JASPER, IN (WFIE) -
The drought's taking a toll on Jasper's water supply. So, the city has implemented a new ordinance to conserve.
The Spirit of Jasper Train Depot is where volunteers have been showing up to help spread the word about a new city water ordinance.
The city of Jasper gets its water from the Patoka River, which gets its water from Patoka lake. Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz says lately, the lake's output has decreased, threatening Jasper's water supply.
"We did make some requests to have some small increase in flow from the lake to help us out. Sadly, what's happened is, the river itself is so low that it's kind of filled up its channel first and then we're next," Setiz told 14 News.
As a result, the city of Jasper has declared a Water Conservation Emergency. Mayor Seitz says they are banning city water customers from excessive water use.
"We're having mandatory elimination of any sprinkling or using a hose to water gardens, plants, or lawns. We're also restricting washing of cars at residences or businesses."
Seitz says commercial car washes are still allowed to operate, since they use recycled water. Friday, many volunteers have gone door-to-door to help spread the word.
"There's a four-step process, three actually. A warning on the first time, $100 on the second time, the third time, $250 or shut your water off. These are effective steps we hope will not be too punitive on residents, still enable people to certainly enjoy themselves and use water in a regular way. Although, we are asking for voluntary help with the way we use water too," said Mayor Seitz.
Mayor Seitz says he doesn't know exactly how long this water ordinance will stay in effect, but he says he just hopes this drought ends sooner rather than later.
The town of Winslow in Pike County has also declared mandatory water conservation. Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is asking residents in several counties including, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick to voluntarily conserve. In Kentucky, the West Daviess County Water District has issued a water shortage declaration. They are asking customers to voluntarily conserve. Muhlenberg County is asking their residents to do the same.
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