November 23, 2025 – With a few days of rain this weekend, and a chance for more this week, the City of Decatur is reducing the Stage 1 Water Rationing to voluntary while requesting that all water customers continue water conservation efforts. Depending on precipitation, it is expected that with the slowing lake level drop, Stage 1 Water Rationing will remain voluntary for the next 2 months.
To help the community stay updated on the condition of Lake Decatur, the City will post regular updates at https://www.decaturil.gov/587/Drought-Updates. While weather outlooks for this winter and spring are promising, the City needs to be proactive and requests that residents and businesses continue conserving water. Additionally, the City is still responsibly drawing from alternative water sources and is reviewing additional water options.
Voluntary Stage 1 Water Rationing includes:
· Use of water to maintain lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and all other vegetation should be restricted to only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of each week. This does not apply to commercial gardening, landscaping, and plant nursery facilities.
· Do not pump water from Lake Decatur for irrigation purposes.
· Do not initially fill hot tubs, swimming pools, and ponds.
· Washing of any vehicles should only occur at commercial car wash facilities, car detailing facilities, and at car sales facilities.
· Do not pre-serve water at restaurants unless requested by the customer.
· Detectable water leaks should be repaired within 72 hours of discovery. If the leak is not repaired in this time frame, then the leaking service may be shut off by the City.
Here are additional voluntary ways to reduce water usage:
· Operate washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
· Take short showers instead of baths.
· Don’t let water continue to run while doing dishes, washing hands, shaving, or brushing teeth. More tips can be found at www.epa.gov/watersense
