Citizens Water asks customers to stop watering lawns - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The drought and heat are also creating a big concern that there won't be enough water for everyone.

Sandra Dangerfield's yard is an oasis of color in the middle of a drought. Although she promises to stop watering when she's told to, she says, "when you work so many years to make the community look nice, you hate to see it die."

Citizens Water is now asking customers not to water their lawns for the next week. If that doesn't reduce the amount of water being used, mandatory restrictions may be on the way.

"Cease watering from this Friday to next Friday and we are hoping that has an impact and, if not, then there will be a watering ban," said Sara Holsapple, Citizens Water.

Reservoir levels are dropping daily with near-record water usage. Morse Reservoir is the worst, three feet below normal and falling.

Citizens Water says if we don't get rain soon a watering ban could start next week.

"That's really important right now because we estimate about 40 percent of our load is just lawn irrigation so if people would back off, that would really help us out," said Dan Considine, Citizens Energy.

News of Citizens' voluntary restrictions hadn't reached folks downtown Friday afternoon.

"I figured it would probably come sooner or later. It's pretty hot," said Thanh Truong.

"I thought actually they would have announced it a long time ago," said homeowner Keith Veal.

As soon as they learned of the request, both men headed to his outdoor faucet to shut his lawn sprinkler off.

"I've actually tried to hold off on watering, but when you see them start to die," Veal said of his small, newly-planted trees.

But there are exceptions covering those plantings. You can water new trees, new plantings, and flower and vegetable gardens.

"That tree, that little tree right there and the ones we have out on the other side of a yard, they have taken a beating with the heat. I've actually been trying to really hold off on watering, but when you see them start to die and you realize how much money you've put in 'em, kind of makes you, at the very least, give them a little bit of water," Veal said.

It was also good news for another downtown gardener.

"We put a great deal of time and effort into ground cover in front of the house. Many hours of back-breaking labor," the man said.

Golf courses can water, too. Indy Parks is watering playing fields and parts of golf courses to save its financial investment in them.

"They've been watering the greens, but the fairways, they haven't been," said golfer Aaron Thomas.

But Thomas says there is a benefit to the unwatered fairways.

"Ground's harder, so you can hit further," he said.

Experts say not to worry about the brown grass. Dry lawns will go dormant, but not die, then turn green once the rains return.

If Citizens goes to a ban, they will need to get Mayor Greg Ballard to make the order official. The declaration would prohibit almost all watering of lawns and gardens. Filling swimming pools and washing cars would be banned as well.

Violators would face city fines starting at $100 and increasing with each offense.

Karen Nichols says she waters just enough to keep her flowers alive. She'd miss them if they died, but knows there are more important things needing water.

"I would rather have water for fighting fires and drinking and that sort of thing. If the flowers go, they will come back, most of them," Nichols said.

Citizens has already issued a lawn watering ban for Zionsville customers until further notice. Right now, there is low water pressure in Zionsville and Whitestown due to record water usage.

100 ways to conserve water

Westfield

The City of Westfield has already implemented mandatory water restrictions. The measure is aimed to protect the water supply and pressure for potential firefighting purposes. According to the city, the current drought could also potentially compromise the city's water system and is putting a tremendous strain on water distribution.

Westfield is directing residents who have an even numbered address to only irrigate on Monday and Wednesday and residents with an odd numbered address to irrigate on Tuesday and Thursday. There is to be NO WEEKEND IRRIGATION. These restrictions are effective immediately and are imposed until further notification by the City of Westfield.

The City's Splash Park will remain open for residents as a cooling station. Water used at the Splash Park is recycled water.

Statement from Citizens Water:

Citizens Water today issued a water shortage warning and has requested that all customers stop watering their lawns until next Friday, July 13.

"The severe drought conditions and continued heavy water use are causing water levels to drop quickly at Morse, Geist and Eagle Creek reservoirs. It is important that all customers stop lawn watering for at least the next week in order to stabilize water supplies and reduce stress on the distribution system," said Lindsay Lindgren, Vice President, Water Operations for Citizens Water.

Exceptions to the voluntary lawn watering ban include flowers, vegetable gardens, other sensitive plants, and newly planted trees and lawns.

"We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we work to ensure adequate water supply to customers throughout the summer," Lindgren said.

Customers are reminded that established lawns go dormant when not watered, according to experts at Purdue University