Tennessee American Water is directing water customers in its Sequatchie Valley District to limit water usage for non-essential purposes until further notice from the company. This includes Tennessee American Water customers in Whitwell, Powell’s Crossroads and portions of Marion and Sequatchie counties.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued a notice on Oct. 27 asking residents of 10 water utilities in Southeast Tennessee - including Tennessee American Water’s Sequatchie Valley District - to temporarily limit water usage for non-essential purposes. Extreme drought has caused decrease in the Sequatchie River flow level.
“This conservation measure to limit non-essential water use is part of a coordinated effort of several water utilities in the Sequatchie Valley region to share resources and ensure continued drinking water services,” said Michael Griffith, supervisor for the Tennessee American Water Sequatchie Valley Water System. “We are continuing to monitor the Sequatchie River.”
Officials said, "Water is essential for our most basic needs of health and safety, and it must be properly managed in times such as these in order to continue to be able to provide adequate quality water to all customers for essential and domestic use. Please take this matter seriously, because successful conservation takes everyone’s help."
This water conservation notice does not apply to Tennessee American customers in the Chattanooga area because that plant draws water from the Tennessee River.
Non-essential water uses include:
· watering of lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, etc.
· watering of athletic fields
· washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios, or any other hard surfaces except for sanitary or safety purposes
· non-commercial washing of motor vehicles, trailers or boats
· use of water for dust control or construction compaction
· firefighting training
Tips for conserving water include the following:
Inside your house:
· Shorten showers to 7-10 minutes.
· Turn off the water while brushing teeth.
· Run only full loads in your dishwasher.
· Rinse produce in a basin rather than under running water.
· Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the size of your load.
· Check your toilets for leaks.
Outside your house:
· Use a broom, not a hose, for cleaning patios, sidewalks and driveways.
· Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation.
· Avoid non-commercial washing of your motor vehicles, trailers and boats.
· Use a spray nozzle with a shut-off valve on your hose.