Odd-Even Watering Schedule in Effect

From June to September, the average daily water usage of all Lacey water customers more than doubles — from about 6 million gallons in the winter to 13 million gallons in the summer (see graph on left). Rather than add costly infrastructure to meet the big increase in demand for only four months a year, in 2006, the City adopted the odd-even watering practice to reduce peak water demand during the summer. This helps manage demand and keeps costs down. In 2022, this was reduced to 15 million gallons a day—a considerable decrease even though the number of Lacey water customers increased!

To learn more, see the short video below.

The City does not limit the amount of water you can use. However, if we all take turns, we can deliver enough water with our existing system and our community can avoid building additional water infrastructure needed for only 1/3 of the year. A new well would cost about $2 million, which would mean a rate increase.

You can apply for a temporary exemption or variance if you planted a new lawn (sod or seed) or landscape area, or have an irrigation system that waters areas on both sides of the street at the same time. To apply, contact Water Resources at (360) 486-8707 or WaterResources@ci.lacey.wa.us.

For more information about the mandatory summer watering schedule, effective June 1 to Sept. 30, call (360) 491-5600, visit cityoflacey.org/Odd-Even-Outdoor-Watering-Schedules.

Learn more about our other Water Resources programs on Water Quality, Water Conservation, and Drinking Water Programs.

Lacey watering schedule

Watch this short video on the Odd-Even Watering Schedule:

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