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Wellsville council weighs watering restrictions as winter flows fall and pumps run in winter
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Summary
Council discussed a proposed odd/even day watering ordinance after staff reported below‑normal inflows from Latham Springs, increased winter pumping and plans to expedite the Bankhead well and pump house to bolster Lindley tank storage.
Wellsville City Council members on Feb. 2 discussed possible watering restrictions and infrastructure steps after staff reported warming flows at Latham Springs and increased winter well pumping.
Tom Maughan, who introduced the agenda item, said the council needs “a really good discussion” about water management this year because low snowpack and reservoir flows are likely to produce brown lawns and dry gardens. City staff explained how the system operates: water from Latham Springs feeds a million‑gallon tank at the canyon head (Latham), then to Lindley (650,000 gallons) and gravel‑pit tank storage; when consumption outpaces inflow, the city’s wells supplement supply.
City Manager Scott Wells told the council the system has been pumping through the winter and that the city is “already stretched a little bit on water because we’re pumping, and pumping at this time of year is not necessarily normal.” He said the city plans to expedite a pump house project at the Bankhead well and is working through easement issues so the bankhead pumps can feed Lindley tank in the near term, estimating the project could be 3–4 weeks from bidding.
Council members discussed the mechanics and equity of a watering ordinance. Several favored adopting an odd/even day restriction for culinary water users but noted enforcement challenges where some neighborhoods have pressurized secondary irrigation supplied by private or ditch systems. Councilors agreed the ordinance should be written to exempt pressurized irrigation where appropriate and to coordinate timing with South Cache Irrigation Company and other pressurized providers so customers on secondary systems are treated fairly.
Members also asked staff to review nonpotable alternatives. Councilors urged prioritizing using pressurized or well water for parks, the cemetery and other municipal uses where feasible to conserve culinary water. Staff noted some park irrigation currently uses culinary water and recommended exploring switching those sites to nonpotable sources where possible.
The council did not adopt a final ordinance on Feb. 2 but voted to continue work on a formal ordinance and to return with options — including enforcement approaches, pressurized‑system exceptions and coordination plans — at a future meeting. The discussion included logistical and equity concerns that staff said they will address in follow‑up work.