The water systems of Rutherford County (Consolidated Utility District, Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department, Smyrna Utilities and LaVergne Public works) are asking their water customers to use water wisely and conservatively in light of the severe heat, lack of rain and dry conditions now present throughout Tennessee and Rutherford County.

The current request is that customers voluntarily reduce their use of water for non-essential purposes by 10 percent through actions such as refraining from washing vehicles and watering landscaping, taking short showers, and checking for leaks in toilets and other plumbing.  Efficient usage of water by all through immediate voluntary reductions may make further measures unnecessary.

Murfreesboro Residents

It is important for all water customers to use water wisely, especially during the current severely hot and dry conditions due to the lack of rainfall.

• Turning the water off when you brush your teeth
• Making sure that your washing machine and dishwasher are full before operating
• Ensuring that your shower does not last more five minutes
• Checking for leaks in toilets, sinks, tubs and outdoor faucets
• Monitoring your bill for high consumption

Every customer is encouraged to research the best ways for their household or business to conserve water during this period; there are many websites that offer ideas on how customers can reduce their water usage. Water conservation begins with you.

The county’s water systems, including Murfreesboro Water and Sewer System, are asking all customers to voluntarily reduce their non-essential uses of water by 10 percent. This may be achieved by eliminating, reducing or rescheduling nonessential water use are:

• Washing sidewalks, drive ways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other exterior paved areas
• Filling or refilling swimming pools
• Noncommercial washing of privately owned motor vehicles, trailers and boats
• Any use of water from a fire hydrant (except for fighting fires or water quality use by MWSD and others
• Watering of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, or other plants
• Watering any portion of a golf course, with exception of greens
• Use of water for dust control or compaction during construction

Your water system, along with others in the county, will be doing what it can to use water wisely and not waste it.  Please be assured that if you see MWSD personnel flowing fire hydrants occasionally this is only because this is a necessary measure to provide quality drinking water to all customers.

Wise use of water by all of us may make further measures unnecessary.  MWSD and others appreciate all efforts to reduce overall water usage during these dry conditions.

Each water system in Rutherford County is making these requests of its customers.

In Murfreesboro, repurified water customers will be provided separate instructions based upon availability.  Repurified water used for irrigation is not considered under this voluntary reduction.  Repurified water lines are marked using the color purple.

In Murfreesboro, The Gateway Area, including Medical Center Parkway medians,  Middle Tennessee Medical Center, the Avenue, and Stones River Mall use repurified water for irrigation, and have been requested by the Water and Sewer Department to irrigate later in the morning and afternoon during elevated temperatures to help evaporate this treated effluent.