Citizens Water is hoping Friday the 13th will bring the luck that's been missing for dry, brown lawns.  The utility has issued a water shortage warning, asking customers to stop watering lawns at least until next Friday.  

Listen:


"We're hoping that push will decrease out demand and therefore increase our supply," said Citizens spokesperson Sarah Holsapple.  "The supply is continuing to drop every day, we're continuing to
pull more and more water from Geist and Morse Reservoirs and and we're continuing to see water usage numbers rise."  

That's putting stress on the distribution system.  And if this request for voluntary action fails to relieve that stress or customers fail to comply, there might be a formal ban later.  

"That would mean that customers would no longer be allowed to water their lawns at all," said Holsapple.  "We would ban washing your car and also filling empty swimming pools.  And if you were caught violating that ban, then you could be fined."

Exceptions to the voluntary lawn watering ban include flowers, vegetable gardens, other sensitive plants, and newly planted trees and lawns.

"We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we work to ensure adequate water supply to customers throughout the summer," Lindgren said.

The company reminds customers that Purdue University says established lawns go dormant when not watered.  More information about water conservation is available at www.CitizensWater.com

The odd-even watering system is going into effect in Westfiled for most of the week.  There's a full ban on watering on weekends.  

With an extension from Mayor Ballard--and the existing city ordinance that comes into play next week--Indianapolis has a ban on open burning and personal fireworks for the rest of this year.  Noblesville and Hamilton County have added indefinite extensions to their bans on open burning and consumer fireworks.