UPDATE: Camas and Washougal implement voluntary odd/even watering schedules

The City of Camas, Friday, announced voluntary water use reductions, similar to Washougal’s lawn watering program.

“Water your lawn on odd or even days, depending on the last digit of your home address,” the Camas online announcement stated. “The current heat wave is generating higher water use and stressing the city’s water supply.”

Washougal city leaders, on Thursday, requested residents abide by a voluntary odd/even lawn and landscape watering program in an effort to prevent a local water shortage.

The request was made, because of the warm weather and lack of rain. In Washougal, watering should be done on odd calendar days for home address numbers that end in an odd number, and even calendar days if a home address ends in an even number.

Other water conservation suggestions include keeping a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap, adjust the lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to two inches and leave grass clippings since they help hold moisture and reduce evaporation. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.

Wash only full loads of laundry, turn off running water, take shorter showers and eliminate leaks.

Under the Washougal Municipal Code (WMC), the public works director may declare a Stage II water emergency when a water shortage exists such that immediate voluntary reductions in consumption are necessary.

The public works department shall conduct an intensified public information campaign and institute a voluntary odd/even home irrigation program. The city shall reduce usage for designated park irrigation systems that do not affect sports fields.

For more information, visit www.cityofwashougal.us/publicworks/page/washougal-leaders-implement-voluntary-oddeven-watering-schedule or www.cityofcamas.us/81-city-news/1001-conservewater.

This information, originally reported Thursday, Aug. 3, at 2:21 p.m., was updated Friday, Aug. 4, at 9:17 p.m.