MISD Has Implemented Numerous Water Conservation Efforts This Summer

Mercer Island, WA, July 18, 2024 – The Mercer Island School District began water conservation efforts in collaboration with the City of Mercer Island in early May.

The district decreased irrigation of fields, plants, bushes, and shrubs in early May and by mid-June had shut down irrigation completely except for two fields at MIHS. Currently we have limited water being applied to the JV and Upper North fields at MIHS. These two fields are both sand based fields and require some water so they do not die out and become unusable for fall sports. To do this limited watering, we consulted with City staff and identified three days of the week when flow rates are at a minimum on the island. We are using a limited amount of water on these two fields during these low flow rate days to make sure the fields are usable in the fall.

MISD also stopped all plans for outdoor pressure washing of facilities and buildings during the summer, which includes all concrete areas, walkways, sidewalks, amphitheaters, and the seating area in Islander Stadium.

During the week of July 29 Mercer Island School District will be conducting annual tests of our fire sprinkler systems in schools and district owned fire hydrants on school campuses.

This testing is being done with the City’s current water conservation efforts in mind. We have a vendor performing the testing on the sprinklers and hydrants and they are aware of the island’s current water conservation efforts and they will minimize the water flow rates during this testing where and when possible.

The testing of both sprinklers and hydrants is required for occupancy of our buildings and the safety of our students and staff.