The City of Decatur is reissuing mandatory limits for regular use in Decatur and Mt. Zion as well as emergency use in Long Creek and Harristown. City Manager Ryan McCrady says the city was prepared for another dry season, but the current conditions could become too severe even for the planned outlook...
Phase 1 restrictions could lead to more severe scaling back in the near future. Lake Decatur is down about 2.5 feet from normal stage at this time.
Current restrictions include:
- The use of water to maintain lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and all other vegetation is allowed only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week.
- Athletic fields may use water on 3 alternative days per 7-day period only after having a written water use plan approved by the Director of Water Management.
- Washing or cleaning of streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and all other paved surfaces is prohibited unless approved in advance by the Decatur Water Services Division for the maintenance of public health and safety. Construction sites, commercial and municipal street, sidewalk and parking lot cleaning operations and commercial power washing operations are exempt from this regulation.
- The initial filling of outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs and ponds is prohibited. Topping off existing outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs and ponds is allowed. Exterior washing of any motorized vehicle is prohibited except at commercial vehicle washing facilities, commercial vehicle detailing facilities and vehicle sales facilities.
- The service of water at restaurants is prohibited unless requested by the customer.
- Testing of public or private fire hydrants and water mains is prohibited unless approved in advance by the Decatur Water Services Division. Fire hydrant meter rentals are prohibited except for use on construction projects.
- The cost for water purchased at the Decatur Bulk Water Station will be 150% of the regular cost.
- The operation of the Central Park fountain is prohibited.
- The withdrawal of water from Lake Decatur is prohibited except for use by the City of Decatur and Archer Daniels Midland water treatment facilities.
- Detectable water leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of discovery. If the leak is not repaired in this time frame, the Decatur Water Services Division may shut off the leaking water service.
