Thursday, March 28, 2024
Lake Egypt Water District issued a press release Wednesday, Aug. 8, indicating its water customers need to take measures in conserving water usage.

Lake Egypt Water District requests water conservation

Lake Egypt Water District issued a press release Wednesday, Aug. 8, indicating its water customers need to take measures in conserving water usage.

Lake Egypt Water District and Southern Illinois Power Cooperative joined together in issuing a press release Wednesday requesting users of the Lake of Egypt to take extra measures in water conservation due to the ongoing drought.

According to the release, residents are asked to voluntarily conserve due to weather conditions until further notice.

“Lake Egypt Water District is taking these proactive actions today to avoid taking additional measures to restrict water usage,” said Perry Musgrave, district manager.  “If these conditions persist, there is a chance the restrictions may become mandatory.”

While residents are asked to limit their water use and report leaks, the release also warns that if the drought persists and water levels continue to decline, rate increases would be necessary.

“Both utilities are dependent upon the water in Lake of Egypt,” according to the release.  “These measures are being taken to insure if the extreme heat and drought continues, the water in the lake will continue to meet our electrical and potable water needs.”

Lake Egypt Water District serves more than 4,500 customers in and around Johnson County.  Customers such as the Village of Goreville serves hundreds of others which adds to the overall demand put on the Lake of Egypt.  Lake Egypt Water District includes: Lick Creek Water District; Devils Kitchen Water District; Village of Creal Springs; Village of Goreville; and Burnside Water District.

In a Lake Egypt Water District board of trustees’ meeting Wednesday, an ordinance was passed allowing for the rates of water usage to increase in different increments when the water level at the Lake of Egypt spillway falls bellow levels specified.

On the extreme end of the measuring stick, if the levels were to fall 48 inches below the spillway, non-wholesale water customers would pay $10 for every thousand gallons used after an initial 2,000 gallons.  Use of 0 to 2,000 gallons has a base charge of $25.

The Lake Egypt Water District recommends the following conservation methods to help combat the declining water levels during this time of drought:

[box_info]
Don’t was vehicles or other equipment.
Don’t allow children to play with the hose or sprinklers just for fun.
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean porches and driveways.
Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even the smallest drip from an aging shower head can waste 20 or more gallons of water a day.
Turn off the water while shaving and brushing your teeth.
Take shorter showers.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full – and necessary.
When washing dishes by hand, don’t run water freely to rinse.  Fill a second sink with water instead.
Don’t water plants and young trees/shrubs with a free flowing hose, use a watering can at evening when evaporation is minimal.
If you must water your lawn water as: Even addresses on Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday; Odd addresses Monday-Wednesday-Fridays.
[/box_info]