The Maryville Water Quality Control Department and the City of Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Department announced the lifting of mandatory water restrictions that begin today and continue throughout the weekend. The cities cite the fact that the Little River flow has begun to stabilize due to recent rains along with predictions of decreasing temperatures and a chance for more rain in the upcoming days. The Little River is the source of water for both the Maryville and Alcoa water systems.

Daily monitoring shows that Maryville’s water level has increased to 140 cubic feet per second and Alcoa’s has increased to 153 cfs at the time of this release. Both utilities stress that this is a temporary lift of the mandates and that the water levels will be checked once again on Monday, October 29th. An update on the conditions of the Little River will be announced at that time along with information regarding water restrictions.

Prior to this action, residential customers were prohibited from using water outside for non-essential purposes that include watering lawns and landscaping, filling swimming pools and washing cars. Business and industry were called upon to decrease their daily water consumption by 10 percent. Preliminary indications show that both cities exceeded the 10% conservation target. Combined efforts of all customers from both cities reduced water withdrawals from Little River by 30 percent.

Kenny Wiggins, Alcoa Director of Public Works and Engineering said, “We appreciate the cooperation and support of our residents and businesses during this extremely dry weather.” Because of the drought conditions and below normal water flow levels, Alcoa began laying pipe this week in the Rockford area that will act as a temporary emergency source of water if the Little River water flow decreases to below state required flow levels.

"We would also like to thank the entire community for their extraordinary efforts to save water. The City also wishes to express its appreciation to South Blount Utilities for providing us with much needed water during this critical period,” stated Jeff Rose, Director of Maryville Water Quality Control Department.

Alcoa and Maryville water customers are asked to continue to be vigilant with their water usage even though the restrictions have been temporarily lifted. Both cities will update their customers on the status of their water levels in a joint release early next week through local media. Water restrictions may be put back in place if the Little River flow drops to below state required flow levels.

For questions or concerns, call the Maryville Water Quality Control Department at 273-3300 or the Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Office at 380-4800.