Customers in the Sequatchie Valley district of the Tennessee American Water Co. are being asked to limit their water use for non-essential purposes until further notice from the company.

The conservation appeal includes Tennessee American Water customers in Whitwell, Powell's Crossroads and portions of Marion and Sequatchie counties.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued a notice on Oct. 27 asking residents of 10 water utilities in Southeast Tennessee - including Tennessee American Water's Sequatchie Valley District - to temporarily limit water usage for non-essential purposes. Extreme drought has caused decrease in the Sequatchie River flow level.

"This conservation measure to limit non-essential water use is part of a coordinated effort of several water utilities in the Sequatchie Valley region to share resources and ensure continued drinking water services," stated Michael Griffith, supervisor for the Tennessee American Water Sequatchie Valley Water System. "We are continuing to monitor the Sequatchie River."

This water conservation notice does not apply to Tennessee American customers in the Chattanooga area because that plant draws water from the Tennessee River.

Non-essential water uses include:

· watering of lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, etc.

· watering of athletic fields

· washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios, or any other hard surfaces except for sanitary or safety purposes

· non-commercial washing of motor vehicles, trailers or boats

· use of water for dust control or construction compaction

· firefighting training.