OGDEN, Utah -- The city has declared a moderate water shortage and is asking residents to cut back on outdoor watering as Pineview Reservoir's levels have dropped significantly.
Ogden city water managers on Thursday declared a "Phase II condition," and asked residents to water their lawns less frequently and limit operations of outdoor water features.
"The largest use of water goes on irrigation so the best thing people can do is water their lawns less," said Ogden City Water Manager Kenton Moffett. "Sod is a big water user, so we're asking folks to reduce water use on their lawns by 20 percent."
For residents, that means that if someone waters for 25 minutes they're asking them to cut it back by five minutes.
"That will help a huge amount," Moffett said.
Outdoor watering is already restricted in Ogden between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The city is also asking farmers to cease irrigating by Oct. 1. If that doesn't happen, more restrictive measures may be taken, city officials said.
Moffett said they are trying to recharge Pineview Reservoir, in case the coming winter does not add to the water supply.
"The less water we take from the reservoirs is more we have next year," he said.
At Pineview Reservoir, spots that once were under several feet of water were now empty beach. Boat ramps had been closed at Anderson Cove. People who were using the water found themselves limited by a reservoir that is drying up.
"It's very depressing," said camper Danny Morgan. "Especially for those that love to come out on a holiday weekend, enjoy the water and have a good time."
For more information on water conservation, contact the Ogden City Water Utility.
