The city of Duluth has extended its request for residents to conserve water through Saturday evening.
The Duluth Public Works and Utilities Department implemented a water conservation request for Duluth residents beginning at 7 p.m. Friday that initially was to have ended Saturday morning. The high water level on Lake Superior, along with Friday's storm, has been causing problems at the city’s Lakewood Water Treatment Plant along Scenic Highway 61.
"City staff have been working through the night to address high turbidity during intake of water at the water treatment plant. High winds and lake currents have stirred up significant amounts of sediment which then enters the intake system. This presence of additional sediment means the system has to work even harder to pump and treat the water," the city reported in an update late Saturday morning.
Officials are requesting that residents in particular refrain from using large appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
"The city assures residents and customers that the water is safe and of the highest standards. Conservation efforts today will ensure adequate water distribution to all customers throughout the day but also allow staff more time to monitor and make adjustments to the treatment system. The city expects that customers should be able to resume normal use of water after 6 p.m.," officials said today.
