Joplin residents asked to voluntarily conserve due to weather co - KOAM TV 7

Joplin residents asked to voluntarily conserve due to weather conditions

News release from Missouri American Water:

Joplin, MO. (July 23, 2012) - Missouri American Water is asking all its' water customers in the Joplin Metro Area to voluntarily conserve water usage until further notice from the company.  

Drought conditions have created challenges to water reserves.  Shoal Creek, the main source of supply, is currently down a flow of 48 cubic feet per second according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring system. The normal flow this time of year is around 400 cubic feet per second.

"Missouri American Water is taking these proactive actions today to avoid taking additional measures to restrict water usage," said Matthew Barnhart, southwest operations manager.  "If these conditions persist, there is a chance the restrictions may become mandatory."

Missouri American Water is asking residents to follow a defined outdoor watering schedule.  Those persons with odd numbered street addresses water only on odd calendar days.  Those with even numbered street addresses water only on even calendar days.  Missouri American Water is also asking residents to avoid watering during the peak demand hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  

Residents are also being asked to assist in the report of water leaks in their neighborhoods by notifying the customer service center at 1-866-430-0820.  

Tips from Missouri American Water to help customers use water wisely during the voluntary water restrictions:

• Water your lawn and garden only when necessary and according to the even/odd watering schedule.  Avoid watering between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Don't allow children to play with the hose or sprinklers just for fun.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean porches and driveways.
• Check faucets and pipes for leaks.  Even the smallest drip from an aging shower head can waste 20 or more gallons of water a day.
• Turn off the water while shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Take shorter showers.  
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full - and necessary.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't run water freely to rinse.  Fill a second sink with water instead.
• Don't let the faucet run when you clean fruits and vegetables.  Rinse them in a filled sink or pan of water.

The voluntary restrictions will be lifted when there are changing weather conditions.

# # #