Auburn, Ala.(EETV) - On April 19, 2017, in accordance with the Alabama Drought Planning and Response Act (Code of Alabama 1975 Section 9-10C-1, et. seq.) and the Alabama Drought Management Plan, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Office of Water Resources (OWR) issued a Drought Declaration for the State of Alabama. This declaration is based on a review of current conditions as well as anticipated future conditions. OWR has listed Lee County in the “Advisory” drought declaration level.
Based on this Declaration, as well as current conditions in Auburn, the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn (AWWB) is enacting a Phase I Drought Watch for its customers effective April 21, 2017, in accordance with the AWWB’s Drought Management Plan. This Phase I Drought Watch includes voluntary water restrictions. The voluntary water restrictions will be based on even/odd street numbers. Watering for all addresses should should only occur between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Customers with even numbered addresses should water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Customers with odd numbered addresses should water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There should be no outdoor watering on Sundays. This Phase I Drought Watch will remain in effect until further notice.
The Board is currently experiencing well above normal water demands due to persistent drought conditions in Lee County and above normal temperatures. The Board has an ample supply of water for public health and emergency purposes; however, the Board is asking customers to be responsible stewards of our natural resources and participate in voluntary restrictions in an effort to control excessive water use and to eliminate the need for mandatory restrictions.
Customers are also reminded of the following steps to make the most efficient use of watering year round and especially during voluntary restrictions:
- Water at efficient times of the day to prevent evaporation due to heat and wind (after 8:00 PM and before 8:00 AM). Check your sprinkler timer and make adjustments as needed.
- Check sprinkler heads and adjust them as needed to keep water on your lawn, trees and shrubs and to keep water off of the street, driveway and sidewalk.
- Check your sprinkler system for leaks and make repairs in a timely manner to minimize water losses.
- Do not leave manual sprinklers or running hoses unattended. If watering manually, use a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off the water.
- Eliminate washing houses or paved surfaces unless for public health or safety reasons.
- Repair water leaks and leaky toilets.
Customers are also reminded of the following steps to save water:
- Take shorter showers.
- Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or washing dishes by hand.
- Only run full loads of laundry or dishes.
- The American Water Works Association defines water conservation as doing more with less, not doing without. By working together we can preserve the water supply and possibly prevent the need for mandatory restrictions. For more information, please contact the Water Resource Management Department at 334.501.3060.
