Local officials announced Wednesday the region has collectively cut back on its water use by 10 percent over the last two weeks, hitting the goal set by the City of Tacoma, the City of Everett, and the City of Seattle.

Two weeks ago, the three cities moved to the voluntary stage of their water shortage response plans and asked customers to reduce their water use by 10 percent to stretch water supplies for people and fish to the rainy season (see “Hot weather forces Tacoma to activate water shortage response plan,” Tacoma Daily Index, July 27, 2015). The move was the result of historic low river levels combined with record-setting hot and dry weather that have significantly increased the demand for water. For those who have already reduced their use, the three cities offered thanks and asked residents to continue their efforts. They are also asking people who have not yet cut back to reduce their water use by letting lawns go dormant and limiting plant watering to twice a week; watering plants before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m.; reducing showering times; checking for and fixing leaks; and washing only full loads of laundry and dishes.

The three cities plan to report how customers are doing every other week. The next round of regional results will be released the week of Mon., Sept. 7.

Earlier this week, Pierce County officials announced they will take steps to reduce water usage by at least 10 percent in response to current drought conditions (see “Pierce County aims to curb water usage by 10 percent,” Tacoma Daily Index, Aug. 24, 2015). Last week, Tacoma Assistant City Manager Mark Lauzier asked general government department directors to reduce water consumption in their departments by at least 10 percent (see “Pierce County aims to curb water usage by 10 percent,” Tacoma Daily Index, Aug. 24, 2015).