Springfield City Utilities warn customers about possible higher water bills due to drought

If customers don't cut back on usage, there might be a surcharge

August 20, 2012|Ashley Reynolds, KY3 News | areynolds@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, -- Workers with Springfield City Utilities call this a critical time.

The water storage level is at 64 percent. If there is not a good amount of rain soon, workers say it will likely drop to 60 percent in a few weeks.

Once at 60 percent, Springfield will be in what's called an Emergency Water Conservation Plan. There will be a surcharge for customers during this time if they do not use less water.

Utility officials want to encourage people to act now and use less because that could give Springfield more time before storage levels reach the 60 percent mark.

"We are in a difficult situation right now. We are coming off the hottest summer that we have had, ever. We are 12 inches behind on rain. Our lakes are close to the lowest they have ever been. The rates do go up. It's intended to send a price signal to our customers that say please don't use water unless it's essential," said Scott Miller, General Manager of Springfield City Utilities.

The emergency plan will not go into effect unless storage levels hit 60 percent. Several businesses are already limiting use. Mercy Hospital workers are not washing shuttles as often. Plants and flowers only get water if it's needed.

Firefighters are also doing their part. They used to wash trucks everyday, now it's once a week.

"It's small in the big perspective of everything, but whenever everyone does just a little bit, that's what's going to make the impact," said Springfield Fire Department Chief, David Hall.

If the storage level gets to 60 percent, this will be the first time. Springfield has not been in this situation since the 1950's.

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