Algonquin To Enforce Heightened Watering Restrictions

With no relief in sight from "The Drought of Ought 12" Algonquin Administrators told the Village Board Tuesday they plan to crank watering restrictions up to "Orange" status starting Thursday.  That  means resident watering from 6 to 9 am only and then only on alternate days.  "We mean to enforce it," added Village President John Schmitt.

It's the first time Algonquin's gone to Orange status since the Village began its water conservation program nine years ago.  The village moved to a even/odd morning and evening-only watering regime last month but there's only been about one quarter inch of rain since then.

Village Manager Bill Ganek said inspectors would give friendly warnings during a four-day grace period but starting Monday they'll hand out tickets to violators. "There'll be zero tolerance" said Ganek, meaning no more byes.

During daytime hours Algonquin's "water police" will be Public Works personnel but Director Bob Mitchard said he didn't want them to run up overtime charges so after 5 pm Algonquin's real police will do the job.  The Village penalty for illegal watering runs from $100 minimum to as much as $750.

It's not part of the official program but Schmitt jawboned residents to cut back on their water usage even more than the official restrictions. "(Watering) is for trees and shrubs," he said.  "It's not really intended to keep lawns green."  

Weathermen predict a 40 percent chance of rain somewhere in northern Illinois this evening after cooler air moves into the area but there's still no prospect for significant rain soon.