Germantown issues lawn watering ban

Due to dry conditions and a depleting water supply, the Germantown Department of Public Works has declared a lawn watering ban for all customers in the village.

The ban will continue indefinitely. The Department of Public Works is asking all residents to discontinue watering their lawns; however, the use of water for trees, gardens or car washing is still permitted. The department is also requesting residents on private wells voluntarily restrict lawn watering to conserve water resources that may be shared by neighbors.

Director of Public Works Dan Ludwig said currently there are not any fines for those who do not follow the ban; however, that will be the next course of action if necessary.

"I'm hoping we have enough citizens that honor this request so we don't have to do any enforcement," Ludwig said. "We know it's a very harsh time right now and lawns are suffering, especially for people with new lawns, but we're asking for the sacrifice now so we don't have to go to harsher measures."

The Village of Germantown Water System runs on groundwater. The wells are currently running 18 hours every day. For 11 hours of that, the wells are running in deficit, meaning the pumps can't keep the levels in the water tanks at a normal elevation. The groundwater that feeds the pumps is also depleting because the pumps are running so often.

Water conservation through the watering ban is necessary, Ludwig said, so the groundwater and the tanks can recharge themselves and the village can ensure that there is enough water in case of a crisis, such as a fire.

For information regarding the lawn watering ban, call Germantown Department of Public Works at (262) 250-4721.