Date:

July 31, 2003

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Jerry Obrist, Lincoln Water System, 441-7571

Mayor Coleen J. Seng and Lincoln Water System (LWS) officials remind residents that voluntary outside water conservation measures will continue until further notice. Current July precipitation is at .45 inches (not including today’s rain) compared to the normal monthly average of 3.54 inches, according to High Plains Regional Climate Center at UNL.

Addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are asked to limit outside water use to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Those with addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are asked to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Citizens are also asked to wash vehicles on the same schedule.

“We’re getting some rain again today, but the forecast calls for hot and dry conditions, and our drought conditions continue,” said Mayor Seng. “We continue to stress water conservation as a way to avoid mandatory restrictions if the situation changes.”

LWS Engineer Jerry Obrist said current water flow levels in the Platte River continue to be slightly below normal. Water usage has averaged 66.5 million gallons a day in July. City water officials will continue to monitor outside usage and river flows.

LWS recommends the following conservation tips:

• Water during the cool part of the day, and avoid watering on windy days.
• Adjust sprinklers to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk or street.
• Use a broom, not a hose and water, for outdoor cleaning.
• Wash your vehicles with a pail of soapy water, using the hose only to rinse the car.

Information on water conservation is available on the Interlinc home page, The information includes:

• The City’s water management plan.
• Daily usage.
• Conservation information, such as “A Guide to Planting Waterwise,” which also is available at the County-City Building, local nurseries and garden retailers
• City water rates, which are structured to encourage conservation.