Our community understands the importance of water and takes mindful steps to use water wisely. The drawdown of Reeder Reservoir the City’s primary water supply has now begun. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) long term forecast for this summer includes warmer than average temperatures and average rainfall for the Rogue Valley Region. This combined with the lack of supplemental water from the Talent Irrigation District the Community should strive to “Use Water Wisely” during the summer season. Please consider voluntarily water reduction measures where you can in and around your home. Below are some tips on best ways to reduce water use.
Water Only When Needed – Overwatering results in shallow roots and encourages weeds, disease and fungus growth. Check soil moisture before watering. Use a moisture meter to detect if soil is still moist from previous watering. You can pick one up for free by calling 541-488-5587.
Best Time to Water – Water between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to avoid losing water to wind and evaporation.
Inspect Your Irrigation System – Check for leaks, broken or clogged heads and make adjustments to sprinklers to reduce runoff and be sure you’re watering plants and not sidewalks, fences or buildings. Adjust your water pressure; too much pressure on sprinklers uses more water than needed.
< > – Keep pools covered when not in use so you won’t lose water to evaporation. Take Shorter Showers – Or replace your showerhead with one that has a lower flow. The City is giving away free showerheads and bathroom and kitchen aerators, that work well and reduce water use. Please call 541-488-5587 to arrange a time to pick them up.
Change Out that Old Toilet – Toilets are typically the highest use of water in a home. I know it’s surprising, but they can use a lot of water, especially older toilets pre 1994. The City is offering rebates for replacing these toilets. You can find the rebate form and instructions on the city’s website at www.ashland.or.us/rebates.
Car Washing – Reduce vehicle washing and use facilities that recycle water. Manual car washing should include use of a bucket and hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle for brief wetting and rinsing.
Reduce Water Use on Paved Surfaces – Exterior paved surfaces should be swept, rather than washed. If washing is necessary for such reasons as public health or safety, use of water brooms that provide maximum cleaning with minimum water usage is encouraged.
Known Leaks – Repair leaks promptly. If you suspect you may have a leak, contact a plumber or a landscape professional to investigate.
The City’s water conservation team is here to assist you in your efforts to use water efficiently and minimize waste. There are a variety of programs, rebates and resources available for all of our customers to take advantage of. Please visit www.ashlandsaveswater.org or call 541-552-2062 for more information.
Online City Services
UTILITIES-Connect/Disconnect, Pay your bill & more
