Decatur residents asked to conserve water amid drought

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The City of Decatur is asking residents to conserve water until further notice due to drought conditions affecting the Lake Decatur watershed.

Lake Decatur is the primary source of water for Decatur and Mt. Zion. The city said it is 2.4 feet below the normal level due to evaporation and a lack of rain.

"The request for voluntary water conservation is only a precautionary measure in case drought conditions continue for an extended period of time," the city said in a press release.

Tips for conserving water include taking shorter showers, turning off water while shaving or brushing teeth, and only using washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.

The city said they are looking into alternative water sources and communicating with the largest water users in the area for their help with conservation.

Boaters in Lake Decatur are advised to be careful when using boat ramps and look out for obstacles in shallow water.

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