FAITH — During the Faith Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, a follow-up on the irrigation report revealed that the usage of water taps in town has increased drastically despite the report of a damaged water well.

In May, the town as a whole pumped a total of nearly 2.8 million gallons. That increased in June to 3.4 million gallons. These numbers include the fire department’s water use, which is non-negotiable.

Town Clerk Karen Fink said after the June meeting, customers were called to explain the situation of the high water usage in addition to the town being down one well. She then told them to consider cutting back tap usage since it is also the town’s drinking water.

Residential water usage is tracked according to a different time frame than overall use. Water reports for homeowners are tracked mid-month to mid-month as opposed to the beginning and end. From mid-May to mid-June, the total gallons pumped was 358,290 while mid-June to mid-July was 610,980. This number will increase by July 16, in total likely nearly doubling last month’s use.

While Mayor Randall Barger works with Municipal Engineering on the decision to re-drill or install a new well to replace the damaged one, residents of Faith should expect a notice in the mail outlining the plan of action to reduce water usage, since repairs are estimated to take a minimum of 180 days.

Faith has entered stage one water conversation measures, which is a voluntary reduction to improve water efficiency. No penalties will be applied for noncompliance but users are recommended to cut back by five percent. However, if the current rate of use continues, the town could enter into stage two, which is a mandatory reduction of 10 percent and includes the option for the town to fine residents for not complying.

The board unanimously voted to hire Municipal Engineering for the replacement or repair of the damaged well. According to the provided proposal by principal project manager Michael McAllister, it could take more than six months, with an outside estimate of 555 days, to complete.