Indianapolis watering ban reduces water consumption by 18 percent

INDIANAPOLIS -- A lawn watering ban appears to be working in Indianapolis.

The city announced water usage was down 18 percent over the weekend, from 200 million gallons per day to 164 million gallons.

That's more than city leaders expected, but it's not enough to relax the watering ban yet.

"There's a public safety need to make sure that water pressure and hydrants are maintained.  So, the fire department can tap in and use it as needed.  We want to make sure everyone realizes this is a serious type of violation," said Kate Johnson from the Code Enforcement Dept.

City workers wrote five $100 tickets over the weekend for everything from washing cars to watering lawns. Even filling up swimming pools is prohibited.

Right now, there are no watering bans in our area.