The City of Yakima is asking water customers to conserve domestic water in the coming week due to unforeseen conditions in the Naches River.

Thunder showers in the Cascades in the past few days have created extremely high turbidity (dirty water) in the Naches River, causing the Naches River Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to temporarily shut down operation. Domestic water is currently being provided from the City’s four wells, but the combined capacity of the wells is limited.

With the current forecast of additional thunder showers in the Cascades, it may be days before the Naches River has cleared enough for the WTP to begin producing potable water again.  Coupled with the temperature forecast of mid-90’s for the Yakima area into early next week, it will be challenging for the wells to keep up with system demands.

“Customers are being asked to cut back on their domestic water use where possible until we are able to begin operating the WTP again,” said Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane. “Anything customers can do, such as cutting back on lawn and landscape irrigation, will help avoid over-taxing the system.”

Ideas for conserving water can be found at https://www.yakimawa.gov/services/water-irrigation/drought-conservation/. As always, please use water wisely and make every drop count.

For more information, contact Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane at 509-576-6480.