The unusual extended drought and warm weather the Northwest has been enduring has put a strain on our current water supply.

The city of Bonney Lake’s water service area includes customers both inside and outside the city. The largest areas served outside the city includes residential areas around Lake Tapps and the portion of Lakeland Hills inside Pierce County.

All residents and businesses within the Bonney Lake water service area are hereby encouraged to conserve water throughout the remainder of the year. Details on how to do this are provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/ws/wtrcnsv.html.

Additional information can also be found on the city’s website (www.citybonneylake.org/utilities) and Tacoma Public Utility website (www.mytpu.org/tacomawater).

During peak demand periods each day in July and August, Bonney Lake’s water system is heavily used. While our water supply capacity is adequate to meet ours and our neighbor’s needs, the pressure throughout our water system fluctuates frequently during peak demand periods. In order to prevent water pressure from getting too low in parts of our water system, city staff will occasionally place “Conserve Water” signs at entrances to our water service area. When you see the signs set out, we ask all our water customers to stop watering lawns, washing cars and other outdoor activities. We will only post these signs when absolutely necessary.

During periods when a Water Conservation Advisory is in effect, water customers using irrigation meters are asked to avoid watering grassy areas. While this may mean the grass will turn brown, it will not be harmful to the grass. Irrigation water needed to preserve new trees, shrubs and other vegetation can continue to be used.

Please remember that during the summer months, water rates increase. To avoid high water bills, you can reduce and minimize your water use.