Sequim irrigators launch drought response
August 6th, 2009 - 2:51am
(Sequim) -- The run of dry weather has prompted Sequim area irrigators to start cutting back.
Sequim-Dungeness Valley Agricultural Water Users Association president Ben Smith says Dungeness River flows have dropped to drought levels seen only once in every 20 years.
The flow at the fish hatchery late last month was less than half the average flow for this time of year.
The irrigation districts and companies are legally entitled to 50% of the Dungeness stream flow and have volunteered to leave an additional minimum amount of water in the river for salmon.
But now there's not enough water in the river to meet the demands.
The Water Users Association has developed a part voluntary, part mandatory plan to conserve water.
Soon, all duck, fish, landscaping and recreational ponds will be shut off either voluntarily or by irrigation district/company personnel.
Smith says the voluntary part of the plan calls for curtailment of lawn, golf course and fruit and vegetable garden watering that could be watered from other sources such as wells or municipal systems.
Smith says if voluntary cutbacks don't work they'll start rationing the water by shutting down irrigation ditches on a rotating basis.
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