City Water Conservation Begins May 15

Using Lake Michigan water comes with a price, and it's not just what's in your water bill.

Water conservation measures begin Wednesday, May 15, in Oak Forest, which means residents' outside water use will be limited to certain days based on their addresses, according to a city press release.

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Watering times will be from 7 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. and break down as follows:

• Water on odd days: Street addresses with a last digit that's odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
• Water on even days: Street addresses with a last digit that's even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)

These measures were set up by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and are required by any community that uses Lake Michigan water, according to the city's website. Oak Forest receives its lake water through an agreement with the Village of Oak Lawn.

“These rules apply regardless of rainfall trends and are intended to keep Great Lakes water sustainable to serve the millions of residents that rely upon this natural resource,” City Administrator Troy Ishler stated in a press release.

Water restrictions could tighten over the summer, however, if certain conditions occur, such as a drought in the area, and affect the city's water supply.

FIVE OTHER WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

1. Make sure faucets, outside hoses, spigots and automatic sprinklers don't leak.

Go to Oak Forest's website for more tips and information about the city's water conservation efforts.

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