The city commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance aimed at conserving water.
City engineer Brett Runge says due to growth in Huron and increased water demand, the city is getting close to peak capacity.
The ordinance would allow customers with odd-numbered addresses, ending with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, to water lawns, trees, and landscaping on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Those with even-numbered addresses, ending with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, would be able to water on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Watering for all addresses would be permitted on Sunday.
Watering of lawns, trees, and landscaping on any day would be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents would able to water vegetation such as shrubbery, trees, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, and flowers by hand at any time.
Waivers for new sod or newly seeded areas would available from the city engineer. The waivers would expire 30 days after installation.
Rain sensors would be required on all new automatic irrigation or watering systems that receive water supplied by the City. Runge says these sensors are a good “green” approach to watering that will more than pay for itself over time.
Second and final reading of the ordinance will be held at next Monday’s city commission meeting.
If approved, the ordinance would take effect 20 days later.