City releases water update Thursday afternoon, continues voluntary water restrictions

Update: 

REPAIRS CONTINUE ON FLOOD DAMAGED CITY WELLS,  Voluntary water restrictions still in effect 

City of Lincoln and Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) crews continued working Thursday to restore power and repair City water collection wells near the Platte River, which flooded to historic levels this weekend.  Following repairs Wednesday, water production capacity rose from 32 to 40 million gallons per day, prompting Mayor Chris Beutler to lift mandatory water restrictions imposed March 17.  

Lincoln’s supply of drinking water is safe.  Residents and businesses are urged to continue to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 25 percent.  Tips on reducing water consumption include avoiding outdoor watering, taking shorter showers, delaying dishwashing and laundry, using disposable dinnerware and turning off the faucet while shaving and washing hands. 

Following construction of a new access road Wednesday, OPPD crews are installing new power poles and lines to wells closest to the Platte River.  Teams from Lincoln Water System and OPPD used a helicopter to access and inspect equipment in the wellfields on Thursday afternoon.  When operational, these wells would significantly increase drinking water production capability for the system.

Residents are encouraged to visit water.lincoln.ne.gov/flood for the latest Lincoln Water System operations updates during flood repairs.

Previous story: 

Those mandatory water restrictions in Lincoln are over.

They’ve downgraded the water restrictions to voluntary.

Officials say work continues to get the city’s water infrastructure completely repaired.
But more wells along the Platte River, which supply water to Lincoln, have increased production.
This means car washed were able to open back up at 8 this morning with people already lining up for a much needed wash.

“I usually come down here at least once a week, and I had a lot of salt on my car and I’ve been down here three times this week and it’s been shut so I’m glad it’s open, said Bob McManus.”

As always, the water remains safe to use and drink.
Meanwhile, a voluntary restriction remains in place.
Residents are businesses are still asked to reduce water consumption by 25%