CITY LIKES RESPONSE TO WATER USE REQUEST

Despite the loss of thousands of gallons of water Thursday, city officials are encouraged by the response to their request that people conserve water.

"We are proud of the people of the community," said City Manager Michael Miller. "I don't think I have ever been in a community that has responded so well to a call for voluntary conservation."

A water main at Old Sprigg Street Road and Bertling Street broke at 7 p.m. Thursday and leaked 2,000 gallons of water per minute. The city had it repaired by 1 a.m. Friday.

Pressure on the main was the cause of the break, said Kevin Priester, Alliance Water Resources manager.

"Pumping that much water -- that and the ground starting to dry out -- put a lot of stress on the main," Priester said.

The summer has taken its toll on Cape Girardeau's water supply, forcing the city to use reserves. More water usage because of a recent lack of rain has reduced the reserves, and the city is asking people to voluntarily cut down on water usage.

The city has made sure that watering is limited in public parks.

"The parks are not watering," Priester said. "They did have some new sod and had to use a little bit."

Priester said he has talked with officials at Southeast Missouri State University to try to find ways to reduce watering there.

Construction is under way for an additional 1.75-million-gallon clear well. The city also expects to complete construction of an additional filter, more pumping capacity and larger supply mains from the water plant in the next 18 months. In 1996, residents voted for a quarter-cent sales tax to pay for the projects.

The city has grown to the extent that it exceeds capabilities of the water plant. Any dry spell and increased water use that comes with summer weather puts a strain on the system.

Priester said the voluntary conservation seems to be working. He said he doesn't expect the city to have to resort to more drastic measures.

"People seem to be using less water, and that is helping," Priester said.

In less than a day after the request for water conservation there already is a noticeable difference, Miller said.

"It appears to be working," Miller said. "It looks like we are in for a spell of hot and dry weather. We would just ask that the people keep conserving."