LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler issued mandatory water restrictions Sunday evening due to power outages after flooding near Ashland's well fields.
The National Guard began sandbagging on Friday to stabilize the Platte River banks. Stabilizing the river would protect well fields. However, after a levee breach near Thomas Lake, some flooding occurred. The issue was isolated by crews, but power outages created a "tenuous situation," a press release from the State of Nebraska says.
Sunday evening, Mayor Beutler encouraged residents to do everything possible to reduce water use until further notice--but stresses that Lincoln's drinking water is safe.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions include the following:
- Minimize flushing toilets
- Postpone bathing as long as possible
- Postpone laundry as long as possible
- Postpone dish washing and use disposable table settings
- No outdoor water usage such as lawn watering, vehicle washing, etc
Additional restrictions include:
- 25% reduction for industrial, commercial and institutional use (hospitals and care facilities are exempt)
- 50% reduction for indoor residential use
- Restaurants only serve water upon request
- Restaurants and liquor establishments must use disposable place settings and cups
- Golf course watering/outdoor water use prohibited
- Air-conditioning using Lincoln Water System sources prohibited
Lincoln Water System officials are looking at all solutions to reverse the power loss.
