Our community is currently experiencing a water shortage. City wide water consumption has drawn down the Reeder Reservoir storage faster than the east and west forks of Ashland Creek can refill it. Therefore, we have entered into mandatory water curtailment, which prohibits certain uses of water and limits the amount of water that can be used based on the size of your water meter. Click here for the water curtailment allocation table. 

Quick Links
Council Communication
Allocation Table
Curtailment Info Sheet
Prohibited Water Uses

Contacts
Water Department: 541-488-5353
Public Works: 541-488-5587
Utility Billing: 541-488-6004
Water Conservation: Julie.smitherman@ashland.or.us 541-552-2062
 

In addition to the prohibited uses (click here), we are also asking our customers to reduce non-essential uses of water and water used outdoors wherever possible. Consider prioritizing watering trees and shrubs over lawn areas as lawn can more easily be replaced than mature trees and landscaping. Click here for a brochure on surviving drought. 
 

Watering Recommendations for the week of 9/28 - 10/4

Even though it feels dry outside and we are still in fire season, plant water needs for this time of year are similar to previous years. The watering schedule below is based on historic and current weather data including evapotranspiration (ET), which is water that is evaporated from the soil or transpired from the plants foliage.  Additionally, we use the City's weather station to get daily updated evapotranspiration data  and then verify that data with the AgriMet weather station that serves the entire County. 

The plant water requirements for this time of year are far less than what was needed in July or August. Please remember that during September and October, plant water needs have decreased significantly because the weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, which reduces evaporation. Additionally, temperatures are expected to decrease by next week. Follow the recommended watering schedules below or email julie.smitherman@ashland.or.us for more information.

Sprinkler System Evaluations
Did you know that you can get a personalized irrigation schedule and irrigation evaluation for FREE! This is offered during the summer months and consists of a comprehensive assessment of the design, operation and management of your sprinkler system. Email Julie.smitherman@ashland.or.us or call 541-552-2062 to schedule an evaluation.

For an example watering schedule click Here.  
For Water Smart Landscape Tips click Here 
A Watering Calculator is also available at www.ashlandsaveswater.org

Use a soil moisture meter to determine whether it's time to water. You can pick up a soil moisture meter for free at 51 Winburn Way by calling 541-488-5587.

Previous Rain Received 9/21 - 9/28: 0.16 inches
 
9/28 - 10/4 Lawn ET: 0.80 inches per week and Shrub/Perennial ET: 0.40 inches per week. 
(ET is Evapotranspiration and represents the plant water need for the upcoming week. These numbers also factor in any rainfall received the previous week.)

NOAA Weather for September 28 - October 4

​Monday 9/28
Sunny, with a high near 94.

Tuesday 9/29
Sunny, with a high near 94.

Wednesday 9/30
Sunny, with a high near 91.

Thursday 10/1
Sunny, with a high near 92.
 
Friday 10/2
Sunny, with a high near 89.

Saturday & Sunday 10/3 - 10/4
Sunny, with a high near 86. Sunday will be sunny, with a high near 84.  

Weather Station Link

http://access.weatherreach.com/StationDetail?StationID=112&TableTimeInt=60