The city’s water supply is still running low, according to Cordova officials, who have encouraged residents twice in the last three weeks to continue saving water where they can.
“We’ve all enjoyed the sunny weather, but our water supply is getting low. The city is keeping a close eye on the reservoirs,” the city said in a statement on July 30. “There is no need to worry, but we all need to do our part.”
Joseph Sison, one of Cordova’s water and sewer technicians, told The Cordova Times the recent dry weather coupled with fishing season in full force has caused reservoir levels to shrink. He said canneries and processing plants use a lot of water.
“We don’t want to lose water during this time of fishing season,” Sison said.
The city supplies canneries with most of their water from the Orca water plant, which comes from Crater Lake, and the Heney Creek/Meals reservoir, according to Sison. For residential households, water generally comes from Murcheson Falls. The city doesn’t use saltwater sources.
After just one week without rain, Sison said the city begins proceeding with caution. Right now, he said the city is asking for cooperation in conserving water “so that we don’t come to a situation where it becomes critical.”
If water levels become too low, city officials will have to siphon more from Crater Lake or increase extraction from the Meals reservoir. As the last resort, Sison said the city would turn to Eyak Lake.
When asked how often the city’s reservoirs appear this low, Sison said that’s up to Mother Nature herself.
“[The supply] entirely depends on the weather, since all the sources rely on precipitation,” he said.
The city has recommended multiple ways city residents can cut back on excessive water use, including by:
- Turning off the tap while brushing teeth;
- Taking shorter showers;
- Running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines;
- Limiting outdoor watering;
- Not washing cars;
- And fixing any leaks promptly.
The city also announced Thursday it had initiated an emergency water shut-off on Chase Avenue to “complete urgent repair work.”
It’s been relatively dry in Cordova over the last few weeks, but rain is in the forecast for this weekend.
Residents are encouraged to call the city’s Water Department at 907-424-6338, or City Hall at 907-424-6200 to report water leaks.
