High water usage during hot weather

By on Monday, June 28th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY – (Information provided by the City of Baker City)  The City of Baker City is experiencing very high water usage during this hot weather.  The Public Works Department is reporting that peak hour demand rates now exceed 8MGD. A typical summer water use day is approximately 4.5MGD. Water conservation will be the key to allow water supply to meet the public’s water demand.  

The City is implementing Stage 1 of its Water Curtailment Plan effective Monday, June 28, 2021. This plan has four stages including Stage 1-Alert Status, Stage 2- Warning Status, Stage 3-Critical Status and Stage 4-Emergency Status. 

The Alert Status requests voluntary conservation from industrial, commercial and residential customers. In addition, Public Works has specifically requested that Parks, Cemetery and the Golf Course reduce their usage to 70% of normal for irrigation. 

Here are some great water conservation tips. 

*Water your lawn in the evening rather than the heat of the day when evaporation is at its greatest. *Water your lawn every other day, not daily. 

*Run only full loads in the washer and dishwasher 

*Turn off running water while brushing your teeth 

*Install low flow shower heads and toilets *Fix any water leaks