June 22 saw the Jerome Town Council’s approval of water restrictions, limiting water irrigation and sprinkling and declaring an emergency.
According to the resolution, the town was experiencing a “water shortage due, in large part, to extended drought conditions,” but as Jerome Town Manager Candace Gallagher revealed the situation is far from stable.
The good news, first off, is that as of July 1 gauges show the tanks have fully recovered.
The bad news is that no one knows exactly how the town’s tanks stopped overflowing as per their normal function.
“It came to our attention when our overflow ceased for several days,” Gallagher stated. “Generally, when it stops, it is only briefly. The overflow stopped and our tank levels began dropping, meaning that more water was being used than was coming in to the system.
“We depend on our water not only for drinking and household use, but also for fire suppression. When our supply begins to drop, it is time to ask the community to conserve.”
According to Gallagher, in the process of determining the issue the town has inspected the springs and the water lines running from them. Workers fixed a couple of leaks that Gallagher said were not major. Ultimately, the town is still trying to determine what caused the problem.
“I can’t speak for other communities, but, like all Arizona towns, water is a critical resource for us, and limited,” Gallagher added. “My impression so far has been that Jerome residents understand the importance of this issue, and are cooperating to the fullest, with good intent.
“Jerome is a community that has always pulled together whenever necessary, and this was no exception. The response to the water restrictions was good, and our tanks seem to be recovering.”
