(WKYT) – A Casey County community has declared a local state of emergency over low water levels at a local lake caused by extreme drought.
During a meeting on Monday, an executive order signed by Mayor Housam Haddad states that the emergency will remain in effect until further notice and that the city will work with various government agencies to deliver essential services.
Citizens are encouraged to repair all fixtures and water lines, operate dishwashers only when full, take shorter showers and eliminate unnecessary water use.
The executive order prohibits the following for the duration of the emergency:
- Outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, and landscaping
- Filling or refilling of swimming pools
- Pressure washing of buildings, sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces.
- Operation of decorative water features such as fountains and waterfalls.
- Vehicle washing, except at commercial facilities using water-recycling systems approved by the city.
- Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces.
- Non-essential commercial water use
- Any other non-essential water use determined by the mayor or designated city officials.
A series of ordinances also received their first reading, amending the city’s water system rules and regulations.
One ordinance established three stages of water shortages.
Stage one is declared when reservoir levels are declining, extended periods of below-normal rainfall occur, water demand exceeds seasonal averages, or forecast drought conditions persist.
During stage one, customers are encouraged to: reduce lawn and landscaping water use; repair leaking plumbing and water lines; limit vehicle washing; reduce shower length; operate washing machines and dishwashers only when they are fully loaded and eliminate unnecessary water use whenever possible.
Stage two is declared when drought conditions worsen, reservoir levels continue to decline or water supply conditions indicate that mandatory conservation levels may soon be necessary.
During stage two, customers shall: limit outdoor watering to essential purposes; discontinue washing paved surfaces except for health and safety reasons; repair known water leaks within a reasonable period; reduce non-essential water consumption; and follow any additional conservation measures announced by the city.
Stage three is declared when water supply conditions threaten the city’s ability to provide adequate service for essential public health, fire protection and domestic needs.
During state three, the following uses of water are prohibited unless authorized by the city: water lawns, gardens or outdoor vegetation exepct for gardens used for food production; washing vehicles, trailers, boats or recreational equipment; filling or refiling swimming pools, hot tubs, fountains or other recreational water features; washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, buildings or other exterior services; allowing water to run continuously or otherwise wasting water; use of water for decorative or non-essential purposes; any other non-essential uses determined by the city.
The city clerk, water superintendent, code enforcement officer, police department or other authorized city representative will have the power to enforce the ordinance.
Direct observation, photos, videos, customer submissions or other reasonable evidence may document violations.
Each day that a violation of stage three restrictions occurs will constitute a separate offense.
For a first offense, a customer will receive a written notice and a $250 fine; each subsequent violation will result in another written notice and a $500 fine.
Three or more violations will result in water service being disconnected; service will only resume when all fines are paid, the customer provides written assurance that future violations will not occur and the city determines that restoration of service will not adversely affect conservation efforts.
Notices of violation will be hand-delivered to an offending customer and mailed to their billing address.
Appeals have to be filed within 15 days of the violation through the mayor. Any appeal of the mayor’s decision must go to the city council within 15 days of that decision. All written appeals must be addressed to the city. The council will consider all appeals at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Another ordinance will establish a temporary drought emergency water surcharge whenever the mayor declares a state of emergency, and it will remain in effect during that emergency.
During the emergency, the minimum water bill for 2,000 gallons would remain $18.22, and any consumption in excess of that amount would be charged at $10 per 1,000 gallons.
The surcharge would cease at the end of the state of emergency.
All ordinances will require a second reading before they can be voted on.