Aqua Indiana lifts irrigation ban

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Amidst announcements that their new well is officially online, Aqua Indiana has announced an end to its voluntary ban on lawn irrigation, allowing customers to resume use of automatic sprinkler systems.

The voluntary ban has been in place since early June , prompted by drought conditions across the area. At the time, Aqua Indiana officials were concerned that their system wouldn't be able to maintain water pressure.

The company's 11th well officially went online Tuesday. The well will make an additional 500,000 gallons of water available to customers in Aboite Township per day.

"The recent rains and normal temperatures have reduced demand for water almost 40% from the peak of the heat wave," said Aqua Indiana president Tom Bruns. "The capacity of the new well is not necessary to meet daily demand, but it can generate a significant amount of additional water that is now immediately available should it be necessary.”

Aqua Indiana's system has come under fire from customers and government officials in recent months. Problems with their systems during June and July's heat wave forced the company to enter into an emergency agreement with the city of Fort Wayne, allowing Aqua Indiana to connect to the city's water lines.

In July, they faced an inquiry from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission , investigating the company's ability to provide service to their customers.

Aqua Indiana pumped more than 5 million gallons of water per day to customers during July's heat wave.

Officials at Aqua say daily demand has been averaging around 3.3 million gallons through August, including water from the city provided to approximately 1,200 Aqua Indiana customers.