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Trustees debate splash‑pad water use after report of millions of gallons; staff to study hours and controls
Summary
A trustee raised an email claiming the village splash pad used up to 6.1 million gallons; staff said that figure represented a top‑end nonstop estimate and gave a working estimate near 4 million gallons per year with activated switching, and trustees asked staff to study limiting hours while the system’s switch and controls are evaluated.
A trustee told the board that an emailed usage estimate put splash‑pad water consumption at about 6,100,000 gallons, prompting a substantial discussion about aquifer strain, costs and possible operational limits.
Staff clarified the 6.1 million gallon figure was a high‑end estimate that could occur if the pad ran nonstop for extended hours; an operational‑switch estimate provided by public‑works staff put likely consumption closer to 4,000,000 gallons per year ("just a little bit over 4,000,000 gallons"), depending on usage patterns. Staff also reported the manufacturer installed a new heavy‑duty switch and suggested collecting data on peak hours of use and evaluating more stringent hours of operation while controls are monitored.
Trustees raised concerns about whether high running hours could accelerate pump wear or require earlier replacement, and whether using allocated Lake Michigan water or other long‑term infrastructure changes would be appropriate. Several trustees proposed drafting a policy to limit daily hours of operation until the system’s control mechanism and seasonal usage can be better assessed.
What happens next: Staff will collect usage data, evaluate peak‑hour patterns and prepare recommendations on hours/controls and potential costs for board consideration.
