Salem City Council has taken a significant step towards managing water usage during drought conditions by approving a new ordinance that restricts watering days based on city wards. During the City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs meeting on April 3, 2025, council members discussed the implications of this ordinance, which aims to enforce water conservation measures in response to the current level 3 drought status.

The ordinance mandates that residents can only water their lawns and gardens on designated days, with specific restrictions on watering times. Watering is prohibited between 9 AM and 5 PM to minimize evaporation and maximize efficiency. Councilor Cohen raised concerns about the potential pushback from residents, particularly regarding the designated watering days, as only two wards have weekend access, which may not align with the schedules of many residents.

City Engineer Deb Duhamel clarified that the city is required to enforce these restrictions as per state regulations, emphasizing the need for effective communication to ensure residents are aware of the new rules. The council discussed the importance of a clear communication plan, including signage throughout the city and potential press releases to inform the public about the restrictions and the rationale behind them.

Council members expressed the need for a logical approach to the designated watering days, considering factors such as property size and the likelihood of residents being home to comply with the ordinance. However, the consensus was that enforcement would be more manageable if watering was spread across different days rather than concentrated on a single day, which could lead to confusion and enforcement challenges.

As the city prepares to implement this ordinance, officials are committed to ensuring that residents understand the new watering restrictions and the reasons behind them. The council's proactive approach aims to promote responsible water usage while addressing the community's needs during this challenging drought period.