Rain Unlikely But Water Conservation Measures Working

Beastly temperatures are expected again today according to National Weather Service forecasters with little relief likely until Saturday.  Even then, though, there's no strong likelihood of rain.  Today's high's expected to reach 99 degrees with heat index values as high as 107.

Area rain has run four to six inches below average since the beginning of the year but Tuesday Algonquin Public Works Director Bob Mitchard reported starting odd/even watering a little earlier than usual three weeks ago has already brought water levels in Village wells back up. "The charts for our entire system show we are in a recovery mode," he said.  "Going early really helped our aquifers maintain and even gain some ground."

In the pic: Algonquin's recently-received water study included this chart showing what happened to well levels when the Village started charging extra for high water use and restricting lawn sprinkling.