August 29, 2007
The Winchester Municipal Utilities (WMU) is not under water restrictions at this time.
Recent media reports have stated that water customers in Fayette and surrounding counties, including Clark County, are under water restrictions. This applies only to the customers of Kentucky American Water Company. Customers of WMU are not under water restrictions at this time.
Central Kentucky is in a severe drought. Customers of WMU are encouraged to use water wisely and only when necessary, however, no mandatory restrictions are in place for WMU customers.
WMU’s Emergency Water Conservation Plan has three phases:
· Phase 1: Water Shortage Advisory
· Phase 2: Water Shortage Alert
· Phase 3: Water Shortage Emergency
Criteria for initiation of the Phase 1: Water Shortage Advisory include sustained water production of 5.2 million gallons per day (MGD), and/or and inability to maintain adequate water storage tank levels, and/or judgment of management of a continued water supply situation.
WMU’s withdrawal from the Kentucky River is not restricted until the water level in pool No. 10 falls one (1) foot below the crest of dam No. 10. At such time WMU can augment flow with water from the Carroll Ecton Reservoir. The combined supplies of the Kentucky River and the Ecton Reservoir are expected to carry WMU until such time as normal flow returns in the Kentucky River.
Customers of WMU, including the East Clark County Water District, are encouraged to recognize the importance of water conservation during drought periods such as that being experienced in central Kentucky.