Drought brings more Southland sprinkling limits
By Susan DeMar Lafferty slafferty@southtownstar.com June 28, 2012 8:18PM
Kim Dykema cools off from the heat in the Glader family pool at their home along Sayre in Oak Lawn, IL on Thursday June 28, 2012. The temperature was just under 100 degrees. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media .
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Updated: July 30, 2012 6:31AM
Forecasts of continued extreme heat and limited rainfall have prompted several Southland towns to impose tighter restrictions on lawn sprinkling.
Beginning immediately and until further notice, home and business owners in Tinley Park, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Oak Forest and Oak Lawn will be allowed to do outside watering only from 7 to 11 p.m. on odd or even dates, based on odd and even addresses.
Residents in Mokena and New Lenox will be restricted to watering between 7 and 11 a.m., based on the odd-even system.
To lessen the strain on Tinley Park’s system — which serves Tinley Park, Orland Hills, Mokena and New Lenox — those towns have agreed to spread out peak watering times, Tinley Park public works director Dale Schepers said.
Additionally, Tinley Park will not issue permits to water new sod until further notice.
“Although current (water) reserves are still holding up, the extended hot weather coupled with high demand can impact the reserves,” Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa said. “We are joining with the village of Oak Lawn and neighboring towns in increasing restrictions to maintain a safe and healthy water supply for residents and to ensure our fire protection resources are sufficient.”
“We’re asking everyone to cooperate with the temporary restrictions and to let their friends and neighbors know how important these efforts are to the water system reserves in our community,” Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin said.
Water customers who violate these restrictions are subject to a fine for each day of violation.
Updated information will be posted on all the towns’ websites.
