WHATCOM WATER ALLIANCE: 2010 PROGRAM
Recognizing the growing importance of effective management of precious water resources, cities and water 
districts in Whatcom County have formed a regional water conservation group, the Whatcom Water Alliance. The goals of the Alliance are to promote water conservation by coordinating public information efforts and related activities. In 2007, the Washington State Department of Health adopted the Water Use Efficiency Rule, requiring municipal water suppliers to develop more effective water conservation programs. The new rule views regional collaboration with other utilities as a cost effective approach to water conservation. Current Alliance members include the cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas as well as Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, Evergreen Water District, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, Point Roberts Water District, Water District #2 and Water District #7.
For 2008, the Alliance members agreed to support a voluntary odd-even watering schedule. The watering schedule was implemented June 15th through September 15th. During that time, residents with odd numbered street addresses were asked to limit watering to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Residents with even numbered street addresses could water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Mondays were non-watering days to allow reservoirs to recharge after the weekend.
The watering schedule helped to reduce stress on water supplies during the warm summer months and will be implemented again for 2010, but will begin on June 1st and be in effect until September 15th. Additional conservation activities that the Alliance will jointly implement for 2010 include support for rain barrels and outreach materials promoting the use of drip irrigation and soaker hoses as wise outdoor watering practices.
The conservation activities supported by the Alliance are geared towards reducing outdoor water usage during the summer months, when usage soars and rainfall decreases. Outdoor water use accounts for 30 percent of the total average residential water consumption, with most of this usage going for watering lawns and gardens. Turf grass needs only one inch of water per week to stay healthy and green, which means that a lot of lawns are getting more water than they actually need. If water users only water three days a week and limit the weekly total to one inch – including rainfall - they will still have healthy lawns, but use less water.
Excessive irrigation also leads to increased water costs. To meet growing peak day demands, incurred when water usage surges on warm days, utilities have traditionally built larger facilities, causing costs to increase. By managing demand more carefully during the summer, utilities can cut back on costly peaking facilities and save money for ratepayers. The Alliance members work together to develop shared public outreach materials, which also saves time and money. These items include bill stuffers, flyers, brochures and door hangers for member water utilities to use and distribute as they see fit.
