Union-Bulletin

Facts and tips on water usage and conservation are presented weekly by the city of Walla Walla, in partnership with Walla Walla Community College and the Union-Bulletin.

Precipitation and moisture

Last August: 0.05 inches

This August so far: 0.01 inches

Soil moisture content: Normal

Chinook salmon return numbers

Fish numbers in the Walla Walla River counted at Nursery Street Bridge in Milton Freewater for the year are spring Chinook, 398; steelhead, 839.

Data collected by The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation Department of Natural Resources; funding provided by Bonneville Power Administration.

Water usage

This week’s average water use by all city customers: 16.44 million gallons per day. Last week’s average water use: 17.10 million gallons per day.

Water use guidelines

For the week of Aug. 24-31, precipitation was 0.00 inches and turf grass in the area used 1.56 inches of moisture, according to WSU AgWeathernet data. Home irrigators should have run spray type sprinklers five times for 13 minutes each and rotor type sprinklers five times for 48 minutes this week. Calculations are based on average precipitation rates, please adjust for local conditions.

Yard care and water savings tips

In 1990, 30 states in the US reported ‘water-stress’ conditions. In 2000, the number of states reporting water -stress rose to 40. In 2009, the number rose to 45. There is a worsening trend in water supply nationwide. Taking measures at home to conserve water saves you money and benefits the greater community. A few simple things you can do.

• Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
• Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
• Check your toilets for leaks.
• Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks.
• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.
• Insulate your water pipes.
• Take shorter showers.