GEORGETOWN, Texas — The cities of Georgetown and Round Rock are both increasing water restrictions for residents.
Georgetown announced Tuesday that irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler watering will now be limited to one day a week.
The watering restriction begins Stage 2 of the Georgetown's drought contingency plan. The city is currently experiencing "sustained high water use nearing system treatment capacity," according to a press release.
“Given the high water use we have seen in the past few weeks, enacting the one-day watering schedule ensures we have enough water to meet our primary goals to provide water for domestic use inside the home and for fire flow,” said Chelsea Solomon, director of water utilities for Georgetown.
Each home's address determines their watering day. For addresses ending in two or six, for example, watering takes place on Wednesday. No one is allowed to water on Monday.
Bucket or hand-held hose watering can occur whenever, and irrigation watering is not allowed between noon and 7 p.m. daily.
In one week, the City of Georgetown will begin issuing citations to those not complying with the watering restriction.
In March, the City began Phase 1 of the drought contingency plan. This phase allowed for two watering days instead of one.
Meanwhile, the City of Round Rock announced Wednesday that it has entered Stage 1 of its mandatory drought restrictions, which enforces a maximum of two outdoor watering days per week for customers.
“Due to the lack of forecasted rain, we are taking action now to prevent the possibility of entering further drought restrictions down the road,” City Manager Laurie Hadley said. “A little bit will go a long way in ensuring we are continuing to use the resources we have in a responsible manner.”
Like Georgetown, addresses determine Round Rock residents' watering days. For addresses ending in 4 or 8, watering should take place on Sunday and/or Thursday. For a breakdown of watering days, plus more information about the drought restrictions, click here.
Austin is in Stage 1 drought restrictions as of June 6.
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