Date:

April 1, 2003

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Jerry Obrist, Lincoln Water System, 441-7571

Mayor Don Wesely is asking citizens to begin voluntary water conservation today due to continuing drought-like conditions.

A major change for residents is a change to a designated day schedule for lawn watering. Under the new plan, those with addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are asked to water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Those with addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are asked to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The change was recommended as being more workable, especially for those with automatic sprinkler systems. Citizens are also asked to wash vehicles on the same schedule..

The Lincoln Water System recommends the following conservation tips:

• Water during the cool part of the day, and avoid watering on windy days.
• Adjust sprinklers to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk or street.
• Use a broom, not a hose and water, for outdoor cleaning.
• Wash your vehicles with a pail of soapy water, using the hose only to rinse the car.

Due to drought conditions last summer, the City implemented mandatory water restrictions for the first time since 1974. At that time, Wesely asked the Mayor’s Water Conservation Task Force, which includes citizens, large water users and lawn and garden care professionals, to update the water conservation plan. The new water management plan was released last month.

To help residents reduce their outdoor water use, the Mayor’s Water Conservation Task Force has published a new brochure called “A Guide to Planting Waterwise.” The brochure is available on the City web site at and at the County-City Building, local nurseries and retailers carrying lawn and garden stock and supplies.

City residents are also reminded that water fees are structure to encourage conservation – the more water used, the higher the rate. Information on water rates can be found on the City web site under Public Works and Utilities.