SCOTT CITY ASKS THAT RESIDENTS CONSERVE WATER

SCOTT CITY -- Mayor Larry Forhan and members of the City Council issued a conserve-water order Monday night after a mechanical pump failed at the main well house.

The order requests that residents refrain from burning leaves and brush and limit water use, particularly at car washes.

"Our supply is limited, which is why we requested limitations," said City Administrator John Saxton.

The water is still safe to drink.

The failed pump, which runs constantly, was showing some early signs of failure last week.

"It's our most significant pump," he said. "It's running every day and just got tired."

The failed pump, one of four in the city, affects the entire system because a 12,000-gallon water mixing tank also was out of service Monday for cleaning.

The well can't be brought back into service until the mixing tank has been repaired. The pump should be working again by Thursday.