As a region-wide severe heat wave impacts the Pacific Northwest, Clark Public Utilities has asked water utility customers in the Hockinson region to voluntarily limit their water consumption.
The area is situated south of Allworth Road, east of 167th Avenue and down to state Route 500.
“Unless customers reduce their consumption, the availability could be temporarily depleted,” stated an email from Clark Public Utilities. “The aquifer is in good condition, but the utility’s infrastructure — the pumps, treatment system, storage tanks and supply lines — are being drawn down faster than they can be refilled. … With your help and cooperation, we can replenish the storage tanks.”
Systemwide, Clark Public Utilities pumps 25 million gallons per day on average, but this weekend, they pumped 33 million gallons, placing a record-setting demand on the water system.
People in the Hockinson area are asked to avoid using water for recreational use or irrigation. That includes watering gardens, ornamental plants and lawns.
“Personal consumption is still acceptable, but please conserve as much as you can,” states the email.
The utility expects everything to return to normal by the end of the week.
