An Update On Fairbury’s Water Supply

By Theodore BallHow close is the City of Fairbury to running out of water?“I do not have a scientific answer to that, but we are close, which is why we need to conserve water,” said Fairbury’s Mayor Spencer Brown in response to that question. “The demand on the water being pumped out can exceed the water available underground. The well would start to suck in air instead of water.”On Monday, July 29, the mayor informed the public via his “From the Mayor” Facebook page that, due to a lack of precipitation, the city is requiring residents to conserve water usage. Mayor Brown enacted §51.48 of the Municipal Code which implements an odd/even outdoor water use schedule. Residents of even numbered addresses must limit outdoor water usage to even calendar days between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. and odd numbered addresses to odd calendar days between the same times. The mayor explained his enacting of this code in a statement published in FJN on Wednesday, July 31.“Currently our overall usage has nearly exceeded our pumping capabilities due to the lack of precipitation and decreased groundwater levels,” Mayor Brown wrote. “For this reason, it has become necessary for the mayor to take action to ensure that necessary water can continue to be provided to businesses and homes.” On Tuesday, July 23, FJN asked Fairbury’s Wastewater Superintendent Curtis Arnold about the status of the city’s water supply. Arnold reported the water tower dipped below the desired 40 to 44 feet of water on Thursday, July 18.“We ended up having to turn the two big East Wells on, which we try not to do. And we ran them basically all weekend to maintain the demand rather than rent well three, which doesn’t pump as much water. Come Monday morning (July 22), East Well 2, the water level in there had reached the depth with which we were told to no longer use the well until it had time to replenish the supply,” Arnold said.This summer, Mayor Brown enacted §51.48 of the Municipal Code twice, once in June and now in July. When asked about the amount of water restrictions that have been issued last year, the mayor said he thinks the code has been enacted every year since he assumed the role back in January of 2021.“During my time as mayor, water has always been a hot topic, and we are trying to be as proactive as possible,” he said. The problem isn’t limited to just the City of Fairbury. Issues with water are plaguing Nebraska’s communities of all sizes. Elmwood, Waverly, Ashland, and Gretna all have similar outdoor water conservation plans, some mandatory and some voluntary.“Many towns, just like Fairbury, fall into water conservation plans during the heights of summer. Fortunately, we have never had to officially enforce any negligent or absurd water use. We understand that people have lots of time and money invested in gardens, grass etc. and we are trying to be sensitive to that while still making sure there is enough water to go around. Our goal is to limit the stress on our wells, to keep the tower full, and to make sure everyone has safe, clean, reliable water,” said Mayor Brown.FJN questioned the mayor about the enforcement of water restrictions and what would be done if Fairbury residents did not abide. Brown did not give specifics about the enforcement but appealed to the eventual consequences of disregarding the code, “The ultimate penalty would involve running out of water, which is a far greater penalty than a ticket from code enforcement. We ask residents to please do their part, to follow the guidelines and use common sense when using city water.”

Gage County Reviews Wind Farm Repowering Proposal

Court report

Related Articles

Family Flourishes At Cedarwood

Did City Council Know They Were Voting On Staff Raises?

Budget Hearings Begin

Hope-Wymore Closing October 1