CITY'S WATER USAGE A RECROD IN AUGUST

Cape Girardeau experienced record water usage in August.

The city-owned water system pumped more than 6 million gallons of water a day, on average.

There were 17 days in August that usage totaled more than 6 million gallons. There were several days that usage was in the 6.5 million-gallon range. Peak usage was 6.83 million gallons.

Tom Taggart, water system manager, said water usage has steadily increased over the last five years and is nearing the system's 7.3 million-gallon-a-day capacity.

The increased water usage is largely the result of commercial and residential growth, he said.

Mayor Al Spradling III said the city can't accommodate any new business that would use a lot of water.

Taggart told the City Council Monday night that the water system will reach capacity in 1998 or 1999 if it isn't expanded.

The city wants to expand the water system to a capacity of 10 million gallons a day.

Fire Chief Robert Ridgeway said increased capacity could improve the city's fire insurance rating.