What's Happening in Lacey, WA…

In order to reduce demand for water during the summer, Lacey puts a mandatory watering schedule into effect at the beginning of the season. The alternate-day watering started June 1.

The move includes outdoor landscapes as well as yards, and is in effect for all customers who use Lacey's water during the months of June, July, August, and September.

Those customers whose addresses end in odd numerals (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are allowed to water Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, while those whose addresses end in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are allowed to water on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. There is no watering allowed on Fridays.

The schedule applies to ornamental flowerbeds of both perennials and annuals, grass, vegetable gardens, and any other type of landscaping outside a commercial building or residence, that has regular maintenance performed. At present, however, the restrictions do not apply to plants kept inside greenhouses, hanging baskets, potted plants kept outdoors, pressure washing, and pools.

For any violations, the first two will result in the customer being warned, before the third consecutive violation is accompanied by a fine in the amount of $125. If the customer violates the regulation a fourth time, the fine doubles to $250, and their water will be cut off.

Measures like this impact everyone in a community, so officials could work with a flyer printing company on an update letter for residents.