The City of Fort Smith on Monday (Aug. 11) issued another call for water conservation measures initially resulting from an Aug. 3 water main break. The city notice said too many water users are ignoring required conservation measures.
A citywide emergency water conservation order for the city’s almost 90,000 residents was first issued Aug. 3 following the water main break on Leigh Avenue between the Interstate 540 interchange and Phoenix Avenue.
According to the city’s Monday report, the line is fully repaired and required water quality tests have been approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. State rules also require the city to restore water levels at in-town reservoirs and storage tanks.
The “Phase II” conservation measures primarily prohibit lawn irrigation, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, and exterior surface cleaning. Residents may hand-water shrubs, plants, trees, and gardens every other day based on the address, but automated watering systems must be turned off. (Link here for details on water conservation rules.)
But too few residents are abiding by the restrictive water use rules, which results in a slower refill of reservoirs and tanks.
“Unfortunately, many customers have not followed the conservation protocols, and irrigation systems – large and small – continue to run. This delays our system’s recovery and extends the need for restrictions,” the city noted Monday.
“During the six-day period that the line was down for repair, disinfection, and testing, in-town reservoirs dropped to well below 50% capacity, with some experiencing as low as 25% or lower,” the city said in a note to Talk Business & Politics. “For context, these typically stay between 75% and 100% capacity during regular operation. By ignoring water conservation measures, customers are prolonging the time it takes to refill our reservoirs.”