AUBURN – About 11 months after declaring a water emergency due to slow recharge of wells, the Auburn Board of Public Works announced Wednesday it is ending the drought contingency protocol and ending water restrictions.

The board reports adequate rainfall and groundwater levels in the normal range.

Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson said the end of the drought contingency protocols is good news for Auburn and Peru.

He said rain in July and August had finally brought an end to an unusually dry period and he hopes residents will continue to watch their water usage.

Erickson: “I think we’ve learned that it doesn’t take long to get back into it.”

A press release from the board of public works advises conservation during the winter months when precipitation is typically lower.

Mayor Erickson said there is consideration for opening the splash pad. He expects a decision to be made before this weekend.

The board’s press release says the city will continue to pursue an alternative, short-term water source.

The board expressed gratitude to customers who conserved water saying the immediate drop in water usage avoided catastrophic equipment failure.