Small town water supplies feel pinch of summer drought - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Our long streak of dry weather is causing a serious water shortage in some communities, which could threaten public safety.

Low water supply and high risk of fire is a big concern in White River Township. In fact, Bargersville Water just implemented a level one emergency conservation measure, in hopes that voluntary cutbacks will help restore the supply.

Extreme heat is not just frying our lawns, but also drying up the water supply. It's a serious public safety threat.

"All of our water towers are below normal operating levels," explained Bargersville Utilities Superintendent Michael Davis. "We've hit what we consider a critical point."

The critical water shortage in the Center Grove area could put homes at risk if they caught fire.

"Not only is the fire risk high because everything's so dry, but it has also caused this water shortage which is concerning because that's vital to making sure we have the opportunity to save a life or get a fire put out quickly," said White River Township Fire Chief Jeremy Pell. "If we have low water pressure and a lower amount of water, if a fire gets a good head start on us, then it makes it much more difficult to put out."

That potential danger is why Bargersville Water issued the emergency. The voluntary conservation, detailed in flyers put on homeowners' doors, asks them to refrain from watering their lawns every day and not water on the weekends at all.

At the water company, pumps are working overtime with high demand and tanks are simply drying up. One tank, which normally holds 30 feet of water, is down to just four.

Fire crews say that's not nearly enough to fight a fire.

"There's a very real possibility we could run out of water in just a few minutes," Pell said.

So to keep the community safe, firefighters in White River Township will call for tankers for every fire report. Nearby fire departments are helping out, too.

"We have enough contingency plans now that we won't run out of water," Pell said.

The water company now hopes neighbors heed the warning and forego sprinkling in favor of safety.

"That will have a tremendous impact on our ability to maintain safe reserves and provide demand for normal use," Davis said.

If neighbors don't cut back and the drought continues, Davis says they may have to move to a mandatory ban, which he hopes does not happen.

The threat has also prompted the Town of Brownsburg to ask its customers to conserve water.

"We're pumping maximum right now, 3.1 million gallons a day," said Brownsburg Water Superintendent Mike Good. "Our plants are running 24 hours a day and they're not getting a chance to shut down and rest. I'd rather have water for firefighting and domestic use. Keeping a green grass isn't important to me."

It doesn't stop at just cutting back on watering lawns and gardens, but everyday activities, like washing dishes and clothes.

"There's always the few that will say, 'Well, I'm paying for it. I don't care,' but all in all, most people try. That's all we can ask," Good said.

There are no water bans or worries just yet in Speedway, another small town that supplies its own water.

Steve Hurst is the Superintendent of the Speedway Water Treatment Plant. Each day he checks the levels of the Eagle Creek Reservoir to see if trouble could surface down creek.

"It's telling me that the numbers at the reservoir are in decent shape," he said. "Our supplies are adequate, we're keeping up with demand if the dry spell continues, then maybe some restrictions involved."

The Town of Speedway actually pulls its water supply from two sources for its 12,000 customers.

Brownsburg has three sources, but says it has outgrown its two small water plants. An old plant was built in 1968 and only pumps 800,000 gallons of water. Come this time next year, a new larger facility will replace it - one that will pump four times as much water.

Westfield issued the following notice Thursday:

As a result of the drought and the extreme heat Indiana is currently experiencing, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook is asking residents to conserve water. Such conditions are putting a strain on the City's water distribution system and could lead to infrastructure damage. Residents conserving water will help alleviate some dropping levels in the City's water towers while also providing environmental benefits.

See updates for Westfield here.

Below is a list of ways residents can conserve water:

· Reduce irrigation: 40% of water usage is a direct result of irrigation. Only water lawn once a week. Experts say lawns only need one inch of water per week to remain healthy. Note: New lawns, flowers and other plants often require more frequent watering. Trees less than three years old require 15 gallons of water per week.

· Irrigate early: Irrigating lawns and plants from 4am to 7am will reduce evaporation. Watering at midday results in as much as 30 percent water loss due to evaporation.

· Proper use of garden hose: Check for spigot leaks and always use a nylon or rubber hose washer to tighten hose connections to prevent leaks. Sweep sidewalks and driveways, do not use hose.