Water Conservation Tips & Emergency Regulations
Protecting our community’s water supply starts with simple, everyday conservation. Before restrictions ever go into effect, residents and businesses can make a big impact by using the helpful resources provided—like water‑saving tips, leak‑detection guides, efficient irrigation practices, and landscaping recommendations. Small steps such as checking for leaks, adjusting sprinkler timers, choosing drought‑tolerant plants, and using water‑efficient fixtures help reduce demand and keep our system resilient year‑round.
Explore the helpful conservation resources provided by the State of Oregon below:
Saving Water on the Farm or Ranch
In the event of drought conditions or a supply concern, the City may activate its Water Conservation Regulations. These regulations outline different levels of use restrictions. As water conditions change, the City may move between stages, each with increasing limits on outdoor watering, non‑essential use, and other activities.
Each level of prohibition reflects the seriousness of the water shortage:
Level 1 – Water Shortage Watch – Publicity – Level I Water Shortage Watch conditions do not require any specific reduction in use of water beyond normal use.
Level 2 – Water Shortage Condition – Restrictions – Voluntary conservation encouraged; The public is encouraged to voluntarily adhere to the following guidelines:
- Services with even numbered addresses shall water outside of the house only on even numbered days and services with odd numbered addresses shall water outside of the house only on odd numbered days.
- All watering shall be done between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Limit lawn, garden, and shrubbery watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive. Eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishes.
-
Limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers and operate only when fully loaded.
- Use showers instead of bathtubs for bathing and limit showers to no more than four-minutes duration.
- Limit flushing of toilets through multiple usage.
- Collection of water (used water) for use in flushing toilets.
- Use biodegradable and/or disposable dishes.
- Use flow restriction and other water-saving devices where possible.
- Eliminate washing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays, or aprons.
- Limit car washing.
- Delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended. (During the months of June thru September).
Level 3, 4, & 5- Water Shortage – Declaration of Mandatory Restrictions- Upon declaration of a Level 3, 4 or 5 Water Shortage, and until the time as the declaration of water shortage has been rescinded, it shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of water from the City water system for specified purposes listed in regulations and violations and penalties can be incurred. You can read the full text of the regulations on here: Chapter 3.54: WATER CONSERVATION REGULATIONS – City of Yamhill, OR
By staying informed and conserving every day, our community helps minimize the need for stricter restrictions and maintains a reliable water supply for everyone.
Working together, we can ensure a healthy water future for our city.
Archives
