BY KATY MCAFEE & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
KEY
Current water restrictions
Current situation
Local drought contingency plans
Leander has been under watering restrictions since 2015, and the city expects to stay under them for the foreseeable future, Teeter said. “The message that we’re trying to get across to people is: Don’t worry so much about having that super green lawn,” Teeter said. This summer, Leander has been unable to meet the terms of an agreement to provide Georgetown water. Georgetown ocials citied this when they enacted Stage 3 restrictions for the western part of its water service area. On Aug. 17, Leander leaders acted to allow Georgetown to receive half the amount of contracted water.
Stage
Leander
Liberty Hill
Residential watering is allowed twice a week. *Watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Residential watering is allowed twice a week. *Watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
1
Outdoor watering is limited to once a week. The following is still allowed: • adding water to pools and splash pads • washing cars and boats
Outdoor watering is limited to once a week. Nonessential uses of water, such as car washing, are limited. Outdoor watering is only allowed if using a hand-held hose. Industrial water use is prohibited except for public health, safety and welfare needs, such as re hydrants.
2
3
Outdoor watering is only allowed if using a hand-held hose.
Water system failure All nonessential uses of water may be restricted. No new water connections will be installed.
Water system failure Use of water is restricted as deemed necessary.
4
*THESE WATERING HOURS ARE APPLICABLE FOR ALL STAGES OF THE CONSERVATION PLAN.
SOURCES: CITY OF LEANDER, CITY OF LIBERTY HILL COMMUNITY IMPACT
Regional water solutions To secure future water supplies,
Individual solutions Kristen Parkhurst, marketing director for lawn care services company Emerald Lawns, o¡ered tips on how residents can preserve their lawns and conserve water.
What’s next?
Williamson County leaders are seeking to reserve water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer about 50 miles east of the Austin area. The plan would require millions of dollars, a permit from the groundwater conservation district and easements.
Central Texas will need to see weeks of heavy rainfall, specically near Fredericksburg to rell water basins, to end drought conditions, said Aaron Abel, water services manager for the Brazos River Authority. “That’s what we’re hoping for, but in the meantime, we’ve got to do what we can to extend the last of the water supply in these reservoirs, and that’s by enacting our drought contingency plans and trying to reduce water use,” Abel said.
Plant native grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia.
Aerate soil to loosen compact soil, which restricts root growth. Consider xeriscaping, a landscaping process that requires little irrigation by utilizing succulents, mulch and other drought-tolerant plants. Utilize top dressing, which adds nutrients back into soil after it's been depleted by the sun.
"[The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer] is the future water for Williamson County if I was betting." MICHAEL THANE, ROUND ROCK UTILITIES DIRECTOR
SOURCES: CITY OF ROUND ROCK, EMERALD LAWNS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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