U.S. Water News Online
SHAWNEE, Okla. -- Water rationing, including limitations on residential watering, have gone into effect after months of drought conditions shrunk the city's water supply.
Residents were told to water their lawns every other day and only between midnight and 8 a.m. or 7 p.m. to midnight.
Violators can be fined $150 for a first offense by a municipal judge, said City Manager Jim Collard, who announced the rationing plan at a city council meeting.
Twin Lakes, the city's main water supply, is about 9 feet below normal water levels, and weekend rainfall added only one-half inch to the lake.
"It wasn't enough," Collard said. "The ground is so dry that it just sucks up the water. There's no runoff."
City officials could increase water rationing restrictions if necessary.
The municipal swimming pool will remain open unless the city has to use the most restrictive level of rationing.
Collard encouraged people to use something other than car washes for fundraisers and said he was preparing a letter to restaurants, asking them to serve water only on request. He also will ask hotels to post notices to customers asking that they reuse their towels.
He said no boats or Jet Skis will be allowed on the Twin Lakes this summer, although swimming and fishing still will be permitted.
Shawnee also supplies water to Meeker and Bethel, both of which have also imposed water rationing restrictions.
Return to the U.S. Water News' past archives page Or Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage
Editor@uswaternews.com
*Your Name:
*Your Email:
*Friend's Email:
Use a comma to separate e-mail addresses:
*Your Comments:
Hi, I thought you might like to read this article.
*Required Fields