Watering restrictions go into effect June 1

Water restrictions go into effect June 1, and city residents are asked to adhere to the guidelines set out by the Carson City Public Works Department.

From June 1 through Sept. 30, watering is not allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. No one is allowed to water on Mondays, to give the city's water storage facilities a chance to recharge.

Residents also should be aware that they are allowed to water only on the days that correspond to their address. People with addresses ending with an odd number can water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Those whose addresses end in an even number may water only on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The ideal time for watering is from 4-10 a.m.

City water personnel also suggest that residents try to avoid watering when temperatures are too high or conditions too windy.

Hand watering is allowed when flowers, shrubs and vegetables need a little extra.

An exemption may be requested for Carson City licensed commercial gardeners or commercial caretakers who are on the premises at the time watering is taking place.

Exemptions also can be given for new lawns for 21 days from planting or installation, for vegetable gardens and for complexes that file for and receive approval of an irrigation plan.

Accommodations also can be made for people with handicaps or disabilities.

The city has a series of water alerts it can issue in case of emergency.

During a Stage 1, the city instructs its "big account" users - schools, state government and other city parks - to stop irrigating.

At Stage 2, the public is notified to voluntarily cut back.

At Stage 3, it is mandatory to stop all outdoor watering.

A Stage 3 alert has never been issued, but in the summer of 2009, a Stage 2 alert was issued because of a convergence of high temperatures, the breakdown of two of the city's wells, and the inability to access water from the Marlette water system, which was undergoing work.

According to the city's website, the Water Division maintains the Quill Water Treatment Plant and wells to ensure efficient operations and an adequate supply of water. The production staff monitors, regulates flows, samples, and maintains the surface water flows and groundwater wells.

The water system consists of 235 miles of water mains, 14,000 fire hydrants, 32 groundwater wells, 16 storage tanks, and 16 pressure zones.

Residents can call 775-887-2355 for more information.

WHEN TO WATER

If your address ends in an odd number, water on: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

If your address ends in an even number, water on: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.

Watering isn't allowed on Mondays or between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.