EMERGENCY MANDATORY OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTIONS DECLARED BY CBU AND THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON

For Immediate Release

August 9, 2012

For more information, contact City of Bloomington Utilities Public Affairs Specialist

Jon Callahan at 812.349.3940, or callahaj@bloomington.in.gov

EMERGENCY MANDATORY OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTIONS DECLARED BY CBU AND THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON

Bloomington, IN - Extraordinarily high water demand caused by the summer drought has prompted City officials to issue an Emergency Water Restriction Order for all Bloomington Utilities water customers. Effective Monday, August 13th, the use restriction rules will be in effect for sixty days.

"The primary focus of the emergency restriction is to preserve enough water in the distribution system to allow adequate storage of water for fire suppression and to maintain normal water pressure for Bloomington and Monroe County customers," said Patrick Murphy, Utilities Director.

"The continuing heat and lack of rain have resulted in exceptionally high water demand. While the supply in Monroe Reservoir is adequate, customer demand for water has frequently exceeded the production capability of the Monroe Water Treatment Plant. The return of our student community will result in even higher demand for water," Murphy continued.

In order to prevent shortages, Murphy said he and Mayor Mark Kruzan are calling on the community to reduce water use in any way possible, but the initial focus is reducing outdoor watering. "We think that a realistic goal is a 20% overall reduction," Murphy said.

"I'm confident our customers will respond positively to this request," Murphy stated. "We need our customers help in conserving water for the good of all Bloomington and Monroe County water users."

Under the new order that will go into effect next Monday, failure to comply with the mandatory restrictions will result in a written warning for first time violators. A $100 fine will be imposed for the second, $250 for the third and $500 per day per violation for the fourth. "Our goal is not to ticket people, but to ensure that our infrastructure can keep up with community demand," Kruzan said.

"The good news is that in 2010, the Utilities Service Board and Bloomington City Council approved a water plant expansion that will be completed next year," Murphy said. "Our plant expansion and new transmission line projects are proceeding on schedule and within budget, with expected completion by July of 2013."

Customers are asked to visit the city's web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/waterwise for a complete list of Emergency Order rules, conservation tips and FAQs.

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