Hailey begins even-odd-day water restrictions
By TRAVIS PURSER
Express Staff Writer
The city of Hailey has added additional even-and-odd-day watering
restrictions to its current limitations on irrigation during daylight hours.
At an emergency meeting in the city hall conference room Friday, the city
council voted unanimously to pass the new ordinance, which they hope will alleviate water
pressure problems some residents say they have recently experienced.
Properties with even-numbered addresses may only irrigate on even-numbered
calendar days, the ordinance reads. Properties with odd-numbered days may only irrigate on
odd-numbered days.
The new ordinance becomes effective immediately.
Automatic irrigation systems will not be granted exceptions as in the
past. New plantings, however, may be watered daily with written permission from the water
superintendent. Also excepted are drip or bubble irrigation systems that minimize water
loss from evaporation.
Mayor Brad Siemer during the 20-minute meeting said he would like the
police department to help enforce the new restrictions.
Although the council did not decide whether to levy fines for infractions
of the new ordinance, Councilwoman Susan McBryant said levying fines may be appropriate
"to show our mettle." Watering, she said, may become a luxury due to people
abusing the regulations.
The Hailey Water and Wastewater Department currently shuts off water
service of users who refuse to comply with the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. restrictions.
Water and Wastewater superintendent Ray Hyde said the increased
restrictions are not due to a dwindling city water supply. Rather, the daytime
restrictions cause a large number of faucets in the city to be opened at 5 p.m. every day,
which reduces pressure.
