The City of Fairhope in Alabama is facing a water crisis due to an urgent repair needed for one of Fairhope Public Utilities’ water wells, which experienced a mechanical failure. This has resulted in a decrease in water capacity by approximately 1 million gallons, with current water usage standing at 9.4 million gallons. In response to this situation, the City of Fairhope has enacted Phase III of the water conservation ordinance for all customers of Fairhope Public Utilities.
Phase III of the water conservation ordinance in Fairhope is now mandatory, with strict regulations in place to conserve water. Irrigation is strictly prohibited, as well as the washing of private vehicles. Topping off of swimming pools is only allowed on specific days based on street addresses, with odd numbers allowed on Monday and Wednesday, and even numbers on Tuesday and Thursday. Empty swimming pools can only be filled with approval from the City of Fairhope. Additionally, washing of sidewalks, streets, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or paved areas is prohibited except for specific circumstances such as health or fire hazards. Taking water from a fire hydrant is also prohibited without written permission from the City of Fairhope.
Customers found to be in violation of the mandatory phases may be issued a citation and required to appear in court. Fines for violations could be up to $500, with a warning for the first offense, a $300 fine for a second offense, and $500 fines for any additional offenses. These strict measures are put in place to ensure that water conservation is taken seriously by all residents and businesses in Fairhope.
In addition to the water conservation measures in Fairhope, Riviera Utilities has also issued a conserve water notice due to abnormally low levels in their tanks. This notice was prompted by high temperatures, lack of rain, and heavy irrigation, leading to a need for customers to monitor usage and avoid unnecessary consumption during peak hours. Riviera Utilities is asking for cooperation from customers to help conserve water and avoid further depletion of resources.
Overall, the water crisis in Fairhope and the conservation efforts being implemented by both Fairhope Public Utilities and Riviera Utilities highlight the importance of water conservation in times of need. It is crucial for residents and businesses to adhere to the water conservation ordinances and take proactive measures to reduce water usage and preserve this valuable resource for the community. By working together and following the guidelines set forth, the residents of Fairhope can help mitigate the impact of the water crisis and ensure a sustainable water supply for the future.