UPDATE: Granite Shoals under mandatory water restrictions

The Granite Shoals water system suffered a catastrophic pump failure July 19, leaving the city reliant upon one pump. File photo

Granite Shoals residents are under mandatory water restrictions after the City Council voted to enter Stage 3 of the city’s drought contingency plan during a special meeting Thursday, July 20. The city experienced a catastrophic pump failure on Wednesday, leaving it with only one functioning pump. Residents are required to limit unnecessary watering under Stage 3 restrictions while repairs are made.

It could be two or more weeks before the failed pump is replaced, City Manager Peggy Smith said. During that time, the city’s water system will have to rely upon its one remaining pump, which is susceptible to failure as it fights to keep up with water demands.

“We aren’t in a crisis at the moment, but we want to avoid that as best as possible,” Mayor Kiel Arnone told DailyTrib.com.

The city experienced another catastrophic pump failure on June 16 due to a lightning strike, which likely led to the recent pump failing as it was overworked until a new one was installed. The city typically has three pumps — two main pumps and one spare — but the spare is also down.

Extreme heat also might have contributed to the recent failure due to increased water usage to keep landscapes alive in triple-digit temperatures.

“We still have water, but the seriousness is there,” Arnone said. “We need to conserve water as much as we can. We need to not be washing cars or watering our lawns.

Mandatory Stage 3 drought restrictions aim to achieve at least 30 percent water reduction in Granite Shoals with the following actions:

Violations of mandatory Stage 3 drought restrictions could result in fines of no less than $100 and no more than $1,000 per violation. Each day of a violation of the rules can constitute a separate offense. If more than three distinct violations are committed by the same water customer, water services can be discontinued at the city’s discretion.

If mandatory restrictions are imposed, they can be lifted once conditions return to normal.

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