HOOD RIVER — Farmers Irrigation District (FID) is asking residents to reduce water use by 25% as Hood River County faces severe drought conditions, according to a press release.
The U.S. Drought Monitor places the county in the “severe drought” category, with hot, dry weather and early snowpack melt contributing to low streamflows. In August 2024, the county was at the lower end of “abnormally dry,” but conditions have since escalated rapidly. FID officials said water supplies are declining while demand rose earlier and higher than normal this year.
If demand remains high, FID officials warned in the press release that they may be forced to rotate water deliveries to maintain service through the end of the irrigation season on Sept. 30.
Conservation recommendations include applying water only where it benefits plant growth, monitoring soil moisture to avoid overwatering, repairing leaks promptly, and allowing lawns to go dormant until fall rains arrive.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also offers additional water-saving tips, such as watering lawns only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation, checking toilets and faucets for leaks, shortening showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving, and reusing leftover water for plants. The agency notes that even small changes — such as running only full loads of laundry or letting grass go dormant in the summer — can save hundreds of gallons per household each month.
In Hood River, funding for irrigation upgrades and other conservation measures is available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District.
More information is available at www.fidhr.org or by calling 541-387-5261.
Commented