Lost River Members,
 
As if Covid-19 and dangerous air quality are not enough to deal with, we have one new challenge to address:  the Lost River community is now under a restricted water usage permit based on the water flow in the Methow River. Under the restricted permit, we can now only draw 74 GALLONS/PER DAY/PER WATER CONNECTION until the river flow rises above a minimum level. At our current water usage rate, we will certainly exceed this restricted allowance. If this happens, the Department of Ecology (DOE) can impose sanctions on LRAA which will likely result in fines. 
 
Effective immediately, to comply with DOE requirements, all outside watering is banned until further notice. This includes the use of sprinklers, as well as washing vehicles or using a pressure washer.  Further, we ask that all members make an effort to conserve water usage within their household by employing every possible water-saving strategy, such as not running the water while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, minimizing loads of laundry, fixing any running faucets and toilets, etc. See additional water usage details below this message, including a link to a “Water Footprint Calculator.”
 
We are putting out “No Outdoor Watering” signs along the entry roads. Jim Brousseau, the board member who oversees the water system, is personally talking to the highest water users in the community. If everyone stops all outdoor water usage and conserves indoor usage, we can stay under our water allotment and avoid fines.
 
If we fail at our conservation efforts and are fined by DOE, we will have to pass this cost on to members, particularly to the highest water users. We would like to avoid this, so we are asking everyone to cooperate with the conservation efforts.  
 
Thanks for your help in addressing this issue.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Jef Rettmann
LRAA President