Decatur moves to voluntary water rationing with rain chances ahead

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The City of Decatur is reducing its water conservation requirements to voluntary, with several chances of rain in the forecast.

Based on rain chances, the City said that Stage 1 Water Rationing will remain voluntary for the next two months with the expected slowing lake level drop.

Voluntary Stage 1 rationing includes:

Use of water to maintain lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and all other vegetation is allowed only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of each week. This does not apply to commercial gardening, landscaping, and plant nursery facilities.
The pumping of water from Lake Decatur for irrigation purposes is prohibited.
The initial filling of hot tubs, swimming pools, and ponds is prohibited.
Washing of any vehicles is prohibited except at commercial car wash facilities, car detailing facilities, and at car sales facilities.
Serving water at restaurants is prohibited unless requested by the customer.
Detectable water leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of discovery. If the leak is not repaired in this time frame, then the leaking service may be shut off by the city.

Other voluntary ways to reduce water include only operating washing machines and dishwashers when full, taking short showers instead of baths and not leaving the water running longer than necessary.

According to the City of Decatur, weather outlooks for this winter and spring are promising, but it is being proactive in accordance with its drought action plan.

The City said it is currently tapping into alternative water sources to further supplement the water supply and reviewing other options.

Regular drought updates will be online.

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