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City Requests Voluntary Water Conservation

11/30/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          

November 30, 2020

CITY REQUESTS

VOLUNTARY WATER

CONSERVATION

The City of Decatur is requesting that all water customers voluntarily reduce the amount of potable water they use until further notice due to drought conditions in the Lake Decatur watershed.  The watershed and much of central Illinois have received below average rainfall since mid-August.

Lake Decatur, the primary source of water for the City of Decatur and the Village of Mt. Zion, is 1.3 feet below the normal winter level and is slowly declining at a rate of 0.29 inches per day and will continue to do so until significant precipitation occurs.  The National Weather Service is predicting below average precipitation for central Illinois through at least Christmas Day.

The lake is still 69% full due to its increased depth from the recently completed Basins 1 through 4 dredging project, so this is a precautionary measure in case the drought continues for an extended period of time. 

This request applies to all Decatur water customers including the Village of Mt Zion.  The City’s 24 largest customers will also be directly contacted for their assistance.  Residential customers may be able to take advantage of these conservation tips:

-      Repair leaking faucets, toilets and water pipes.

-      Install water efficient toilets and shower heads.

-      Operate washing machines and dishwashers only when full.

-      Take short showers instead of baths.

-      Don’t let water continue to run while washing hands, shaving or brushing teeth.

More commercial and residential conservation tips are available at www.epa.gov/watersense

Property owners adjacent to the lake are encouraged to take advantage of the low water level to remove debris from their shoreline area if it is safe to do so.

Lake Decatur boaters are advised to use caution when using boat ramps and be aware of shallow water obstructions.

For more information contact Keith Alexander, Water Production Manager, at 424-2863.