2015 Summer Water Forecast | South Fork Water Board

While our snow pack has been extremely low this year, our rainfall for the year has been average. We are fortunate because the Clackamas River’s summer flows are sustained largely by a series of creeks and streams in the basin that originate from aquifers (groundwater).
Aquifers (groundwater) play an important part in sustaining the Clackamas River, its wildlife, fish, habitat and us throughout the dry summer seasons. This year we might see less water in the river than we would normally. Therefore, it is very important to monitor our usage this summer and reduce needless waste.
Most of the State of Oregon is experiencing moderate to severe drought. While the governor has formally declared drought in many Eastern and Southern Oregon counties, Clackamas County (and the Willamette Region) has not received a formal drought declaration. However, the streamflow of the Clackamas River is below normal for this time of year.
Given the current conditions we are working with all the water providers on the river to ensure that we have plenty of water to serve our communities and maintain a healthy natural environment. With this in mind The Clackams River Water Provider Member’s are encouraging their customers, residents, and businesses to be good stewards and continue to use their water wisely and efficiently by implementing water saving methods indoors and out.
For more water saving tips and ideas visit the SFWB conservation page

Indoor water conservation tips:

Take a shallow bath instead of a shower. (Saves 15-20 gallons per day). If you take a shower make it 5 minutes and install a shower timer.
Don’t use the toilet as a garbage can. (Saves 400-600 gallons per month).
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. (Saves 3 gallons per day).
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. (Saves 75-200 gallons per week).
Keep a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator for drinking instead of running the faucet. (Saves 200-300 gallons per month).
Use the garbage disposal less and compost more. (Saves 50-150 gallons per month).
If you don’t want water in a restaurant, don’t take it, you will save the water in the glass and the water used to wash the glass. (Collectively saves millions of gallons per year).

Water your lawn only when it needs it. A good way to see if your lawn needs water is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, fetch the sprinkler.
Set mower blades one notch higher, longer grass means cooler soil and less evaporation.
Water during the cool part of the day to avoid evaporation. Early morning is generally better. Also avoid watering on windy days.
Don’t water the pavement. Position your sprinkler so water lands on the lawn or garden.
Put a layer of mulch on your garden beds. Mulch will slow evaporation and discourage weed growth, too.
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water instead of washing your car at home.