‘You do what you have to do’: People in Waverly prepare for another season of water limits

WAVERLY, Neb. (KLKN) – As spring begins, the City of Waverly is reminding people of the restrictions on water use.

For people in Waverly, keeping lawns green and cars cleans is a challenge.

The city limits when you can water your lawn and also caps how much you can use on those days.

Officials said it’s a necessary move due to ongoing drought conditions.

“The last few years we had to do this, everyone has been losing trees, they’ve been losing bushes,” one local said. “If you’re lucky, you get your fertilizer on and hurry up and water or pray for rain.”

City officials said the restrictions are a response to low water levels, but not everyone agrees with the decision.

One woman said the grass isn’t greener on her side of town.

“I lost quite a few bushes and quite a few trees, small trees that I’ve planted, so you’re just out of money for that,” she said. “You either water your lawn or you water your garden. You do what you have to do.”

The city said you get a warning after the first two violations.

After the third violation, people can expect a fine of $200, along with their water being disconnected.

The fourth violation, the fine is doubled to $400 with disconnected service.

Some Waverly residents questioned why the city fills the pool if the water supply is so low.

“They fill the pool with water for the kids during the summertime so they have something to do,” she said. “But then at the end of the year, we’re draining the pool. Where’s the water going? That’s water that people can be using to be here for their homes.”

One man who moved to Waverly six months ago said the restrictions are a little annoying, but it’s just something he will have to get used to.

Others said it helps them keep their water bill low.