its customers pursuant to Cathlamet Municipal Code 13.40.030. 

These use restrictions will continue until the Town provides notice that the mandatory water conservation has been lifted. The Town of Cathlamet has determined that mandatory water conservation is needed at this time in order to protect the integrity of the Cathlamet supply and distribution system because the Town is unable to produce any new water due to extremely high raw water turbidity (muddy water) as a result of current and recent weather conditions. If use restrictions are not put in place immediately, this could result in a short-term supply shortage (total available water supply may not be enough to meet maximum system demand). 

While mandatory water conservation is in place, all Town customers are required to reduce essential water use and eliminate nonessential uses of water, which include the following: 

• The use of hoses, sprinklers or other means for sprinkling or watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers or other vegetation.
• The use of water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, trailer houses or other type of mobile equipment.
• The washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, office buildings, exterior of homes, sidewalks, apartments or other outdoor surfaces.
• The operation of an ornamental fountain or other structures making a similar use of water.
• The use of water for filling swimming or wading pools.
• The operation of water-cooled comfort air conditioning which does not have water-conserving equipment.
• The use of water from fire hydrants for construction purposes or fire drills.
• The use of water to flush a wastewater line or wastewater manhole.
• The use of water for commercial farms and nurseries other than a bare minimum to preserve plants, crops and livestock.

The Town will lift the water use restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so. Currently, we cannot predict how long this order will remain in place, as it is dependent on weather and river conditions clearing up. It is greatly appreciated and anticipated that all customers will comply with the use restrictions identified above in order to continue to receive safe, adequate and reliable water service. Please contact the Public Works Superintendent David McNally at (360) 795-3203 x4 or david@townofcathlamet.com with any questions or concerns regarding this notice. 

While a boil water advisory is not being put in place at this time, but we are providing a link to the CDC’s informational page for future reference if needed: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-water-advisories/boil-water-advisory.html 

Town of Cathlamet, Public Works Department (360) 795-3203 x4