[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Voluntary irrigation schedule for southwestern subdivisions to reduce water demand in early morning hours

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Columbia Water & Light
573-874-7325
wlmail at CoMo.gov

Voluntary irrigation schedule for southwestern subdivisions to reduce water demand in early morning hours

COLUMBIA, MO (June 15, 2016) - There has been a substantial drop in water pressure during the early morning hours in some southwestern Columbia subdivisions this week. Water flow data loggers show that starting around 4 a.m., the water pressure is dropping substantially with the hot, dry weather. Due to no problems being found on the water distribution system, it appears that irrigation system demand is causing the problem. Columbia Water & Light is suggesting a voluntary irrigation schedule for residents in the Bradbury Estates, Creek’s Edge, Thornbrook, Steeplechase, and Wyndham Ridge subdivisions so all of the irrigation systems do not operate  at the same time.

 

 

On Monday, June 13, Columbia Water & Light called a precautionary boil advisory for approximately 600 customers in the Thornbrook neighborhood. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) rules for water utilities mandate that a boil advisory be called when the pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (psi). This is because low water pressure could cause a backflow situation where something could be siphoned into the water distribution system. Of the water samples that have been tested, no contaminants have been found.

 

 

Until Columbia Water & Light can be assured that the pressure won’t drop below 20 psi, the precautionary boil advisory for residents of the Thornbrook subdivision in southwestern Columbia will remain in place. The utility is suggesting that customers who are served by the same water distribution pipes all follow the utility’s suggested irrigation schedule. The schedule is for the following subdivisions: Bradbury Estates, Creek’s Edge, Thornbrook, Steeplechase and Wyndham Ridge subdivisions. The customers in the area have been divided into five groups that will be asked to set their irrigation timers between midnight and 4 a.m. (see attached schedule). If this rotating of the water irrigation schedule levels the demand so there is not a substantial drop in pressure, then the boil advisory will be lifted. If there is not a change in demand in the early morning hours with this voluntary request, then an alternating day schedule for irrigation with specific times could be s
 
 uggested.

 

 

Water utility modeling shows that there is adequate piping in place to meet customers’ water needs, if the demand for water does not spike at times during the day. The subdivisions in this area of town are different than other areas of the city since they are on the boundaries of the water territory and the elevation is higher. A long-term solution to the low water pressure issue is being researched by Columbia Water & Light.

 



This release has the following attachments:

http://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=1244



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