Ridgeland ends irrigation ban for Bridgewater

RIDGELAND — City officials lifted an irrigation ban Monday that had shut off irrigation meters in some parts of town.

Director of Public Works Alan Hart said city crews worked Monday to turn all irrigation meters back on in the area affected by a water well failure in late July.

“We will not go home today until we believe that we have turned every meter back on,” Hart said.

The ban was instituted on Aug. 1 when Mayor Gene F. McGee signed an executive order.

Hart said Monday they received approval from the Mississippi Department of Health to reconnect the well to the water system.

“If for some reason we miss your meter today, you are permitted to turn your own irrigation meter valve back on,” Hart said. “We recommend that you walk your property this evening to make sure you don’t have leaks.”

Some meters may have to be turned back off if the city detects a major leak, Hart noted. 

“If we detect a major leak,” Hart said. “We will put a tag on the door.”

The affected area was a large portion of the west side of town that included the Bridgewater subdivision. Hart said the area is difficult to define but said the failure affected about 800 residents.

The pump is located off Livingston Road near the intersection of Walter Payton Lane.

Aldermen unanimously ratified the mayor’s executive order at their regular meeting on Aug.6.

Aldermen also approved emergency purchases for the pump and motor at the water well in the amount of $225,050 and $33,795.

For more information, Hart encourages residents to download the EyeOnWater app to monitor their usage and provide valuable leak detection. City officials also recommend that residents subscribe to Ridgeland Alerts to get important updates and emergency notices via text and/or email.  Here is a link to Ridgeland Alert: https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?RegionId=2040.