Mandatory Conservation

MONROE CITY, IND. (WTHI) -      A small southern Indiana community is the first to put mandatory water conservation measures in place because of the big drought.

     Monroe City was one of the first communities in Indiana to call for voluntary water cutbacks.

     Now,  the town board has passed an ordinance requiring people to limit their usage.

     Monroe City has plenty of brown lawns and wilting flower beds.

     It may well get worse in the future.

     This city has now taken mandatory water conservation measures.

     "Our water table has gone down some and we're striving to keep it from going any lower," said Town Board Member C.B. Vories.  "We don't know what's down there and how much more is available, but we don't want to run out."

     Monroe City wants people to put away their hoses.

     No watering lawns or gardens, no washing cars.

     Officials here have put a 3 strike policy into place.

     The first time water violation will generate a verbal warning, the second offense will result in a $100 fine, and the third time the town will turn the customer's water off.

     "There comes a time when you have to bite the bullet and do what you have to do and I think we're there right now," said Vories.

     The conservation measures are expected to stay in place for awhile in this area that is about a foot short of normal rainfall.

     Because even if the clouds should open up with a downpour that won't solve the water problem.

     "I think if we was to get a good soaking rain right away it won't help the water table right away because we need a lot of long soaking rains," said Vories.

     Officials say if the community works together and conserves water they'll get through this drought.

     The town is calling for people to repair or leak water fixtures and service lines, using clothes washers and dishwashers only when they are full and asking folks to turn off the water when they brush their teeth of shave.