MAUMELLE, Ark. (KTHV) -- Maumelle took one outside chore off the list for everyone in town this morning-watering the lawn. Many upset residents this morning, all because of a brand new ban on outdoor watering. Surprisingly, it's not the heat or drought to blame either. 

Late last month, Maumelle water management asked citizens to voluntarily cut back on watering lawns and gardens. 

Come to find out, GM of Maumelle Water Management says things didn't work as planned, "after we issued the voluntary conservation order, the consumption increased."

Since the lack of rainfall, residents have taken to the hoses to maintain their landscapes. Heller also said, "one third of our meters are causing our demand to double, the sprinklers have a demand of 103 percent on our system."

Water levels in the tanks dropped Sunday after one of the 10 underground wells began to slow in production. But a mechanical issue caused that, not the heat or drought. One well failed last summer, and since then a new well has been in construction. The mandatory outdoor water conservation will last until it is pumping water. 

Heller confirmed that, "if this well had not of gone down, we probably wouldn't of had to stop anybody when our new well went on next week or the week after." If customers don't comply, a lock is placed on their meters with a $35 removal fee. Heller said there is a tampering charge of $200 that people will have to pay if they attempt to break the lock.

Golf courses in Maumelle are still allowed to water their lawns. They are not under a ban because they have their own water wells and irrigation systems - not tied to the cities. Maumelle will lift the outdoor watering ban when that new well goes online.