According to the KNS, Maryville and Alcoa have ended mandatory restrictions on water usage. Can't seem to get my MDT. Hope it starts back up soon.

In addition, the KNS article goes on to say, "A preliminary study estimates that the total reduction of water use by all customers in both cities led to a 30 percent drop in water withdrawals from the Little River." Good job!

Interesting tidbit from the City of Alcoa. We receive a newsletter with our bill. Alcoa included a chart this time outlining who uses City of Alcoa water.

Inside City Residential Customers = 7.4%
Inside City Commercial Customers = 10.3%
Outside City Residential Customers = 12.0%
Outside City Commercial Customers = 7.1%
Aluminum Co. of American= 45.3%
Tuckaleechee Utility District = 17.9%

Assuming I'm reading our water bill correctly (according to Alcoa it's listed in units of 100 gallons, so 48 equals 4800 gallons), here's our consumption:

• Jul: 13,200 gal. (4800 household, 8400 irrigation)
• Aug: 31,000 gal. (3600 household, 27,400 irrigation)
• Sep: 13,800 gal. (4000 household, 9800 irrigation)

I had no idea watering the lawn used so much water. And our sprinklers have been shut off most of the summer due to voluntary and mandatory restrictions. (A year ago in July we used 43,400 gal. for irrigation.)

Our household consumption looks high, too, for only two people. But we work from home so we are here most of the time.

Anyway, how does yours compare? I'm going to start looking for more ways to conserve. I may start by paving the lawn or putting in Astroturf.

Little River water levels continue to drop, 23 cubic feet per second (cfs) for Aloca and 38 for Maryville.

Maryville public information officer Pam Arnett reported Little River water levels have stayed consistent at 38 cfs. Whereas, Alcoa's level has dropped from 25 to 23. Does this mean Maryville is not conserving enough water?

According to today's Maryville Daily Times, Phase III of water restrictions are in effect and the water usage restrictions are getting tougher, no car washing at all, nurseries, landscape facilities must stop using city water for irrigation.

How low will it go? Shall we start a pool?

No rain for several weeks and no rain predicted. We are now required to conserve water.

Update: City of Aloca and City of Maryville Press Release for Phase II Mandatory Water Restrictions.

Link

According to Maryville City Manager Greg McClain, the water level of the Little River has dropped to 40 cubic feet per second, forcing authorities to ban watering lawns or gardens as well as prohibiting car washing and filling swimming pools. Residents with automatic sprinkler system also are being asked to completely turn off their timers.
...
“I think both cities will take a soft-handed approached at first,” Wiggins [City of Alcoa] said. “If a homeowner is found to be watering a lawn the first call may be a warning. Maybe they don’t read the paper or watch the TV.

“But if there are a numerous violations they could be cited, with each day being an additional citation.”

On September 24th, the Cities of Maryville and Alcoa are once again requesting residents to voluntarily conserve water.

At this time, the cities are asking their customers and those of Tuckaleechee Utility District (which purchases its water from Alcoa) to voluntarily conserve water. Reducing water use will help ease the demand on each of the water systems which, in turn, eases the demand on the river. Specific suggestions include:

• Stop irrigation of plants, trees and landscaping
• Refrain from washing cars
• Fix all leaky plumbing fixtures, including outdoor hoses
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads
• Use a broom instead of a water hose to clean sidewalks and driveways

For now, water conservation is still voluntary. However, if the area does not receive any rain in the next few days, mandatory restrictions may be implemented.

Link

Sunday they asked us to voluntarily conserve water.

There has been no significant reduction in water use since Sunday when Maryville and Alcoa called for voluntary water conservation because the water level in Little River has reached historical lows.

“We are on the verge of a mandatory ban of nonessential water usage. This is a very serious matter, and we all need to conserve water in any way we can,” said Maryville Mayor Joe Swann on Tuesday.

Please people, pay attention. Conserve water. Do a rain dance.