The Tullahoma Utilities Board

News Release

______________________________________________________________________
Author: Bob Pullen
Photo: N/A
Date: Sept. 20, 2007

 

       

 

TUB and Duck River Utility Commission

ask for voluntary water use reductions

                 Currently, DRA, TUB DRUC and other Duck River Watershed utilities are working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to develop emergency mandatory water-use restriction guidelines for the upper Duck River Region. These guidelines will be designed to conserve water and be enforced in stages as reservoir levels decline. Citizens will be notified by local media and water system publications when the guidelines are completed.

            TUB, DRA and DRUC consider the Duck River Region to be in STAGE 1 at this time. STAGE 1 is moderate water shortage due to drought conditions and involves voluntary reductions by water-use customers.

During STAGE 1 water-users are informed about drought conditions, water supply storage levels and water conservation practices.

Stage 1 is a voluntary reduction and requests all water-use customers reduce normal consumption of ESSENTIAL and DOMESTIC use by 10%, and NON-ESSENTIAL use by 15%.

Definitions of these terms are as follows:

  1. ESSENTIAL USE: Water is used strictly for fire fighting, safety, sanitation, health and medical purposes and to satisfy federal, state and local public health and safety requirements.
  2. DOMESTIC USE: Any use of water for household purposes such as drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation or cleaning, in a residence, a commercial or industrial establishment.
  3. NON-ESSENTIAL USE: All other water uses other than Essential and Domestic Use.

 

 Suggestions for Water Conservation Practices:

    • Repair any leaking faucets, toilets and other appliances that use water.
    • Irrigate and water at night once a week if plants are showing stress
    • Use soaker hoses for gardens and flower beds to limit run-off
    • Collect rain water (when we get it) for watering potted plants
    • Limit vehicle washing and use a automatic shut-off nozzle
    • Sweep driveways, patios and sidewalks instead of washing
    • Install low-flow shower heads and sink faucets with aerators
    • Turn off faucets while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth
    • Put a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for cold water instead of letting the water run
    • Make sure the dishwasher is full before running a cycle
    • Only use your washing machine with full loads

           These measures will not only help reduce the chances of further restrictions, they will also help customers save money. The Tullahoma Utilities Board supplies water to 9,400 customers within the city limits. TUB customers use an average of 2.6 million gallons of water each day. For more information on this subject or any of TUB’s services or programs call (931) 455-4515.