After nearly half a year, the City of Audubon has lifted the restrictions placed on residents concerning nonessential water usage. The Water Emergency Declaration was implemented by Mayor Barb Jacobsen at the beginning of June in an effort to alleviate excessive strain being put on the community’s water supply. Clerk, Joe Foran, says several factors played a role in the initial decision.
These concerns were compounded by delays in finding a suitable location for a new well to drill and issues at the town’s low-head dam not holding back enough water. Residents were asked to avoid watering lawns, washing cars, filling pools and other high-volume uses to decrease demand. Foran says they are pleased to report they did not experience any significant service interruptions, but they came close several times throughout the summer.
Audubon city officials offer their sincere thanks to residents for abiding by the restrictions, as they did not issue a single fine over the six-month period for noncompliance. While the declaration has been allowed to expire, the problems that led to the conservation measures still exist. The city council recently approved a bid for repairs at the low-head dam, and Foran says that should address the most pressing concerns.
Unfortunately, they have run into unexpected delays with the new well after bids came in much higher than expected. However, Foran says it is very unlikely to affect service next year. City officials are currently working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is helping to finance the well project, to determine how they will proceed.
