Drought forces water restrictions in Moulton

The drought hasn’t been kind to Moulton’s water resources this year.

The city spent several weeks and several thousands of dollars rehabbing the city’s newest well, Well No. 4, earlier this year, finally bringing it back online in early June. 

Good thing, too, because late last week, the ongoing drought depleted local water tables such that Well No. 2 simply gave up, all at a time when it couldn’t get much drier and the city’s remaining three wells are having to work harder to draw less water than they typically would during normal conditions.

Which is why it took little time at all for city leaders to enact the second phase of its citywide water restrictions during Tuesday evening’s city council meeting.

Notices are being mailed out now to all the city’s residents informing them of the changes, and the fact that violations of said water restrictions could cost as much as $500 per violation.

Moulton has three stages of drought contingency on the books. Tuesday’s night’s change would place them in Stage 2 of that plan. Should conditions rapidly grow worse for any reason, this contingency is subject to change.

It primarily targets those watering lawns and washing vehicles, though presumably any wasting of water is highly frowned upon at this time. 

To better limit water consumption, the city asks that residents only water outside between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight, or midnight to 10 a.m., just twice a week. 

If your house address is even numbered, that means you should water Sundays and Thursdays only. If you have an odd-numbered address, your watering days fall on Saturdays and Wednesdays only.

The only exception to that rule comes if you have your own water well, city leaders noted Tuesday, of course, if the present situation is brought on by fall water tables, using a well versus city water resources isn’t helping those water tables a bit, as they are all coming from the same ground, essentially.

State law forbids council from mandating how an officer should handle any given situation, city attorney Eddie Escobar noted, but it was highly encouraged that patrolling officers provide notice to residents first before issuing citations for violations. 

Once warned, however, expect to pay fines, up to $500 per violation. For more information, residents should contact city hall at (261) 596-4621.