Douglas County Commissioners declare drought conditions, encourage water conservation
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 05/27/2021 - 9:22am
MINDEN — The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners adopted resolution 2021R-050 declaring drought conditions in Douglas County and encouraging conservation actions by the public due to a severe drought affecting the entire southwestern United States, including the State of Nevada.
The Carson River Water Subconservancy has recognized the severity of this drought and has encouraged its members to participate in an educational awareness campaign.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a drought emergency in Alpine and El Dorado Counties. Douglas County shares water resources with Alpine and El Dorado Counties; and the Carson River Basin extends approximately 150 miles from eastern California through Douglas County and encompasses about 3,900 square miles. The Carson River is the main source of water recharge for the Carson Valley and is currently experiencing an exceptionally low water flow for this time of the year.
The U.S. Geological Survey (“USGS”) has notified Douglas County that the “average” well depth in the Carson Valley is now 260 feet and that nitrate plums caused by inadequately maintained septic tanks in the Carson Valley are increasing and pose a threat to the quality of our water.
Every citizen has a stake in the health of our water resources and to conserve water. Douglas County is encouraging all residents to actively help in water conservation efforts. A voluntary water conservation notice was inserted in each Douglas County water bill. County residents who are not water customers of Douglas County are also encouraged to take steps to conserve water and to follow water conservation efforts initiated by their purveyors.
To reduce the impact on your water supply during the expected high heat of summer, we respectfully request your cooperation in conserving water by observing the following voluntary watering schedule for the irrigation of lawns, gardens, trees, grass, shrubbery or other vegetation, effective May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021:
— Premises with an odd-numbered address shall be limited to watering on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
— Premises with an even-numbered address shall be limited to watering on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
— We also request that customers do not plant new lawns between July 1st and September 30th.
Your cooperation in practicing good water conservation measures has a significant impact on the operation of your water system. Also, please remember that it is a violation of Douglas County Code, Title 20.F.30 to waste water by allowing water to pool, pond or runoff your property from over-watering.
