Matthew Berglund | Public Information Officer
As we prepare for the upcoming irrigation season, it’s important to remember that drought conditions continue to impact the Yakima Basin. While we anticipate a challenging year ahead, each of us can play a crucial role in conserving water and ensuring a sustainable supply for our community.
The Bureau of Reclamation, recognizing the potential for drought, strategically held back water in 2023 to help buffer against potential shortages in 2024. This proactive measure, along with your conservation efforts, significantly reduced the duration of water restrictions last year.
Unfortunately, due to the severity of the 2024 drought, reservoir levels are at or near record lows. As a result, we may need to implement water restrictions, including a voluntary watering schedule, as early as the start of the irrigation season.
By working together and implementing water-saving practices, we can minimize the impact of these restrictions and ensure that we have enough water for all.
Here are a few simple tips to help conserve water:
Water Wisely:
- Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages deeper root growth, making your plants more drought tolerant.
- Use an irrigation hose or drip system to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing water loss to runoff. These types of systems will not be affected by restrictions.
Landscape Smartly:
- Choose drought-tolerant plants that require less water.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Consider xeriscaping, which utilizes drought-resistant plants and minimizes the need for irrigation.
- Regularly check for and repair any leaks in your irrigation system.
By incorporating these water-saving tips into routines, we can all contribute to a more sustainable water future for our community. Let’s work together to make the most of our water resources and ensure a healthy and vibrant landscape for years to come.
Kennewick Irrigation District is currently taking proactive steps to mitigate future droughts. Visit kid.org/your-kid/news-center to find out more.
To view the latest drought news, or see if we’ve implemented and/or removed water restrictions, please visit our drought page at kid.org/your-kid/drought-information.
Helping Hands
Sooner or later, we all need a helping hand. That’s why Kennewick Irrigation District participates in the Helping Hands program for those who have difficulty paying their assessment. The Helping Hands program’s is funded by a portion of revenues collected from delinquency fees and donations made by you and other concerned neighbors.
For more information on how you can apply for or donate to the helping hands program please contact our customer service department at 509.586.9111 or visit kid.org.