Jacksonville and Decatur have already implemented mandatory water restrictions.
The city of Springfield had already requested voluntary water restrictions. Here is a copy of CWLP's release on water restrictions issued on July 26th.
CWLP ASKING CUSTOMERS TO REDUCE OUTDOOR WATERING
City Water, Light and Power officials are asking of all of its water customers, including those served in retail and wholesale agreements, which includes Southern View, Leland Grove, Grandview, Jerome, Loami, Sherman, Williamsville, Rochester and customers of the Sugar Creek Public Water District, to reduce nonessential outdoor watering, as water usage continues to break records. CWLP’s Water Treatment Plant produced 40.31 million gallons of drinking water on Wednesday, July 25th, a new peak record for customer usage. CWLP’s past historical daily production peak was set a week prior on July 18 at 39.82 million gallons produced that day. Average daily water production for the month of July is normally around 29 million gallons but this year has been closer to 35 million gallons. CWLP’s peak production capacity is 43 million gallons.
"Clearly the consecutive days with high heat, coupled with a lack of rain, are the primary factors in the higher customer water use levels we are seeing," said CWLP Water Division Director Tom Skelly. "Reducing outdoor water use now, in particular during the daytime hours, is going to be the best approach for our customers who want to help in the voluntary water restrictions we are asking for now."
Mandatory water restrictions are not in place at this time, but those that want to begin to reduce usage now and assist the city in withstanding continuing drought conditions can begin by doing the following at their homes and businesses:
• When outdoor water use is essential, do so between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• Businesses and residences with even-numbered addresses should set automated sprinkler settings so they run only when essential on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Businesses and residences with odd-numbered addresses should set automated sprinkler settings so they run only when essential on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Reserve washing machine use and dishwasher use for between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
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CWLP also recommends the following general water conservation tips appropriate for times of drought and high heat:
OUTDOORS
• Let lawns go dormant. Most turf grass can withstand drought. Established lawns and landscapes need only about one inch of water each week.
• Set mower blades to a higher setting to help shade roots and hold soil moisture longer.
• Postpone new plant or tree installations.
• Turn off ornamental fountains.
• When watering is necessary for new landscapes or lawns, or to sustain gardens, water early in the morning before 8 am. to reduce evaporation.
• Use water from a rain barrel, underground rainwater system or from other purposes used within the home for your necessary landscape or other outdoor watering needs.
• For necessary watering, install a rain sensor on automatic sprinkler systems so they don’t run following rain events.
• Make adjustments so sprinklers don’t water hardscapes like driveways and sidewalks.
• Use mulch around plants and shrubs to help retain moisture.
• Use drip irrigation for less water loss, which applies water low and slow to the roots of shrubs and trees.
• Check irrigation systems for leaks and broken parts.
• When a car needs to be washed, take it to a commercial wash where water is recycled.
INDOORS
• Don’t let the faucet run freely for cooking, cleaning, teeth brushing and etc.
• Take short showers rather than baths.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines on efficiency settings and for full loads only.
• Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads and fixture connections.
• Check for toilets with silent leaks, which can flow continuously and waste over 1,000 gallons of water a day.
• Twist and tighten any leaking pipe connections.
• Replace fixtures, such as faucet aerators and showerheads, with WaterSense or other efficiency-grade models, which can use 20 percent less water.
For more information on CWLP’s Water Conservation programs and rebates, contact CWLP’s Energy Services Office at 789-2070 or nrgxprts@cwlp.com. More information can also be found at www.facebook.com/4CWLP or at www.cwlp.com on the Energy Services tab.