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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/bly-imposes-water-restrictions/article_86378c57-9d51-52a4-97bb-f0d27d2eecd2.html

Bly imposes water restrictions

by Kurt Liedtke, Herald and News 6/14/18

Bly Water and Sanitary District has imposed water restrictions on the community, limiting water use only for human consumption for those connected to the Bly water system.

The rules took effect June 4. They restrict non-human consumption such as washing of vehicles and watering lawns and gardens. Water use for purposes of drinking, cooking, sanitation, cleaning, watering pets and stock is still permitted. The resolution also asks residents to search faucets for possible leaks and do their part to minimize water use.

A public hearing Wednesday evening addressed community concerns in the wake of the water use restrictions.

The restrictions fall under temporary administrative rules by the Water Resources Commission granting water right preferences for uses of water for human consumption in Klamath County and stock water in the Williamson River Basin during times when a drought declaration is in effect.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a drought emergency in Klamath County on March 13, with the temporary rules taking effect April 17. The temporary rules may only be imposed for 180 days from the declaration. The restrictions will expire Oct. 13.

Up to 140 wells in the Bly area could be subject to regulation that fall under water connected to the Bly Water and Sanitary District. The restrictions do not apply to active wells that are not affiliated with the district.

Bly did not fall under regulations previously implemented by the Oregon Water Resources Department Division rules, which were adopted in 2015 under the Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement (UKBCA). WHen that ended, Bly city water now falls under “Division 9” rules.

Under Division 9, the state makes determinations whether wells have the potential to cause substantial interference with surface water supplies. The rules apply to wells and existing and proposed appropriations of ground water.

In March the Klamath Tribes placed a call for enforcement of in-stream claims, which resulted in validation of claims on several streams in April. Regulation orders were mailed for applicable streams and wells at that time based on monitored water use and stream flows.

According to OWRD, Bly has been working with a consultant to install a new well that would not be subject to Division 9 regulation and be able to address longer-term needs.

Similar water restrictions were recently issued in Chiloquin Monday.

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