AGNEW — Agnew Irrigation District officials are asking residents to voluntary cut back their water use because of low flows in the Dungeness River.
“We’re starting to have a lack of water,” said Bobby Yaum, ditch manager. “In general, people watering their yards and gardens are really hurting the farmers and those with livestock — those making a living.”
The state notified the district of drought conditions in May, according to a press release.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a stream flow of 191 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Saturday.
The median stream flow is 364 cfs. The minimum flow recorded was 127 cfs in 2015 and the maximum was 1,000 cfs in 1999.
Annual low flows are expected but generally not this early in the year, Yaum said Saturday.
“It’s normally August or September,” Yaum said.
“It’s never the same. But it’s really early this year.”
The press release asked for residents to do what they could to conserve water.
“Please help us by not watering your lawns and gardens unnecessarily as we need everyone to cooperate in this matter,” it said.
