City cutting back on water, asking residents to do the same

Major public water users in Carson City slashed outdoor irrigation or related activities going into the weekend as the Public Works Department issued a first stage cutback on a voluntary basis.

Residents were asked to follow that lead by curtailing water usage on lawns and gardens because water system storage had dropped to a "less than desirable" 44 percent, or 16 million gallons, officials said.

"Currently, water demand is exceeding production capabilities," said Ken Arnold, deputy director of Public Works. But he was upbeat, as was City Manager Larry Werner.

"We're on the mend right now. I just appreciate everyone's help," said Arnold, indicating matters should be much better by Monday.

The city manager added Friday afternoon: "At this point it looks like it's turning around."

But he was cautious, given the depleted supply and in the face wildfire threat, saying the low supplies would "put us on edge."

Parks and Recreation Department were among the agencies adhering to the request to cut down on water usage. Director Roger Moellendorf said the cutback was swift and would continue at least through the weekend.

"We're the largest water consumer in Carson City," he said, noting a cut of 40 percent began Thursday. He said curtailment will continue until Public Works notifies him.

Scott Fahrenbruch, director of operations for the parks and recreation department, said his department typically uses 160,000 gallons of water each day to irrigate 23 city parks. Until further notice, that usage will be cut to 96,000 gallons nightly.

Carson City Supervisor Pete Livermore said this time of year often brings water shortages, prompting him to suggest a change of venue for the Independence Day carnival held at Mills Park each summer. He suggested moving it to the Carson High School parking lot in the future so heavy watering afterwards won't be needed.

"I couldn't agree more," said Moellendorf. The parks chief said that idea has been discussed at a meeting with local school district officials.

He said Mills Park is one place that watering hasn't been curtailed because people and carnival equipment pose problems for grass there after July 4. He said watering with reclaimed, nonpotable water continues as well, but the department still has managed to pull back to 60 percent usage.

Arnold's call for the voluntary cutback also went out to the school district, Nevada state buildings and grounds officials, the state legislative counsel office, and the local fire department, as well as through the news media to city residents.

Fire Chief Stacey Giomi said little has changed for him.

"It's not that big an impact to us," he said, noting he schedules drills that involve water usage in May and June each year so he is finished with that by July.

Arnold cited several reasons for the supply shortfall, among them general dryness and dearth of earlier snowpack, Marlette Lake construction that is cutting supply from that reservoir, relatively new uranium standards that require water blending and inhibit usage of some westside wells, and the aftermath of July 4 are also factors.

He mentioned the general need people feel to wash cars and boats upon returning from holiday trips, plus other tendencies for residents to use more water when they get back to the city.

"That always hits a little harder, too," he said.