Last Wednesday, Feb. 27, the Wrangell officials declared a Stage 1 water watch. The water watch is a part of Wrangell’s code of ordinances, under the water shortage management plan. The plan requires that the city inform the public when they need to start being conscious of how much water they use. With low water levels in Tyee Lake, where the communities of Wrangell and Petersburg normally receive their hydropower from, conservation is now necessary.
“Conservation efforts are expected to help prevent further water shortage issues. This conservation approach is part of our efforts to adapt to, and alleviate, the cumulative impacts of the drier-than-normal weather we have been experiencing and the seasonal increase in water demand,” it was written on Wrangell’s website. “The long term forecast is predicting continued lack of precipitation and cold temperatures. Climate conditions will continue to be monitored, and water restrictions will be adjusted as necessary. Conservation will help us avoid more drastic water restrictions.”
During a Stage 1 Water Watch, Wrangell residents are encouraged to find ways to reduce their water usage between 10 to 20 percent. Suggestions to lower water usage include fixing leaky faucets, only washing clothes and dishes when absolutely necessary, taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when brushing teeth, and stop washing vehicles.
The water shortage management plan, which was adopted on April 11, 2017, states that the upper and lower reservoirs in Wrangell have a capacity of 45.3 million gallons and 21.4 million gallons, respectively. The plan also states that while Wrangell is located in a “moderate rainforest climate,” drought conditions occur from time to time and it is necessary to be water-conscious. There are three stages of water watches that Wrangell can declare. Stage 1, or “yellow alert,” states that proactive measures should be taken to avoid making the shortage worse. Stage 2, or “orange alert,” may be declared if cutting water use by 10 to 20 percent is found to be insufficient. During this stage, landscape watering and the washing of vehicles or sidewalks are prohibited. Stage 3, “red alert,” may be declared if water levels fall to a critical level. In this case, all outdoor uses of water are prohibited, and any water customer found to have leaky pipes will have their services disconnected until repairs are made.
The water watch will remain in effect until otherwise stated by city officials.
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