Since early September, our City has been experiencing a very challenging water shortage.  With the warm weather and lack of rain, the TID shut off for the season and the TAP line from Medford compromised by the fire, it has been a difficult beginning to the fall season. We asked the community to help reduce water use wherever possible and the community responded and effectively lowered city-wide water use by over 1.5 million gallons per day.  That is a substantial amount of water and we thank you all for your efforts! 
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However, without rain to refill our reservoir, we are still facing a water shortage and ask that everyone continue to be diligent with how we use water in and around our homes. During this time of year, plant water needs are much lower than in the middle of summer.  Please follow the recommendations below to manage your landscape and irrigation system during the fall season. 

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

Fall Watering

Our landscapes need a lot less water in September and October than they did during the summertime. About 50 percent less on average. The days may still be warm, but shorter days and cooler nights in the months of September, October and November means less evaporation, which means less irrigation is required. Adjust your irrigation controller following the watering recommendation below to help our community save water this fall.
 
Reducing your landscape irrigation does not mean you need to stop watering all together. If you have a lawn, cut back to one day per week. For trees, cut back to one day a month. During fall, plants begin to go into dormancy, a sleep-like state in which they don't need as much or supplemental irrigation.
 
Fall is when trees, shrubs and other perennial plants get busy growing their roots, and proper watering and mulching supports this activity.  However, be careful not to over water your plants during the fall season. Over watering can harm the root systems of our plants and the excess moisture can put them at risk for fungal diseases.  Add a layer of mulch to your plants to help hold in moisture and reduce evaporation. Mulch fosters rapid root growth, and maximizes the benefits of fall watering, whether you provide it, or the rain does.
 
Remember it is not necessary to irrigate when it rains, or when we reach frost conditions. Using nature as your source of water encourages a water wise friendly landscape.

Click here for a brochure on surviving drought. 

Watering Recommendations beginning the week of 11/9 

No watering necessary. Widespread frost and cooler weather this week.

Sprinkler System Evaluations
Did you know that you can get a personalized irrigation schedule and irrigation evaluation for FREE! This is offered during the watering 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 10/12 - 10/18: 0.0 inches
 
11/9 Lawn ET: 0.0 inches per week and Shrub/Perennial ET: 0.0 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.)

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