Submitted by The City of Lacey
Lacey water customers will follow an alternate day watering schedule for their yards and outdoor landscapes beginning Sunday, June 1, 2014. Alternate day watering is mandatory for all Lacey water customers during the months of June, July, August, and September.
The Lacey City Council approved the watering policy in 2006 as an effort to reduce peak water demand during the summer. Lacey’s water usage has exceeded 16 million gallons per day during summer months compared with only five million gallons per day in the winter.
Water customers with addresses ending with an odd number (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) may water Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. Addresses ending with an even number (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) may water on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Friday is a non-watering day for all Lacey water customers.
Scheduled watering applies to turf (grass), annual and perennial ornamental flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and any other landscaping plant material that is regularly maintained outside of a residence or commercial building. Lacey water customers failing to follow the alternate day watering schedule will receive a warning, with further action taken if necessary. Water used for other purposes such as pools, pressure washing, outdoor potted plants, hanging baskets, and plants inside greenhouses are not currently restricted by this policy.
The water policy does allow limited exemptions. For example, newly seeded lawns and landscape, and publicly-owned facilities with active playfields may be watered more frequently. To obtain an exemption under the alternate day watering schedule, customers must contact Lacey Water Resources.
Reminder magnets for the alternate day watering schedule are available at City Hall Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Magnets will also be available at Lacey Community Market’s Yard and Garden Day on Saturday, July 12 at the Lacey Water Resources table.
For more information regarding the alternate day watering policy, please contact Lacey Water Resources at (360) 438-2687, or by email at WaterResources@ci.lacey.wa.us. Information is also available on the city’s website at www.ci.lacey.wa.us/odd-even.
