Stage 1 Water Restrictions Likely in Near Future

The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has informed the City of Southlake that due to the dry weather conditions in the North Texas Region, residents in the area may again face Stage 1 water restrictions in early 2013. “Water conservation efforts in North Texas are very important as we deal with two important issues, drought and increased use of our water resources in this area,” says City of Southlake’s Public Works Director, Bob Price. Southlake purchases its water supply from the City of Fort Worth who in turn purchases its water from TRWD.

The current water reservoirs are at 77% capacity and are declining about 1% every two weeks. Stage 1 drought measures are triggered when the reservoir reaches 75% which is expected to happen around mid-January without any measurable rainfall.  Currently, more than 87% of Texas is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions, and 2012 is shaping up to be the warmest year on record in Texas. October-November ranks as the second driest on record in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. According to TRWD, The lack of rain and higher temperatures once again are taking their toll on the reservoirs.

The goal of Stage 1 restrictions is to reduce water by at least 5% over what is normally used.  Earlier this year, the City of Southlake entered Stage 1 water restrictions at the end of July as a result of high temperatures and heavy water consumption.  The restrictions ended at the end of September.

If current weather patterns continue, and the lake levels falls below 75%, TRWD could implement restrictions in early 2013. The Stage 1 measures consist of:

• Limiting outdoor watering with hose-end sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems to no more than twice per week at each service address.
• No outdoor watering with hose-end sprinklers and outdoor irrigation systems between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Please note that irrigating between these hours is not allowed at any time)
• Prohibiting non-essential water use, such as hosing of paved areas, hosing of buildings except for fire protection and surface preparation, and using water in a manner that allows runoff.
• Watering by hand or using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed any time, and day of the week.

For more information about the Tarrant Regional Water District, please visit www.trwd.com