Lincoln water situation improving, restrictions remain in effect
Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler praised residents and businesses for obeying the city’s mandatory water restrictions.
Beutler said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that consumption was down about three million gallons on Monday, and that consumption is almost on par with the amount of water being produced.
“We are witnessing a city that’s pulling together and getting the job done,” Beutler said.
Beutler said the restrictions are being evaluated on a daily basis as crews continue to repair damage as city wellfields near Ashland.
Once water production is restored to adequate levels, the restriction will be lifted, he said.
“Every drop counts,” Beutler said.
Power to some wells still hasn’t been restored, and won’t be until the water level subsides.
The City called car washes across Lincoln and asked them to close to help preserve the supply, with all of them cooperating, Beutler said.
He said some of their workers have been forced to stay home.
“They’re making a huge sacrifice,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, Lincoln Police had responded to seven calls about water restriction violations.
Five of the calls involved car washes, one was for automatic sprinklers running, and the other was for someone washing their car in a driveway.
Beutler chastised those who violated the restrictions, saying “now is not the time to wash your cars.”
Lincoln Police said officers educated businesses owners and citizens about the restrictions, instead of issuing citations.
Beutler said some construction projects – both public and private – may be impacted by the restriction.
He made a request to NEMA for bottled water, but doubts it will be needed.
Any unused water would be donated to communities in need, he said.
Beutler reiterated that Lincoln’s water is safe to drink.
“The concern is about quantity,” he said. “Not quality.”
