The combined storage level of water in Lakes Travis and Buchanan is projected to drop below 900,000 acre-feet within the next few days. In anticipation of that, Interim City Manager Jesus Garza has moved the city to Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency Plan. The change will include new watering restrictions beginning on August 15, 2023.
“For many years, Austin has leaned into water conservation in normal weather as well as drought,” said Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson. “As our current drought continues, we know that the entire Austin community will respond to the need to conserve our most precious resource. We’re all in this together, and there is no substitute for water.”
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions Summary
- Automatic irrigation and hose-end watering is restricted to one day per week.
- Automatic irrigation runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.
- Water waste is prohibited.
- Restaurants may serve water only upon request.
- Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing must use an auto-shut-off valve or a bucket.
- Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight.
- Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated.
- New landscape-establishment irrigation is no longer exempt from the watering schedule.
