AUBURN, Ala.- The City of Auburn is providing residents with an update on local drought conditions following recent rainfall in the area.

On May 6 and 7, Auburn received about 3-3.5 inches of rain, bringing some short-term relief to dry conditions. Over that time, water levels in Lake Ogletree, Auburn’s main water source, rose approximately 3 feet, though levels are still about 2.5 feet below normal for this time of year.

While the rainfall has helped to begin restoration of local water sources, the City cautions that drought conditions have not been fully eliminated.

“We are encouraged by the recent rainfall and are optimistic more is on the horizon,” said Eric Carson, Water Resource Management director. “We want to thank the community for the strides they have taken to conserve water and protect our water sources. We have seen a 16.5% reduction in water system demand since May 1, which brings us close to reaching our 20% reduction goal. When we all reduce our usage by even a little, together we have a big impact on our local water resources.”

The City encourages residents to continue water conservation measures, maintaining the water restrictions that are currently in place for the Drought Phase II Warning.

Water restrictions are listed below:

• All residential addresses ending in an odd number are allowed to irrigate, if irrigation is necessary, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All addresses ending in an even number may irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No irrigation is allowed on Sundays.
• All irrigation may only occur in the evening and morning hours between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• Washing of houses or paved surfaces is not allowed unless for public health or safety reasons.
• Residents and businesses are encouraged to eliminate wasting irrigation water by not allowing it to run into the streets and storm drains.
• Residents and businesses are encouraged to identify and repair water leaks in a timely manner.
• No household car washing will be allowed.
• The City will reduce water use for street cleaning, main flushing and landscape irrigation.
• It is recommended that all commercial car washes evaluate equipment to recycle and conserve water.
• These restrictions do not apply to businesses in which water use is a central component to conducting business (i.e. commercial pressure washing, professional car detailing, etc.); however, water consumption at any address associated with these activities may be subject to surcharges for water usage overages as described below.
• In an effort to further encourage water conservation, drought surcharges will be applied to customers for use over the monthly thresholds. These surcharges are:
  • A 25% surcharge will be applied to the current established rate for all usage above 3,000 gallons for irrigation meter classes per cycle (month).
  • A 25% surcharge will be applied to the current established rate for all usage above 12,000 gallons for a 3/4" residential meter per cycle (month).

To learn more and for commonly asked questions, visit auburnal.gov/drought.