As the region continues to experience a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, the City of Eau Claire would like to update the community on the status of its water system and current water demand.

The City of Eau Claire wants to reassure residents that the City's water system continues to meet current demand and is providing safe, reliable drinking water.

The recent stretch of hot weather has significantly increased water use across the area. During this period, the City's Water Treatment Plant has been pumping between 13 and 15 million gallons of water per day—approximately twice the average daily demand. As is typical during the summer months, the increase is driven almost entirely by outdoor lawn watering. Because the City's water supply is treated to drinking water standards, reducing unnecessary lawn watering is one of the most effective ways residents can help conserve a valuable community resource.

With ongoing monitoring and operational adjustments by Water Utility staff, Eau Claire's water system continues to meet demand. There are no watering restrictions or bans being considered at this time. Residents can be confident the Water Utility continues to provide a safe, reliable supply of drinking water while maintaining capacity for fire protection and other essential community needs.

While restrictions are not necessary, reducing lawn watering and other non-essential water usage is a simple way residents can help reduce peak demand and support the City's long-term sustainability goals.

Residents can help by:

• Watering lawns early in the morning or late in the evening (choose one watering time, not both).
• Watering deeply but less often to encourage healthier, more drought-tolerant lawns.
• Raising mower blades to help grass retain moisture and reduce the need for watering.
• Postponing vehicle washing and using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

These simple practices support the City's Green City initiative and adopted sustainability goals. Learn more about water conservation and other sustainability efforts at EauClaireWI.gov/Sustainability.

The City appreciates residents' efforts to use water wisely and will continue to monitor demand throughout the summer to ensure a safe and reliable water supply.

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