Before you set up the sprinkler in your lawn this week, take a look at Bellingham’s voluntary summer watering schedule.
Between June 1 and Sept. 30, the City of Bellingham asks residents to limit watering due to the strain the extra water use can place on the city’s water supply.
All residents are asked to not water on Monday, while the remaining days follow a schedule based on address:
- Even-numbered addresses should water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,
- Odd-numbered addresses should water on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lawn and landscape watering in the summer contribute to an increase in Bellingham’s daily average drinking water demand by 5 million gallons to a total of 15 million gallons, according to the city’s website, with nearly half of the water “wasted” due to evaporation, over-watering and runoff.
When watering, the city suggests residents water between 7–10 a.m. to reduce evaporation loss and allow grass to grow at least 2 to 3 inches tall to promote a “healthier root system” and retain soil moisture.
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Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
