Mount Pleasant council adopts watering restrictions and enforcement as water supplies fall

Mount Pleasant officials on April 28 responded to sharply reduced water supplies by approving new signage, conservation notices and an enforcement process for in-town irrigation and field watering.

Rod Eichelberger, Head Water Master for Twin Creek Irrigation, told the Council that current water levels are roughly 80% lower than the previous year. Public Works Director Colter Allen proposed posting signs across town (including 200 North) describing in-town field watering regulations and usage requirements to increase public awareness.

The Council discussed stronger conservation measures after several council members expressed concern about overuse and pastures running irrigation overnight during a critically dry year. Councilman D. Lynn Beesley emphasized the seriousness of the situation and supported more stringent conservation. The Council approved an enforcement approach under which the first offense will generate a warning letter and subsequent violations will incur fines added to a resident’s utility bill; members also discussed the possibility of further reducing allowed watering times if needed.

Mayor Micheal Olsen asked staff about sign placement and Mr. Allen confirmed signage would be posted in prominent locations to notify residents of watering regulations. The action directs staff to implement signage and the stepped enforcement program; the motion passed on a recorded vote.

Next steps: staff will install signage in key locations, implement the warning/fine enforcement process, and return to council if additional restrictions are needed.