Fairhope residents can face fines for watering their lawns—what you need to know about the water emergency

Severely high temperatures combined with a lack of rain can mean trouble. That’s exactly the situation that the city of Fairhope finds itself in right now. Here’s what you need to know about the Fairhope water emergency.

Phase II Mandatory water conservation in Fairhope

The Fairhope Emergency Water Conservation Plan was formulated in an effort to conserve water in a time when it isn’t so abundant due to high temperatures and lack of rain. High water usage has compounded the problem, and the City is working to curb it.

The plan has three different phases:

• Phase I (Voluntary): Fairhope residents are encouraged, with voluntary compliance, to limit water usage. The city requests that all irrigation be done midnight-4AM.
• Phase II (Mandatory): No irrigation allowed from 5-9AM and 5-9PM. Residents with even-numbered addresses can only irrigate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and residents with odd-numbered addresses can only irrigate on Mondays and Wednesdays. Irrigation on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays is not allowed for any residents. Irrigation includes sprinkler and hose use for lawns, gardens and landscaping.
• Phase III (Mandatory): Irrigation strictly prohibited. This includes car washing and paved surface washing. Swimming pools can be topped off at even-numbered addresses only on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at odd-numbered addresses only on Mondays and Wednesdays. City approval must be given to fill empty swimming pools and use water from fire hydrants.

On August 21, the City of Fairhope entered Phase II until further notice. Before August 21, the city had been in Phase III. Residents who violate the ordinances may be fined up to $500.

Is there a drought in Alabama?

At this point, you’re probably wondering if Alabama is in a drought right now. The answer is, for the most part, no. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of Alabama is not in a drought.

However, a large portion of South Alabama is currently in a D0 (Abnormally Dry) status. Small portions of Escambia and Conecuh are in D1 (Moderate Drought) status.

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