[Vision2020] PR - Available Water Sources Reaching Capacity

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
Available Water Sources Reaching Capacity

August 16, 2012 (Moscow, Idaho) - Available water sources and wells in the City of Moscow are reaching maximum capacity due to increased demand.  The City of Moscow is requesting that the residents and businesses within the City take further actions to reduce water consumption.

As previously reported by the City, municipal well #9 is currently offline due to mechanical issues and will remain out of service for approximately four to six more weeks.  This well accounts for 40% of the potable water production capacity for the City.  While the well is being repaired the ability of the City to meet the high water consumption demands of the hot summer months is significantly reduced.  This results in the demand nearing and potentially exceeding the capacity of the City to provide water.  Water consumption over the last three weeks has continued to increase with the rise in temperature.

The forecast provided by the National Weather Service for the next six to ten days is for continued dry weather with daily high temperatures in excess of ninety degrees.  Weather of this type typically results in increased consumption primarily due to irrigation, car washing, and other outdoor activities.  The anticipated dry weather during the next week could result in consumer demand exceeding the capacity of the City water system.

Therefore, the City is requesting voluntary reductions in water consumption to prevent this situation.  The demand for water will be monitored closely during the next few days and, if demand continues to rise, mandatory water use restrictions may have to be enacted.  Such restrictions can take the form of a ban on washing of vehicles, a reduction in allowable outdoor irrigation periods, or a complete prohibition of outdoor irrigation.  Voluntary reductions in consumption, which can be primarily achieved through reduction or elimination of lawn irrigation, will allow the City to avoid mandatory restrictions or prohibitions.

For more information, please contact Tom Scallorn, Water/Wastewater Manager at 208.883.7107, or by email at tscallorn at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:tscallorn at ci.moscow.id.us>.

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Story Contact:  Tom Scallorn, Water/Wastewater Manager
Phone:  208.883.7107
Email:  tscallorn at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:tscallorn at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.






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