Ogden City officials ask residents to hold off on watering lawns due to water shortage

OGDEN, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) Ogden City Water Utility is reacting to what it is calling a "severe water shortage" due to a combination of unusually warm weather and an inability to treat water at Ogden City's water treatment plant.

Ogden City has been reconstructing its water treatment plant since fall of 2014. The plant normally operates from mid-May through the end of September each year.

The water treatment plant operates seasonally to meet demand during the irrigation season. Pipe leaks recently discovered near the water treatment plant and other issues have resulted in delays with completing the project. These delays, coupled with peak demand anticipated to occur earlier than normal, have created the potential for a severe water shortage.

City officials recommend residents strongly consider delaying the operation of lawn sprinklers until later in the season. Once lawn watering begins, residential and commercial lawn watering is to be limited to one-half inch (1/2) of water every four days during the months of April and May.

As always is the case, lawn watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Swimming pools should be allowed to drop four inches (4) below full capacity and covers should be in place when the pool is not in use.

Hard surface washing, such as sidewalks and driveways, is prohibited.

Washing personal vehicles at home, especially where water will run off of the property, is highly discouraged. The first violation of mandatory restrictions will result in a $125 fine.

The second violation carries a $250 fine and each subsequent violation carries a $500 penalty.

Commercial and industrial users are encouraged to reduce water use by 25%.

Other suggestions include the following: Daily watering should be avoided as residents are counseled to water at most every other day. Long run times on sprinkler cycles is discouraged. Irrigation systems should be kept in good repair. Landscape water should not be running off property. Visit slowtheflow.org for more water saving ideas.

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Ogden City officials ask residents to hold off on watering lawns due to water shortage