DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN UPDATE August 7, 2025
DROUGHT CONTINGENCY STAGE 2 – WATER WARNING
EFFECTIVE July 31, 2025 – The BPW Board has directed the Board of Public Works to upgrade from Stage 3 Drought Emergency Contingency to Stage 2. The trigger points for Stage 2 are being met in alignment with the Drought Emergency Contingency plan. BPW will continue to monitor conditions and if we are unable to maintain trigger points, Stage 3 will be placed back into effect. Keep in mind that water conservation efforts are appreciated with the overall goal to reduce weekly consumption by 10%.
Stage 2 Actions are below. See the complete Drought Emergency Contingency document on the website at auburnbpw.com.
Public Actions
• Odd/even lawn water system is imposed on BPW water customers. Residents with odd-numbered addresses water on odd days; residents with even-numbered addresses will be asked to water on even days.
• Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing, will be restricted to before 10:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.
• Refilling swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset.
• Waste of water will be prohibited.
• The splash pad will remain closed.
Management Actions
• Updates will be provided weekly and posted on Thursday of each week.
• BPW will continue to monitor well and reservoir levels daily.
• Well-pumping will continue to be reduced if the reservoir remains stable, decreasing drawdown of water levels.
• Customer service lines that are leaking will be shut off until repairs are made.
• The City/BPW will curtail water usage, including operation of fountains, watering of City grounds and washing of vehicles.
The reservoir holds 1.5 million gallons of water and has not dropped below the normal levels and is currently stable. This is due to the implementation of the plan and the collaboration of the members of the Auburn and Peru communities’ reduction in use. We appreciate all efforts for conserving usage until levels return to normal.
The Water department at the Auburn Board of Public Works maintains vigilant watch over resources and ensures leaks are located and repaired rapidly. BPW appreciates community efforts to continue conservation of resources. Weekly well levels will be posted on the City of Auburn’s website at https://auburnne.gov.
The Board continues to be active in the process of locating alternate forms of water resources, so that long-term solutions can be implemented. Any questions can be answered by contacting the Auburn Board of Public Works at 402-274-4981 and asking for General Manager Ray Luhring or Water/Wastewater Manager Alan Slater.
Alan Slater
Water/Wastewater Manager
Updated Daily Water Readings: August 7, 2025