Second Stage of Water Shortage Response Plan

After one of the driest summers on record, Tacoma Water recently reported that the City was moved to the second stage of their Water Shortage Response Plan. This is a voluntary reduction. Through this plan, Tacoma Water recommends that public entities lead by example and agree to a voluntary ten percent reduction in water usage.

Tacoma's Water Conservation Plan

In response to this second stage, the City of Tacoma has activated its Water Conservation Plan. To further conserve this important resource the plan includes measures to:

• Reduce water as recommended
• Apply additional water-saving measures across the City

While these measures are being carried out, City staff will closely monitor landscapes to ensure plants and trees do not suffer long-term damage. Residents can expect to see dry grass as it begins to go dormant. This will happen over the next couple of weeks resulting in slower growth and a change in color from green to gold. Grass will turn green again once the rain starts in the winter months.  

Included in the City’s Water Conservation Plan

• Reducing irrigation at all parks owned and maintained by the City and at all City owned properties

• Stopping irrigation between the hours of 8 AM to 7 PM

• Reducing irrigation of turf and allow grass to go dormant where possible

• Reducing plant bed irrigation to the minimum required for survival

• Continuing to irrigate once a week for all plants and trees that are in their establishment period

• Reducing use of pressure washers on sidewalks and plazas as needed for public health and safety

Residents and Businesses

To learn how you can conserve water at home or at your business and view updates on conditions, visit TPU's Water Supply Outlook web page.