(Austin)-Beginning Tuesday, September 6, Austin Water will enact Stage 2 Mandatory Watering Restrictions due to the exceptional drought in Central Texas.
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions are in line with the City’s Drought Contingency Plan which states, in part, that the City Manager may order additional water restrictions when the combined lake storage levels of Lakes Travis and Buchanan reaches 900,000 acre-feet. It is anticipated that the trigger will be reached next week.
The City of Austin believes it is necessary to implement additional restrictions to help ensure adequate water supply during the drought. To ensure that both residential and commercial customers follow restrictions, Austin Water staff will begin stepped-up enforcement.
Violations of mandatory watering restrictions will result in an official warning followed by a citation if the violation is not corrected. Citations will be issued in Municipal Court with fines set during Stage 2 at $475.
Stage 2 Includes:
- Watering allowed 1 day per week for all Austin Water customers
- Hand-watering allowed anytime
- No automatic-irrigation after 10 a.m. on designated watering day
- Vehicle washing on designated day before 10 a.m.
- No charity carwashes
- No automatic fill valves for pools or ponds
- No outdoor fountains except to provide aeration for aquatic life
- No water to be served at restaurants unless requested
- No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas or other paved areas
To report water waste, residents should call 3-1-1. For more information on Stage 2 Restrictions and water conservation programs, visit WaterWiseAustin.org.
Storage levels of Lake Travis and Buchanan are anticipated to reach 900,000 acre-feet the week of August 22nd. This is a critical trigger in the Lower Colorado River (LCRA) Water Management Plan.
What you can do to get ready for Stage 2
Reset your automatic sprinkler systems to follow the new schedule. Test run your system to check for leaks, misdirected heads and overspray.
Water waste is prohibited year-round in Austin. Leaking faucets, pipes and the operation of irrigation systems with misdirected or broken sprinkler heads are just some of the ways water is wasted in our community. The Water Use Management Ordinance, Chapter 6-4, Water Conservation, Title 6, Austin City Code will provide you with more specific details concerning water waste and water use restrictions. Watering restrictions help conserve our treated drinking water and preserve our water supply in the Highland Lakes. Please note that violations of this ordinance are considered a Class C Misdemeanor, with each instance punishable by a fine of up to $500.
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