By: Heather Graf
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Days of dry weather are quickly depleting local water
supplies. On Wednesday, the City of Clarksville became one of the first
in Middle Tennessee to put restrictions in place for residents.
The restrictions there are voluntary, but city leaders are hoping everyone
abides by the rules.
"Looking at the long-range forecast, we felt it would be prudent to be
a little pro-active, and go ahead and ask people to conserve water whenever
possible," said Pat Hickey with Clarksville Gas & Water.
"Even though you think my little bit is not going to help, when you look
at everything as a whole, it does help."
Stage One of the Drought Management Plan includes the following voluntary
recommendations:
- Reduction in frequency of watering new and first year landscaping and
foundations
-Only initial filling of ornamental fountains
-Reduction in frequency of washing or rinsing of vehicles
-Reduction in frequency of recreational use
-Reduction of water use through Day of Week Watering Schedule: Even
addresses water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd addresses water on
Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Residents we spoke with say they are reasonable requests.
"I'm going to water, but I'm not going to go overboard," said Al
Kertis. "I commend them for that. It's very pro-active, and I
think it's a good move."
Restaurants, too, will be affected. They're being asked to serve water
to customers by request only.
"Pretty much as soon as somebody comes in, we automatically, we always
give them water," said Jonathan Gibbs, whose family owns Rudy's Diner.
He says it's a longtime tradition at the family restaurant, but one they're
willing to change to keep the faucets flowing.
"Oh, it's very important; it's a necessity, I'll say that," he
said.
Typical usage in the City of Clarksville is 15 to 16 million gallons of
water per day. Hickey says they'll have to put mandatory restrictions in
place if the system gets to 90% capacity for three days in a row.
He says they are monitoring the water levels on a daily basis.
Municipalities all over Middle Tennessee told NewsChannel 5 they're doing the
same.
email: hgraf@newschannel5.com
