The updated Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance went into effect Aug. 23.

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Scorching temperatures, a lack of rainfall and high-water usage have put the city of Fairhope under a phase three emergency water conservation plan, but city officials say that should change Aug. 21.

During an Aug. 14 city council meeting, the water conservation ordinance was amended and will go into effect Aug. 23. City of Fairhope water customers will move back to phase two of the water conservation ordinance Aug. 21.

The new ordinance allows city officials to move to phase two once the area has received 1.5 inches of rain in a seven-day period and water usage is below 95% for seven out of 10 days. As of Thursday, Aug. 17, the Fairhope water system has run at 80% to 90% capacity for seven out of 10 days and most areas in Fairhope received 1 to 2 inches of rain Aug. 14.

Previously, the emergency water conservation plan was enacted for phase one when water usage reached 80% capacity for seven consecutive days; phase two when water usage reached 90% for seven consecutive days; and phase three when water capacity reached 100% for three consecutive days.

Another change made to the ordinance is the addition of a warning for the first offense, a $300 fine for the second offense and $500 fines for any additional offenses. In the previous iteration of the ordinance, the only possible reprimand was a $500 fine and possible court appearance. 

Fairhope water customers should continue to follow the mandatory phase three regulations until Aug. 21:

• Irrigation is strictly prohibited.
• Washing of private vehicles is prohibited Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Swimming pools can be filled by users with odd-numbered addresses Monday and Wednesday; even-numbered addresses can fill pools Tuesday and Thursday.
• Washing of sidewalks, streets, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or paved areas is prohibited except by the Street Department or Fire Department to alleviate health or fire hazards.
• Taking water from a fire hydrant is prohibited without written permission from the city of Fairhope.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 21, Fairhope water customers should follow the mandatory phase two regulations, which will remain in effect until further notice by city officials. The amended ordinance states this phase will remain in effect until demand averages at or below 90% of capacity for seven out of 10 days.

Irrigation is prohibited, except on designated water-use days which shall be as follows:

• Odd-numbered Street addresses can water Monday and Wednesday.
• Even-numbered Street addresses can water Tuesday and Thursday.
• No irrigation is allowed between the hours of 5-9 a.m. and 5-9 p.m.
• No watering is allowed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The city of Fairhope has several water projects underway that will increase water capacity by 2 million gallons. Completion of the projects is anticipated for spring of 2024. For more information, call (251) 9258-8003.