Conserve Water
Protect Our Precious Resource
In Southern Oregon, using water wisely is key to adapting to our changing climate. As temperatures rise and our snowpack and rainfall decrease, our land gets more and more dry. Drought conditions make wildfires worse, affect trees and plants, and mean that our water supply runs low.
Ways to save water
INSIDE
- Turn off faucet while brushing teeth or shaving
- Only run dishwasher/washing machine fully loaded
- Take shorter showers
- Fix dripping taps
- Install low flow toilet (or put a rock in the tank)
- Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors
OUTSIDE
- Replace your grass turf with water-wise plants
- Plant drought-resistant plants and trees
- Recycle indoor water to use on plants
- Don’t water when it rains
- Collect rainwater
- Mulch your garden
- Water lawn overnight when it’s cool
- Wash your car at the car wash — not with your garden hose.
Learn About Ashland’s Water
Ashland Watershed
The Ashland Municipal Watershed encompasses 15,000 acres of land – including Mt. Ashland. This land channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks and streams, and eventually, it arrives in the City of Ashland’s water supply — Reeder Reservoir.
Reeder Reservoir
Our drinking water for the City of Ashland comes from Reeder Reservoir, located in the Ashland Watershed. Reeder Reservoir is fed from snow melt and rain runoff from Mount Ashland. The reservoir stores 280 million gallons of water. When we water our lawns, we use this water — unless we are pulling from TAP or TID.
Ashland’s Drinking Water Treatment Plant
Ashland’s current Water Treatment Plant was built in 1948. Located in the steep and narrow Ashland Creek Canyon, the plant is subject to flooding and landslides. In 2012, plans commenced to redesign the water plant, as experts say it’s not well-positioned nor well-equipped for the algae blooms that today’s warmer climate bring. In November 2024, Ashland voters approved financing to build a new Water Treatment Plant in a better location.
Talent, Ashland, Phoenix (TAP) Water Line
This 24-inch water transmission main connects the cities of Talent, Ashland, and Phoenix, providing water from the Medford Water Commission (Lost Creek Reservoir). While Ashland draws water from Reeder Reservoir and the TAP system to supplement our water supply. The TAP water line is a critical infrastructure project that ensures a reliable water supply, particularly during times of drought or water scarcity.
Talent Irrigation District
Several reservoirs comprise the Talent Irrigation District system in the Cascade foothills. Many Rogue Vally growers depend on TID water, as do parts of Southern Oregon University, the City of Ashland Parks & Recreation, the Ashland School District, and some residential customers. (VERIFY)
Waste Water Treatment Plant
When you use your toilet, shower, washing machine, or dishwasher, wastewater leaves your home through pipes that connect to the city sewer system.
Located by the Dog Park, this sewer system treats all our wastewater before sending treated water out into Bear Creek and hauling dried material to the White City landfill.
Current water conditions
Every month we report on the state of water — including a precipitation report, reservoir readout, and drought monitor.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re Here to Help!
Our Water Conservation Action Team is a source of information about where our water comes from and how to conserve water in and around your home.
We provide seasonal tips, share information about Ashland’s water reservoir levels, and provide links to City of Ashland incentives, rebates, and other resources. We also offer insights into City water topics.
Water Conservation
Larry Cooper
Pat Acklin
Did You Know?
In the summer, average residential water use is approximately 5 times higher than in the winter; mainly due to landscape irrigation.
– City of Ashland Water Savings Guide (PDF)
City of Ashland Water Conservation and Rebates
- Water Savings Guide
- Sprinkler Systems Evaluations
- Indoor Water Analysis
- WaterSense Toilet Rebate
- Washing Machine Rebate
- Lawn Replacement Rebate
- Smart Irrigation Controllers Rebate
- Free low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
Ashland Saves Water
The City of Ashland created AshlandSavesWater.org with everything you need to help you create your dream garden. Virtually tour a variety of landscapes, find plants you love, and get inspired by the beauty and endless possibilities of Water-Wise Gardening in Ashland.
- Everything you need to create your dream garden
- Tour a variety of landscapes and find plants you love
- Get inspired by the beauty and possibilities of Water-Wise gardening
Ashland Water Articles
Check out water articles and actionable strategies that highlight our community’s efforts toward a sustainable future.
Connect with the Collaborative!
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