At its regular meeting Monday night, the Polson City Commission approved a new ordinance aimed at conserving municipal water during the summer months by limiting outdoor watering from June 10-Sept. 30.

The matter was first discussed at the commission meeting Feb. 5 when City Manager Ed Meece introduced the proposal by reminding commissioners that the city had endured “two rough summers.” The first, in 2022, was precipitated by mechanical issues with the community’s water supply, and the second, in 2023, stemmed from last summer’s drought conditions. Even though well no. 8 has since come online, Meece noted that water restrictions will help the city’s reservoirs recover more quickly and conserve the municipal water supply.

“This is the Mountain West and water is precious,” he added.

Commissioner Jenn Ruggless asked if alternate-day watering would be sufficient to keep landscaping such as trees and flowers alive, while commissioner Lisa Rehard asked, “If we need to restrict the water supply, why are we approving new developments?”

“This isn’t about being low on water,” replied Meece. “It’s about you don’t need to water grass everyday – water is a precious resource and we need to conserve it.”

Although commissioners were generally supportive, they asked the city to bring back the ordinance with a section on landscaping and lawns, as well as language clarifying that the ordinance pertains to municipal water, not irrigation or well-water use.

The ordinance passed its second reading unanimously. Under the new regulations, residential and commercial addresses ending in odd numbers are only allowed to water on odd-numbered calendar days, with even addresses required to water on even-numbered days, each for a maximum of three hours, either from 6-9 a.m. or from 7-10 p.m. Those with automatic sprinklers are also limited to three hours on alternate days between midnight and 6 a.m.

Exemptions are available for those who have just planted new lawns or landscaping, but only for the first summer after planting. Commercial nurseries are also exempt.

The ordinance sets fines ranging from $50-$300 for intentional violation of the ordinance; those who unintentionally violate the new rules get a pass the first two times, then face fines from $75-$200. The commission will hear any appeal by a water user under a process defined by the ordinance.

The commission also approved the first reading of an ordinance designed to delineate between public and private streets within the city limits with signage. Meece told the commission that the proposal largely aims to help the public and city staff understand which streets are maintained and repaired by the city, and which streets are privately maintained. 

Under the proposal, developers or property owners will need to identify new private streets with reflective blue signs lettered in white fonts, with “Private Street” beneath the street name. A second sign must read “Not City Maintained.”

For existing private streets, the Streets Department will gradually update signs. Meece estimated new signs would cost from $100-$150 each.

Unnamed alleys that qualify as private streets would be labeled “Private Alley.”

City attorney Dave Miche emphasized that all the streets in question, whether public or private, have dedicated public right-of-ways. It’s largely a matter of distinguishing whether property owners or the city is responsible for taking care of them.