The City of Ridgefield has adopted a proactive approach for managing water demand during peak season, system outages and emergencies called the Water Conservation Strategy. The plan consists of five distinct stages, tied to system demand, that are designed to encourage water conservation in response to the current conditions.
Ridgefield’s water supply is pumped from 6 wells and stored in 3 water reservoirs. The tallest reservoir, at Ridgefield High School, creates pressure to deliver water to our homes and businesses. Just like in your home, if everyone is using water at the same time, pressure drops. Reducing peak demand lets the system maintain pressure throughout the day. We’re asking water customers, residents and businesses alike, to pay attention to the Conservation Stage and adopt conservation measures accordingly to support our goal to reduce peak demand.
Each year, beginning on May 1, we will encourage all water customers to begin adopting water-wise habits outlined in Stage 1 of our Water Conservation Strategy. This annual advisory stage runs through September 30 and calls for voluntary conservation efforts to support a sustainable water supply through the dry summer months. As conditions change and demand increases, the Conservation Stage and corresponding actions will change in response.
“Each year, as the weather warms, water demand in Ridgefield rises,” said Ryan Thamert, Public Works Utilities and Operations Director. “Small adjustments in water use really add up. Together our community can make a meaningful difference in overall water use during peak season.”
Since the plan is new this year, it is rolling out in June and is currently in Stage 3 based on water demand.
At Stage 3, the City is asking all water customers, residents, HOAs, and businesses, to significantly modify water consumption to reduce our overall consumption. The following actions are required:
- Follow an Odd/Even watering schedule and limit irrigation to nighttime (7 PM - 4 AM):
- Properties with ODD addresses (ex: 487 S 56th Pl) and HOA Group A water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Properties with EVEN addresses (ex: 230 Pioneer St) and HOA Group B water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Pools, spas and ornamental fountains or ponds are only allowed to operate if they are equipped with recirculation pumps.
- Filling swimming pools or artificial lakes/ponds/streams is not permitted.
- Automatic shut-off devices, such as timers, are required on any free-flowing hose application.
- No at home vehicle washing.
- Identify and fix all water leaks immediately.
Morning hours, from 4 AM to 11 AM, are Ridgefield’s peak water use period. Just like in your home, when multiple fixtures run at once, the system experiences strain. Shifting irrigation to overnight hours (7 PM to 4 AM) reduces demand and helps maintain consistent pressure for all users.
Additionally, the City is restricting the use of hydrant meters by contractors to public health purposes, limiting watering of City properties to two days per week, delaying maintenance that uses water when possible, and refraining from washing fleet vehicles.
Our summer weather started early in 2025 and long-term forecasts predict a warmer than average season. Conservation efforts will continue to be important to preserve our natural resources and maintain our water supply over the next several months.
To check the current Water Conservation Status and learn more about Ridgefield’s plan, visit our website www.RidgefieldWa.us/Conservation