June, 2023

ATTENTION: LYON & SIOUX RURAL WATER CUSTOMERS

As you are aware, we are seeing a prolonged drought that began in 2020 and has continued, which has resulted in a decrease in the well levels of LSRWS’s well fields.  In addition, in the last 30 days we have consistently pumped above our average gallons/day.  To proactively address the decrease in water levels and the increase in demand and to maintain a satisfactory water supply for everyone, we are requesting voluntary water conservation measures.

Household Users:

  • Limit any lawn and garden watering to the hours of 8 pm to 8 am. 
  • Do only full load of laundry and run the dishwasher with full loads only.
  • Do not “sweep” walks and driveways with the hose. Use a broom instead.
  • Check your system for leaks.  We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks. 

We know that historically, rural residents have been mindful of their water usage. Please see the attached article for additional conservation tips. 

Livestock producers:  

  • Fill your storage tanks overnight.  It will help the entire system if you can draw you water overnight, instead of during the hottest hours of the day.
  • Install on-site storage.   If you do not already have storage, consider installing it.  It will save your livestock in the event of a water outage.
  • Delay power washing of buildings.     
  • Filling tanks for spraying.  Reduce the flow rate and fill over a longer period, including overnight, to reduce the instantaneous demand on our system.
  • Use well water for sprinkling livestock.
  • Check your system for leaks.We cannot afford to be wasting water at this time.

We have seen livestock usage increase to an all-time high due to many private wells failing, and producers using rural water for 100% of their needs. Additional, more restrictive conservation measures may be required depending on the recovery rate of the wells.

Priority of usage if additional measures are needed will be:

1: Human Consumption
2: Livestock Consumption
3: Ag use for spraying

If we all work together on water conservation we will make it through this demanding time, and these restrictions will be temporary.
Thank you for your cooperation in conserving our valuable water resource.