MOSES LAKE, WA — At its regular meeting on July 8, 2025, the Moses Lake City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 3071, granting the Moses Lake School District (MLSD) a temporary exemption from citywide irrigation restrictions. The temporary exemption will allow the district to irrigate school sports fields as needed through November 15, 2025, helping to preserve student play spaces and protect taxpayer-owned assets during the region’s dry summer months.

In recent weeks, district leaders worked closely with city staff to outline a plan that balances responsible water use with the need to maintain safe, playable fields for student-athletes and summer programs. Without this exemption, the city’s three-day watering schedule risked significant turf loss on high-use fields across the district.

“This ordinance reflects a shared commitment to our community’s priorities—fiscal responsibility, student safety, and the preservation of public spaces,” said Superintendent Carol Lewis. “We are grateful to the City of Moses Lake for partnering with us to find a proactive, commonsense solution.”

The district plans to prioritize irrigation at key athletic and activity sites, including:

• Park Orchard Elementary
• North Elementary
• Groff Elementary
• Sage Point Elementary
• Endeavor Middle School
• Larson Heights Elementary

While the exemption allows for increased flexibility, MLSD will continue to maximize efficiency by watering during cooler hours and using zone-based scheduling to minimize waste. In addition, the district maintains an ongoing commitment to identifying and implementing alternative watering sources in an effort to reduce long-term reliance on the city’s potable water system.

The full ordinance (No. 3071) can be LOCATED HERE and on the City of Moses Lake website. The temporary exemption is set to expire November 15, 2025, unless extended by council action.

For more information, please contact the Moses Lake School District at (509) 766-2650 or visit the district website.

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About Moses Lake School District:
The Moses Lake School District serves a diverse and dynamic community, providing comprehensive educational opportunities to over 8,300 students across multiple campuses. Committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment, the district emphasizes academic excellence, career and technical education, and inclusive practices that support all students in achieving their full potential.