Saint John Water asks residents to conserve water

After what has so far been a hot and dry summer, Saint John Water is asking residents of the port city to reduce the amount of water they are using to ensure there is enough for essential uses.

The request was brought on by dropping water levels at the city's threewatersheds, Spruce Lake, LatimerLake and Loch Lomond.

Brent McGovern,the commissioner of Saint John Water, said the drop in levels has been uniform.

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"We've seen that ourlakes are reaching lows," McGovern said.

"They've dropped approximately three feet for both our Latimer and Loch Lomond watersheds that serve our [east end,] and our Spruce Lake watershed that serves everyone west of the city."

McGovern said that the water has been this low many timesand it isn't time to panic yet. But he saidthat the immediatefuture doesn't look promising.

"It does concern us when we're looking at the long range forecast. So we're looking out 14 daysand we don't see any precipitation in the forecast," said McGovern.

The heavy rain the province saw on Wednesday won't bring much relief, and may actually make the situation worse.

Boil water order possible

Low water levels at the city's watersheds have exposed the natural sediment around them. The rain may have exposed that sediment, mixing it with the water and making it cloudy.

Although one has not been implemented McGovern said the likelihood of a boil water order is quite high.

"The lower the lakes drop, the higher we become more and more susceptible, so the risk increases," said McGovern.

The city have offered some tips for conserving water.

Among those tips, residents are advised to take short showers instead of baths, turn off water to brush teeth and shave and only run dishwashers and washing machines will full loads.

McGovern said conservation doesn't end with what people do in the house.

"Avoid watering your lawn, washing your cars unless it's absolutely necessary. If you're using water outside just consider is it necessary," said McGovern.

Right now the request to conserve water is a voluntary one, but McGovern said the city may have to make mandatory restrictions.

"Should that need become necessary then we'll inform the public," said McGovern.