Although recent days have seen the water flow of Little River remain stable, the persistent drought and its continuing critical impact on Little River water supplies prompted the City of Alcoa to declare more stringent water use restrictions for its commercial and residential customers.

Effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2007, the water use restrictions are as follows:

• Lawn and landscape watering is banned at all times.
• Washing of vehicles by residents, commercial car washes, dealerships and other businesses is prohibited. This includes washing of fleet trucks, cars, and all other vehicles, including all recreational vehicles.
• Filling and refilling of swimming pools and hot tubs is prohibited.

New landscaping installed prior to October 1 may be eligible for a limited exemption from these restrictions. Customers seeking an exemption may contact the City’s Planning and Codes Department at 865-380-4730. If the water level continues to decline, these exemptions may be withdrawn.

City Manager Mark Johnson stated, “We appreciate the cuts in water usage our customers have already made. Unfortunately, to further protect our water supply for drinking and other critical uses, the current drought conditions compel us to implement these additional conservation measures.”

These restrictions will remain in effect until the water flow of Little River improves. The river is the sole source of the City’s water supply.