Date:

June 11, 2004

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Nick McElvain, Lincoln Water System, 441-5931

Mayor Coleen J. Seng today said the water conservation by Lincoln residents is paying off, with the average daily usage below usage at this time last year.

Under the voluntary outdoor water conservation measures, residents with addresses ending in even numbers are asked to water lawns on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Those with addresses ending in odd numbers are asked to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Mondays are reserved for watering golf course fairways and other special needs.

While precipitation in the Lincoln area has been above normal recently, the sources of the City water supply from the Platte River and its tributaries continue to receive below normal precipitation as the drought continues in western and central Nebraska.

"It is extremely important that citizens continue to comply with the voluntary restrictions to maintain an adequate water supply," said Mayor Seng. &qukot;We never know what the summer will bring, but conserving now will help to maintain our water supply and avoid mandatory restrictions."

In 2003, the City made changes to the water management plan to make it easier for residents to comply with voluntary outdoor water conservation measures.

Citizens are asked to wash vehicles on the same schedule as lawn watering. The Lincoln Water System 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.

If the voluntary restrictions become mandatory, residents would be required to follow the watering schedule. Customers who violate the restrictions would be subject to fines and could have their water service terminated. Violators would be liable for all costs of enforcement.

To help residents reduce their outdoor water use, the Mayor’s Water Conservation Task Force has published a brochure called "A Guide to Planting Waterwise." The brochure is available on the City web site at and at the County-City Building, local nurseries and retailers carrying lawn and garden stock and supplies.

City residents are also reminded that water fees are structure to encourage conservation – the more water used, the higher the rate. Information on water rates can be found on the City web site under Public Works and Utilities.