City Ends Water “Warning” Phase
Thanks to changing weather patterns and an increase in lake water elevation, the Independence City Commission at its Thursday evening meeting officially called an end to the City’s Stage 2 Water Warning restricting usage, which was implemented last September.
With the halt to the Stage 2 Warning, the City now reverts to a Stage 1 Water “Watch” as outlined by its state-approved water conservation plan, explained City Engineer John Garris.
“While we’ve experienced enough precipitation to raise the lake level a foot and a half along with cooler winter temperatures that slow evaporation, lake levels remain below normal. Water users are asked to continue to practice efficient water usage on a voluntary basis,” Garris said.
He explained the water level of Elk City Reservoir, as of Friday morning, was 791.4 feet, down from a normal elevation of 796.0 feet. However, more than 23,000 acre feet of water remains available in storage at the lake.
Citizens can help with water conservation by curtailing outdoor use and making efficient use of water indoors with such practices as washing full loads of dishes and laundry, shortening showers and not letting faucets run for extended periods, he noted.