Voluntary Odd/Even Sprinkler Restriction
The Northwest Ottawa Water System (NOWS) is requesting that all properties within our community voluntarily adopt an odd/even lawn sprinkler schedule during this dry hot period. The NOWS water treatment facility has a limit on the quantity of water it is designed to produce and with recent demands during this dry period we are pushing this limit. Landscape irrigation makes up a large portion of our consumption, particularly during the warmer months of the year. In fact, irrigation during summer months can increase demand on our treatment plant between 35% – 55%. By improving the efficiency of our irrigation practices and switching to odd/even water schedules, we will level the demand and maintain the sustainability of our current water system infrastructure, which includes fire protection.
Odd-even watering schedule basics:
If your address ends in an odd number, like 311, outdoor watering is allowed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc., day of the month. If the address ends in an even number such as 310, outdoor watering is allowed on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, etc., day of the month.
Voluntary odd/even irrigation schedules will remain until weather patterns change significantly. Should voluntary efforts not alleviate the demand NOWS will need to move to mandatory odd/even irrigations schedules or full watering restriction system wide.
The only exceptions allowed are for new sod, seed or landscaping for the first three weeks of planting.
If you have any questions regarding this Press Release, please contact Joe VanderStel, Water Facilities Manager or Eric Law, Water Plant Supervisor at 847-3487. Thank you.
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