AUBURN  - While drought conditions have improved, Auburn utilities manager Ray Luhring told the Board of Public Works that water conservation remains essential to maintaining reservoir levels.

Luhring said JEO will explore a connection with Nebraska City Utilities for supplemental water or pulling water directly from the Missouri River. In the shorter term, the board discussed extracting water from the Little Nemaha River.

 It was noted that the board will work with customers in special circumstances when water must be trucked in.

Sandy Korby, owner of Flower Farmer, met with the board on April 16 regarding her floral business. She presented on water conservation efforts that she has implemented and requested to water her crops for one hour each week, if needed.

The board authorized her request.

A drought contingency updated posted April 24 says the board of public works has maintained a full reservoir, but the recharge has been minimal due to rainfall under the five-year average. The update says conservation by customers in Auburn and Peru prevents the need for the costly trucking of water that could affect rates.