Water Conservation

Page 1
Using Our
Water Wisely….
PAID
11:32 AM
PERMIT NO. 34
CARRIER RTE.
TINLEY PARK, IL
5/9/06
PRE-SORT
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
0621836 VOTP Water Bro
Postal Patron
TINLEY PARK. IL 60477
The Village of Tinley Park asks your
cooperation with our summer
watering restrictions so that we can
continue to provide you with safe
drinking water, proper fire
protection, and water to irrigate your
lawns during the summer months.
DATED MATERIAL
c/o The Village Hall
16250 S. Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, Illinois 60477
Together with your help,
we can make sure that our water
is used wisely.
The Exchange
These conservation measures are
being requested collaboratively of
all residents in the Villages of
Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena
and New Lenox.
Water
Conservation
Using Our
Water Wisely
0621836 VOTP Water Bro
5/9/06
11:32 AM
Page 2
Tinley Park Water Conservation
inley Park provides water to more than
23,000 homes and businesses. To do this,
the Village has an elaborate system made up of
reservoirs, pumps, and computers managing the
flow of water.
T
Our Village typically uses an average of nine
million gallons every day (more than 18 million
gallons during peak days in the summer).
During summer months, and particularly during
droughts, increased water conservation steps are
needed to maintain at least 50% storage in our
water system. Maintaining at least 50% capacity
is absolutely critical to ensuring safe drinking
water and proper fire protection capabilities.
Maintaining at least 50% capacity is
absolutely critical to ensuring safe
drinking water and proper fire
protection capabilities.
That’s why Tinley Park is again asking all
residents to take part in our Summer Water
Conservation Program to conserve our drinking
water, preserve our fire protection capabilities,
and ensure the availability of water for watering
our lawns during the summer months.
Allowed Watering Times
Between May 15th and September 15th:
7am—11am
7pm—11pm
On odd/even days according to the last digit in
your address. (Odd-numbered addresses water
on odd dates and even numbered addresses on
even dates).
Tips on Conserving Water and Having
a Healthy Lawn
I’ve seen other people watering during
restricted times, why is that?
1) Water deeply not
frequently. Watering once
every 3-4 days will
encourage deep roots and a
healthy lawn1. Providing
more can over-saturate the
soil, causing water to run-off.
Some individuals are not aware of the
regulations, others decide not to follow them.
Those who are aware but do not to follow
them are subject to fines up to $500 per
infraction. To report a concern about water
misuse call the Public Works Department at
444-5500 or drop us a note at:
[email protected].
2) Make sure you are watering your lawn and
not the pavement. Water that falls on sidewalks
or streets goes into our sewer system, running
up your water bill and wasting water.
3) Use a rain gauge. Rain gauges will tell you
how much rain fell, and how much more water,
if any, you should add by sprinkling. Typical
lawns need about 1” of water every week2.
4) Sprinklers are available with dials that can
be set to water specific amounts and times.
Check your local hardware store or garden
center for them.
5) If you have an automatic system, make sure
it has a rain meter installed. This will prevent
the system from running during rain storms,
which are critical times for the water system
to recharge.
Sources: 1) Watering Know-How, Illinois Nurserymen’s
Association 2) Better Lawn & Turf Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
With Lake Michigan nearby, why can’t I
water my lawn whenever I want to?
Chicagoland communities have limits on the
amounts of water available to them. Tinley’s
regulations are a necessary part of managing the
water we receive.
Why are the restrictions from 7am – 11am
and 7pm – 11pm?
These times are during periods of the day with
limited sun exposure, minimizing the water
lost to evaporation.
What has been done to reduce the risk of
problems recurring?
Funding has been provided this year by
Tinley Park, as well as Mokena, New Lenox,
and Orland Park, for the first phase of
improvements to the system.
More Information:
Illinois Nurserymen’s Association:
888-525-3900
www.ina-online.org/index.htm
Kane County
50 Water Facts and Conservation Tips.
630-232-3497
www.co.kane.il.us/kcstorm/waterfacts.htm