Lancaster County community asked to cut water usage in half during water main replacement

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Lancaster County community is asking everyone to cut their water usage in half for ten days.

The City of Hickman said the necessary replacement of a large water main led up to this.

Officials plan on keeping the voluntary restriction, which took effect Wednesday, in place until Sept. 17.

The city is hoping to reduce peak demands by 50%, while cutting overall consumption by 25%.

The goal is to protect Hickman’s water supply in case a fire breaks out, as it doesn’t take much for flames to flare up in drought conditions.

Officials say voluntary restrictions can become mandatory at any time if warranted.

Hickman residents are no stranger to reducing their water use. Last May, the city implemented an alternate day watering cycle due to drought.

City officials say there is no reason to worry about the water supply. They just need people to cut back until the roundabout project at 68th street and Hickman Road is done.

The city also shared a full list of tips on how you can scale back your water usage.

Here are some of the simplest steps you can take:

• Adjust automated sprinkler systems to at least 50% less
• Reduce or eliminate high water use outdoor activities
• Adhere to City’s Alternate Watering Day Schedule
• Reduce or eliminate irrigation of outdoor turf and landscape
• Refrain from watering your outdoor landscape when it rains