Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
PORTALES — The citizens of Portales are doing a good job at conserving water, but there is still more that needs to be done, John DeSha, the city’s public utilities director, told the Portales City Council last week.
The Stage 3 water emergency was declared on June 28, and the mandatory restrictions on water use that were enacted then still apply, DeSha told the council.
The city wellfield’s capacity has been reduced over the last several years due to the declining levels in the Ogallala Aquifer, the wells’ water source, made worse due to recent high temperatures, a city news release stated.
“We are able to fill the tanks, but it took us seven days,” DeSha said.
The restrictions for the water emergency are as follows:
— Outdoor landscape watering: No watering except for trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens with shut-off hose and hand-held container.
— Car washing at residence is prohibited.
— Washing down pavement, sidewalks, etc., is prohibited.
— Residential spas and swimming pools: Filling and refilling is prohibited.
— Filling and refilling of ornamental fountains is prohibited.
DeSha said that anyone who fails to follow these rules will first get a warning, then the water will get shut off and they are directed to speak to the city.
If they do it again, the meter would be pulled.
“We could fight a fire if we needed to, but we can’t come off of conservation any time soon,” DeSha said.
Mayor Ron Jackson and city manager Sarah Austin thanked citizens for their efforts in conserving water.
“I trust that we’re going to get there,” Jackson said. “People have stepped up and I appreciate them stepping up.”