Date:

May 22, 2008

For More Information Contact:

David Norris, Citizen Information Center, 441-7547

Jerry Obrist, Lincoln Water System, 441-7571

Mayor Chris Beutler today encouraged Lincoln residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water this summer by following the designated day schedule for outdoor watering.

“Fortunately, we are in good shape as we begin the season,” said Mayor Beutler. “We’ve had good precipitation in the winter and spring, and temperatures have been slightly below normal. The acquifer is full, and river flows are slightly above normal. At the same time, we need to remember that conditions in other parts of the state impact our water supply. People in western Nebraska especially need some good rains.”

Because summer weather is unpredictable, Beutler said its important to practice water conservation all summer. The City instituted the designated day schedule five years ago.

• Properties with street addresses ending in even numbers, including zero, are asked to voluntarily limit outdoor water use (watering lawns and washing vehicles) to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Properties with addresses ending in odd numbers are asked to voluntarily limit outdoor watering to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Those property owners with more than one street address at the same location can choose either daily schedule and notify the Lincoln Water System (LWS) of their decision.
• Those with automatic lawn irrigation systems are encouraged to set them to follow the designated watering days system.

Jerry Obrist, LWS Utilities Coordinator, said the use of designated days helps to level the daily usage of water throughout the week. He also said the City’s water fees are structured to encourage conservation. The more water you use, the higher the rate. The price is $1.13 per unit for the first eight units (about 6,000 gallons). The price increases to $1.59 per unit for the next 15 units (11,250 gallons). It increases again to $2.48 per unit for every 750 gallons above 15 units.

A complete description of water rates and the City’s Water Management Plan are available on the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: water).

In addition to following the designated day system, the Mayor’s Water Conservation Task Force recommends that citizens:

• water during the cool part of the day;
• install a rain sensor device on automatic sprinklers;
• not water when it is windy;
• adjust sprinklers to water only the lawn, and not the sidewalk or street;
• use a broom, not a hose and water, for outdoor cleaning; and
• wash your car with a pail of soapy water, using the hose only to rinse the car.

More information on water conservation is available on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: conserve).