Voluntary Water Conservation in Wilmore is Encouraged

The City of Wilmore is strongly encouraging the residents and employers of our community to begin voluntary water conservation measures. The months of July, August and September are by far the highest water usage months of our year. Most days of the year the water treatment plant can generate a surplus of water.

However, we experienced a period of eight days in mid-July when the community was using more water in a 24-hour period than the plant could produce. During, those eight days because of such high seasonal usage, we were gradually depleting the reserves which are held in two 500,000 gallon water towers.

Please rest assured that the urgency of this situation is strictly seasonal. People's summertime water habits are very different than in the other seasons of the year. In addition, in late August when Asbury College and Asbury Seminary students return to commence the new school year the situation will be ever more pressing. So, we need a short-term solution to assure that there is plenty of water for all the critical needs of our community.

We are a growing community and the impact of that growth necessitates that we have a long-term plan to address the increasing need for an abundant water supply. With that in mind, we have already begun the planning process for an increase in our water production capabilities.

However, we do have an immediate need for the next two months for our residents and employers to begin limiting their water usage in any of the following ways:

  • Water your lawn only when it needs it. A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water.
  • Water your lawn in the early morning. When you water early, you can water less because more of the water is absorbed into your lawn.
  • When watering the lawn, make sure all the water is benefiting the yard. Don't water sidewalks, porches and streets.
  • Limit use of recreational water activities such as playing in the sprinklers and filling swimming pools.
  • Don't run the hose while washing the car; keep a nozzle on the hose to save water.
  • Repair any leaking toilets or dripping faucets.
  • Only wash full loads of clothes in the washing machine.
  • Only wash full loads of dishes in the dishwasher.
  • Take shorter showers, or use less water when bathing in a bathtub.
  • Don't let the faucet run while you brush your teeth or shave; use short bursts.
  • Consider "selective flushing" in your home; every flush uses 3-7 gallons of water!
To summarize, the potential for a seasonal water deficit is significant, but we are certain that voluntary water conservation measures can and will be adequate to address the seasonally high water usage. Thank you for anything you are able to do to help.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, or would like additional information about conservation measures or our water treatment specifics, please contact Wilmore's Utilities Director, Dave Carlstedt at 858-4251.