Strawberry Mountain Vicinity Water Alert Stage 3 – Critical Water Shortage

Summary of City of White Salmon Press Release (July 24, 2025)

Link: City Decreases Water Alert to Stage 3 – Critical Water Shortage

The City has decreased its water conservation alert to Stage 3

critical water shortage, effective immediately for the Strawberry Mountain Pressure Zone,

to protect reservoir drawdown, safeguard public health, preserve drinking water, and minimize outdoor uses.

Effective immediately for the Strawberry Mountain Pressure Zone, the City has eased restrictions from Stage 4 to Stage 3 to let residents do limited irrigation that helps lower wildfire risk.

Odd/Even watering schedule:

• West of Strawberry Mountain Rd → Water on even‑numbered days (manual 6‑9 a.m.; timers 4‑9 a.m.).
• East of Strawberry Mountain Rd → Water on odd‑numbered days (same hours).
• See the boundary map for exact street assignments.

Other Stage 3 rules (until further notice):

• Mandatory overall reduction in water use.
• No washing of driveways/sidewalks.
• Vehicle washing limited to on‑site commercial/industrial needs or licensed car‑wash facilities.
• Orchard irrigation, and filling pools/hot tubs, are prohibited.

Why still critical?

• One pump at Los Altos Reservoir remains offline; system capacity is reduced.
• The Burdoin Fire prompted a need for preventive lawn watering while conserving supply.

Community Q&A Highlights

• A temporary pump wasn’t feasible (would require redesign and state approval).
• Fire protection is covered via alternate reservoirs and coordination with WKRFA.
• Base water rates continue to fund fixed system costs.
• Long‑term fixes: $20 M secured for system upgrades; North Main booster and aquifer‑storage projects are planned, though some federal funding was rescinded.
• New development in the zone must meet strict infrastructure requirements.

Contact for More Information
Andrew Dirks, Public Works Director – (509) 281‑4093

See supporting details for full press release and map.