Lindenhurst to ban some outdoor water use

Due to continued drought conditions, Lindenhurst will implement a ban on some outdoor water use to ensure an adequate water supply, officials said.

The ban excludes watering bushes, trees and flowers, those items that would have a much more difficult time surviving in drought conditions.

If someone is found to be using water for other outdoor uses, such as to water a lawn or wash a car, a warning ticket would first be given. After a repeat offense, a local ordinance violation and a $30 fine would be issued.

“Our goal again is not to punish residents, but it's an education to tell residents lets use our water resources appropriately,” Mayor Susan Lahr said during the village board meeting Monday.

The village had implemented outdoor watering restrictions. These required houses with odd-numbered addresses to use water on odd-numbered days and houses with even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. As part of that restriction, water use was banned between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Due to the continued lack of rain, Lahr said the village's water levels have declined and residents are using more water.

“Normally, we have a million gallons per day being pumped,” Trustee Patrick Dunham said. “We've got upwards of 2 (million) to 2.5 million gallons being pumped per day. That is a huge increase.”

With the challenge of the well nine pump requiring repairs and water tables are not being refilled quickly enough, Lahr said staff has decided the best action to mitigate serious water depletion is to enact a ban.

Police officers and community service officers began to communicate with residents the past four to five weeks, explaining the low water levels and asking them refrain from outdoor water use. The village also will communicate the ban to residents by posting signs.

Lahr said staff will continue to monitor water levels daily in every well and may be given board authority to lift the ban when appropriate.