Weekend rainfall helps reservoirs rise

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The weekend’s heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac were welcome news for water conservation. But, are they enough to put an end to watering restrictions in Indianapolis?

New data from Citizens Water Monday showed Morse Reservoir received 1.75 inches of rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. Eagle Creek and Geist Reservoirs received 1.9 inches of rainfall during that time period.

The additional rainfall and runoff caused the reservoirs to rise by nearly two feet.

“But, even with the two inches of rain, Morse is still about 4 feet from full. So, I think people need to remember that while this rainfall has certainly been good news for the area, we were in a major deficit going into this rainfall. So, it's going to take us some time to get out of it,” said Citizens Water spokesperson Sarah Holsapple.

Still, Holsapple said talks are now intensifying about when the current ban might be lifted.

“We certainly are considering talking with the mayor's office about whether we can ease the watering ban restrictions. We are the closest to considering lifting the ban than we have been all summer. But, what we don't want to happen is to lift the ban then go into a dry Sept and Oct, only to have to implement the ban again, or potentially start next year with a ban in place. So, this is a delicate balancing act,” she said.

Water usage has remained steady since the ban took effect, Holsapple said. Recent use has ranged between 120 million and 140 million gallons of water per day. That’s down from a high of 233 million gallons during July’s heat wave.

“Morse was down 5.7 feet,” Holsapple said. “That’s the most ever for August. So, it will take cooperation from the public if and when the ban is lifted. There would still be voluntary restrictions. But, it's safe to say that they're talking about it now.”