As Johnstown’s Level 3 water restrictions take effect, some residents have questioned why places such as Bella Ridge Golf Club, the local cemetery, and several parks continue to appear green while residents are limited to watering only two days per week.
The reason is that many of those areas are irrigated with non-potable water rather than the Town’s treated drinking water supply.
Non-potable water is water that is not suitable for drinking but can still be used for irrigation. It often comes from sources such as ditch systems, reservoirs, reclaimed water, or other untreated supplies that are separate from the Town’s municipal drinking water system.
Under the Level 3 restrictions approved by the Johnstown Town Council, irrigation using non-potable water is specifically exempt from the watering limits.
That means facilities such as Bella Ridge, parks, and the cemetery may continue watering if they are using a separate non-potable system.
While that may seem unfair at first glance, Town officials say it actually benefits the community.
Because the golf course, parks, and other public spaces are not using treated drinking water, their irrigation does not reduce the amount of potable water available for homes, businesses, and fire protection.
Using non-potable water for irrigation also reduces strain on the Town’s water treatment system during the summer months when demand is highest.
In addition, non-potable water allows the Town to preserve community spaces without increasing pressure on the drinking water supply. Public parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, and other landscaped areas can remain usable and safe while still conserving potable water.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and other water management agencies encourage the use of non-potable water for irrigation because it reduces demand on drinking water supplies while still allowing parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and other landscaped areas to remain green.
As a result, continuing to water these areas with a separate irrigation system may actually help reduce the need for even stricter restrictions on residential customers in the future.
The Town’s current Level 3 restrictions remain in effect through October 15. Residents using the Town’s treated water system remain limited to watering on their assigned days and only during the approved hours.
