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Monroe leaders warn of shrinking secondary-water supply, plan education-focused conservation outreach
Summary
City staff said Monroe has roughly 40–60 days of secondary water pumping capacity depending on use; the council asked staff to prepare positive, education-focused conservation messaging using new meter data to identify heavy users.
Monroe City officials told the council on April 28 they are monitoring a tightening secondary-water supply and intend to pursue education-focused conservation outreach as conditions evolve.
Public Works Director John Draper told the council that, given current allocations and creek flow expectations, "the City has approximately 40 to 60 days of pumping capacity, depending on the rate of use, with creek flows expected to cease sometime in July." Mayor Johnny Parsons noted neighboring communities have already shut down secondary systems or imposed strict reductions and said the city's new meters provide a tool to identify heavy users.
Council members discussed voluntary conservation measures and agreed staff should help draft positive wording for the upcoming newsletter to encourage conservation before conditions worsen. Vercimak observed that meter data can reveal usage patterns and help target outreach; the council emphasized a non-punitive, education-first approach.
City staff also reported immediate operational steps: transferring Monroe Canal water shares to South Bend Canal to ensure availability when needed and considering cost-sharing proceeds from intake-sharing agreements to finance a canal pump in coming years. The council did not adopt mandatory restrictions at this meeting, instead directing staff to prepare messaging and continue monitoring supply.
