VALDOSTA —
Outdoor irrigation water restrictions for Valdosta citizens continue until further notice, according to city officials Monday.
Last Friday afternoon, the City of Valdosta issued a request for citizens to refrain from all non-essential use of water for an initial 72 hours.
Director of Utilities Henry Hicks said he does not expect full capacity to be available until Sunday, May 6. City officials emphasized that water quality will not be effected during this time period.
“It’s unlikely we’re going to lift the restrictions now just to put it back in a day later,” said Hicks. “Citizens can do everything as normal; shower, wash dishes, laundry, flush toilets. We just can’t meet that extra demand.”
That extra demand mentioned by Hicks includes outdoor irrigation of crops, lawns and gardens as well as filling swimming pools or car washes, which includes car-wash fundraisers by local organizations.
Although approximately 70 percent of all water usage is for residential customers, Hicks said all essential needs of all customers, including industrial and commercial, will be met despite the restrictions. Commercial car washes are still allowed to operate because their water is recirculated into the system.
So far, citizens have responded well to the recent restrictions.
“We haven’t heard from anybody and, just by looking at the system, it looks like everybody really stepped up,” said Hicks. “Most people abided by the restrictions.”
There are two main consequences if people ignore the water restrictions, Hicks explained. Overuse will bring reduced pressure which will hinder possible response from the Valdosta Fire Department. If pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch, the city must issue a boil-water notice, which requires citizens to boil water prior to consumption.
On Monday, April 23, recently renovated city water pump No. 4 was taken off-line due to severe vibrations. On Friday, April 27, city water pump No. 2 also went off-line. Pump No. 7 was already off-line and should be ready in a month. Hicks explained that the recent troubles have brought water storage capabilities down 4.5 million gallons per day.
Upon notification that three of the seven city water pumps had gone off-line, the water restrictions took effect.
Although the problems are being addressed, the Environmental Protection Division requires six hours to collect a water sample and 24 hours for testing before a pump can go back online.
When the restrictions are lifted, which is still undetermined by city officials, citizens are urged to follow current water-use guidelines which recommend evenly numbered houses and odd-numbered houses alternate days for outdoor watering.
The city is expected to release additional information through the week on its website, www.valdostacity.com
For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition.
