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Lincoln takes steps to speed up repairs of water facilities

Posted at 5:10 PM, Mar 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-18 18:10:55-04

LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said the city is taking steps to "hasten repairs of water production facilities."

“We have contacted the Governor’s Office and asked him to issue a disaster declaration for the City of Lincoln. The declaration is needed to request the state and federal funding that will help us restore our water production. We must take every precautionary measure to protect our water supply. The Governor is going to bat for us. I am asking the City Council to approve a resolution today that allows the emergency declaration to extend beyond 72 hours, if necessary. This gives us some flexibility on requesting state and federal funding to assist us in our efforts. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and monitoring the situation around the clock.”

On Sunday, mandatory water restrictions were put in place for businesses and private residences.

A level 2 water restriction emergency is in effect until further notice from the city. Hospitals and care facilities are exempt from the restrictions.

A level 2 water restriction includes:

  • 25 percent reduction of all industrial, commercial and institutional water use;
  • 50 percent reduction of all residential indoor water use;
  • Outdoor water use is prohibited;
  • Commercial car washes must be shut down;
  • Washing of fleets of vehicles, such as garbage trucks, vehicles delivering food and perishable items, emergency and sludge vehicles is only permitted between midnight and 6 a.m.;
  • Water is served to restaurant patrons upon request only;
  • Retailers, suppliers and manufacturers will be contacted to provide increased water supplies of bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages;
  • Restaurants and institutions with food service shall use non-washable/disposable table settings;
  • All bars and liquor-serving establishments shall use single service or disposable glasses;
  • Golf course watering and air conditioning using Lincoln Water System sources is prohibited; and
  • Water shortage rates may be imposed.