Hot, dry conditions combined with lower than average rainfall
have reduced flows in many of Texas major rivers. The Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality reports these conditions are
starting to have a significant impact on the Hill Country and South
Texas areas. All temporary-use water rights to state surface water
in the Hill Country have been suspended until further notice.
"The cities of Blanco in Blanco County and Kerrville in Kerr
County have reached limits on how much water they can divert from
rivers," says Al Segovia, TCEQ's South Texas watermaster. While
each city should have enough water through the summer from back-up
sources and careful conservation, now is the time to start saving
water.
As of this week, 58 public water systems have enacted water-use
restrictions this year, an increase of 19 over last week. Of those,
25 are using mandatory watering schedules.
The TCEQ requires water suppliers to develop drought contingency
plans to manage water usage, reduce peak demand, and extend
supplies. Local water suppliers issue notices about water
restrictions when the situation warrants action. The TCEQ breaks
down restrictions into four stages. Under Stage I and II
restrictions, customers are asked to conserve water. Mandatory
restrictions come into play in Stage III and involve limiting lawn
watering to specific days of the week and prohibit other
non-essential water use to reduce the demand on the system by a
certain percentage. If these efforts fail to sufficiently reduce
usage, Stage IV restrictions may be implemented. These critical
water use restrictions prohibit all outdoor watering and using
water to wash vehicles of any kind. Restrictions issued by your
water system may vary.
Individuals can take action to conserve water now before
conditions worsen:
- water your lawn no more than twice a week and only during early
morning hours,
- use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers,
- wash full loads of dishes or laundry,
- cut back on washing your vehicle,
- replace old plumbing with water saving fixtures,
- consider installing a cistern to catch rainwater for future
use,
- plant native plants (that require less water).
