Gig Harbor urges residents to conserve water during drought

GIG HARBOR, Wash. -- Only one month ago, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency.

Now smaller governments are asking people to cut back on their water usage much earlier than most people can remember.

The city of Gig Harbor said the dry, hot weather, along with a spike in water use, is forcing it to ask residents there to conserve.

"It's been over 80 degrees many times already," said resident Samantha Wilson. "It's hot, it's dry, it's beautiful but it's not normal."

Many yards in Gig Harbor are lush and green, but the warm temperatures and absent rainfall is affecting the water supply in the city.

"Last May compared to this May, we're 30% higher usage this year," Gig Harbor City Administrator Ron Williams said.

The city operates five wells, but one is out of service and the underground aquifer is lower than usual.

"There's been a high usage of water, there's not much rain recharging the aquifer," Williams added.

City officials want everyone to cut back immediately.

The public is being asked to not wash their cars at home and to avoid watering landscaping during daylight hours. Watering on private landscaping should happen at night, even-numbered address should only irrigate on even-numbered dates and vice versa.

So far the restrictions are only voluntary. City employees will monitor water levels and usage and reevaluate the restrictions as needed.

The city also plans to cut back irrigation on public property.

Restrictions will stay in place until the state lifts the declared drought emergency.