Editorial: Use what you need

Talk about it

Back on Oct. 16, we reported that the Worthington Public Utilities (WPU) Water and Light Commission voted to implement a complete ban on non-essential water use within Worthington’s city limits. That means any lawn watering or washing of sidewalks, patios or decks is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine per violation.

Since then, a new Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water line has been connected, which will be utilized to supplement Worthington’s water supply as a result of the ongoing drought. Still, the lack of moisture continues, and as the calendar moves ever closer to December — when the ground will almost inevitably freeze up — the need for a significant dousing of precipitation remains. And with no more than a 20 percent chance of rain or snow forecast over the next 10 days (according to The Weather Channel on Monday afternoon), the water outlook doesn’t look good.

Meanwhile, despite an odd/even water ban that was in effect throughout this past summer, Worthington’s residential water usage increased significantly over that of 2011. Hain told the Daily Globe last month that residential use was up 9.2 percent in June, 24.5 percent in July and 17 percent in August. Even with new water sources, this trend can’t continue in the wake of a prolonged absence of rain.

Worthington, of course, is not the only locale in the region with drought conditions. Knowing that, we urge area residents to think about their water usage, and to use only what they need.

Tags: opinion, editorials, worthington, water