Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros has lifted emergency water use restrictions that have been in place since Monday, October 22, 2018. Customers can resume outdoor water use, including once-per-week watering.
The emergency water-use restrictions were enacted in response to flood waters that poured high levels of silt and debris into the water supply lakes and impacted operations at the City’s three water treatment plants that required a boil water notice.
“I want to thank our customers for their efforts to conserve water and especially during the recent emergency,” said Director Greg Meszaros, Austin Water. “Austin Water is reviewing the data from the flooding event to determine what steps are necessary to ensure the resiliency of our systems.”
Prior to the flooding, Austin Water was in Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan. Since the water supply lakes are at full levels, the criteria have been met to lift the restrictions under Stage 1 and return to Conservation Stage. Austin Water officials urge customers to use water wisely. Recent rains and dropping temperatures reduce the need for outdoor watering.
Conservation Stage Watering Restrictions Summary
- Conservation Stage Watering Restrictions increase the total number of hours available for watering via automatic irrigation systems to 15 hours (midnight – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – midnight).
- All other watering restrictions remain unchanged including:
- Once-per-week automatic irrigation watering schedule will continue for residential and commercial water customers.
- Twice-per-week hose-end irrigation watering schedule will continue for residential customers.
- Residents can continue the following irrigation methods:
- drip irrigation,
- hand-held watering with a hose,
- watering trees with bubblers or a soaker hose.
- Residential car washing is permitted with a bucket and/or hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Restaurants are prohibited from providing water unless requested by customers and must limit the use of patio misters to the hours between 4pm and midnight.
Water waste, including runoff, overspray and ponding is not permitted at any time, regardless of stage.
