Understanding New Water-Use Restrictions in Western Springs

Under a new ordinance passed in April, residents of the Village of Western Springs will face limitations on the times of the day they are allowed to use their sprinklers over the summer of 2012.

Residents’ house numbers will determine on which days of the month they can water with a sprinkler system: even house numbers (including zero) on even days of the month, odd house numbers on odd days. The restrictions also apply to the use of a hose to wash a car or “other non-potable uses.”

Additionally, even during those days, residents may not use outdoor water between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“You don’t want people watering at 1:00 in the afternoon when it’s 96 degrees outside,” said Director of Municipal Services Matt Supert. “The water’s just going to evaporate, and it’s not an effective use… We’re trying to meet a demand and keep the water quality high.”

Restrictions do not apply to using a hose or handheld watering tool at any time, or, Supert said, to a hose-mounted sprinkler that children might run through.

The need for the restrictions has been created by the ongoing reverse-osmosis water plant construction, which has limited the Village’s ability to filter its uniquely homedrawn water sources. An overdraw on water might hamper the pressure required for firefighting emergencies

If absolutely necessary, the Village could meet a higher demand by bringing Well No. 1 online—but that would make the water supply even harder (more mineral-rich) than it already is (and the status quo has already resulted in plenty of complaints and dishwasher pain.)

The restrictions are now in effect and remain so through Sep. 30. Violations of the policy are punishable by the issuance of tickets.