St. Charles Issues Voluntary Water Conservation Order

St. Charles officials are asking residents to limit their outdoor water use after prolonged abnormal dry conditions, mixed with a high volume of water usage during the Fourth of July holiday forced the city to issue a voluntary water conservation order.

The order is in effect until further notice. Residents are encouraged to limit lawn sprinkling, car washing and other non-essential water use. 

According to Debra Aylsworth, the city's public works director, water usage on July 4 peaked up to 15.1 million gallons, which is the second highest volume on record for St. Charles (15.5 million gallons was the record, which occurred Friday, June 27).  The city’s average daily usage is 7.6 MGD, and it is normal to have peak usage days in the 12 to 13 MGD range. 

“We have been running above 12 MGD since mid-June due to the dry conditions,” Aylsworth said. “We did see a drop in usage on the days following the city’s previous heat-related announcements, which seemed to be helpful and resulted in us not having to issue a voluntary order.  However, with the 15.1 MG water usage over the holiday, combined with several more extreme heat days and no rain in the forecast for the near future, it is necessary to issue a Voluntary Conservation Order citywide,” she said.  “We appreciate everyone’s support in limiting their water usage during this time. With all of us working together to voluntarily use less water it will help our entire region during this unusually dry spell.”

For more information related specifically to the Volunteer Water Conservation Order, contact the St. Charles Department of Public Works, at 636-949-3237.