Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Increase rate for second meters, tiered water bills system among options being considered.
Recent rains have helped bring lawns back to life, but it’s a false sense of security. This year’s drought is expected to last until October, according to weather experts. And the hot temperatures will be making a comeback too. A combination of factors have led the village of Huntley to issue warnings about water usage and the restrictions in place _ warnings that can not go unheeded. Now, Public Works Director Jim Schwartz is looking at long-term options to encourage water conservation, options that could include higher rates for second meters and a tiered water bill system that rewards people who use less water. Water usage figures have been astronomical, some days hitting 5.5 to 5.8 million gallons of water a day, Schwartz said. …
Monday, July 30, 2012
Officials seek cooperation to avoid a Code Red water usage restriction.
Huntley Public Works Director Jim Schwartz monitors Huntley’s water usage every day. He also monitors weather conditions and news about the region’s drought. The heat has played a factor in the high water usage — which has hit 5.5 million gallons a day several times this summer — as has the drought, he said. About 61 percent of the country is in a drought, he added. “We are in a really big one,” Schwartz said, adding crops in downstate Illinois aren’t growing due to the drought. “It’s a disaster.” Illinois counties have been able to apply for federal aid due to the drought, which the National Weather Service predicts will last into October. The forecast alarmed Schwartz, who recently sent out another reminder about water usage. Overall, …
High water usage figures worry Public Works Department officials.
Steve Zonta is the guy who gets the alarm whenever equipment breaks or water levels go down. He’s been getting lots of calls about the water level this summer. Everyday, Public Works Director Jim Schwartz and Zonta, the village’s utilities superintendent, look over data showing the water levels and water usage. The figures have been astounding. Huntley’s state of the art system usually pumps 1.5 million gallons of water from five deep wells during the winter months. This is the base Huntley uses to determine how much water is needed for daily things people need water for, like showers and laundry. Water usage has spiked to 4.5 million gallons on some days this summer, Schwartz said. There have been days where water usage has gone up to …
Dean Reda
2:29 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
You are right Pam.. Thank you... I own a lawn & landscape business here in Huntley and I educate all my customers in Sun City about watering and they listen.. Every drop counts at this time, and if they use more than they should pay more..You can't go to McDonald's and ask for double cheeses on your burger without paying more.. more ›