Extreme drought conditions in Westerly

July 14, 2016 5:47 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

A 61 day emergency ordinance has been put in place for the people of Westerly.Hot and dry weather have led to excessive water use.

"We typically average 3-4 million gallons a day, were up in the 5-6 million gallons a day worth of usage. And our pumps have been running 24 hours a day and typically they run on a 12-16 hour a day time frame,” says Town Manager, Derrik Kennedy.

While Thursday during lunch time drivers experienced heavy rain and even some flooding, Kennedy says there haven’t been enough days like this. He adds, this is the first time since 2002, the water department has had to impose mandatory restrictions.

"There has been a lot of demand for water because there has not been a lot of natural water,” Kennedy says.

To help solve the issue, the town imposed an even-odd system for nonessential water use.
"We are not saying you cant use water. We are just saying if your address end in an odd number you can use water for any purpose that you’d like on odd number days. If your address ends in an even number you can use water on even number days."

Some of the restrictions include watering lawns, filling swimming pools and washing the outside of homes and cars.

One westerly residents we spoke with says she is glad they want to conserve water, but the heat has taken its toll on her lawn.

"It’s been a hot summer, and we spend a lot of time and money on our grass. At least I know I do,” says Jan Mclaughlin.

Another feels the restrictions should be steeper.

"I think it’s a good idea, except not for cars. Cars don’t need water like plants. So the water should just be used for growing things,” says Patricia Pickus.

Anyone who does not follow the ordinance, will be given a warning for their first offense and a $100 fine each time after that.