Photo: Kris Kables (Flickr)
Bloomington residents cannot wash their cars or water their yards starting Monday. They can water gardens that produce food.
Mandatory water use restrictions take effect Monday in Bloomington. The restrictions apply for the next 60 days unless the city decides to lift the ban earlier.
All outdoor watering is prohibited including watering lawns, washing cars, hosing sidewalks or driveways and filling empty pools.
Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. residents may use a hand held hose with a shut-off nozzle to water gardens that grow food for human consumption, trees that have been planted within the last five years and sod or landscaped plants installed within the last 45 days.
Customers who do not follow the rules can be assessed fines or face disconnection of water service.
Residents of Ellettsville are not technically under the ban but the Ellettsville Town Council may vote to enforce the water ban as well.
Dos And Don’ts Of The Water Ban
| Activity | Allowed | Not Allowed | Stipulations/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watering food gardens | X | Must be by hand and before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. | |
| Watering newly planted trees | X | Applies to trees planted no more than 5 years ago. One hour per day by hand before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. | |
| Watering newly planted sod/plants | X | Can be watered for 45 days from time of planting. Must be before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. | |
| Watering golf courses | X | Must be before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. | |
| Watering sports fields | X | ||
| Installing new landscape | X | ||
| Hosing paved areas | X | ||
| Hosing buildings | X | Unless for fire protection | |
| Washing car | X | Except at commercial car wash | |
| Filling swimming pool or spa | X | Existing pools and spas may maintain levels | |
| Ornamental fountain or pond | X | Unless supporting aquatic life |
Note: Most watering is required to be by hand with a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
Fines:
First violation- written warning
Second violation- $100
Third violation- $250
Fourth violation- $500 per day
Read WFIU/WTIU’s earlier report for more information. Kyle Clayton and Network Indiana contributed to this report.
