Several area water providers announced that they are tightening their outdoor watering restrictions. The City of Brownwood and Early and the Zephyr Water Supply Corporation now only allow outdoor watering one day per week. The City of Bangs has opted not to increase restrictions at this time. Brookesmith Special Utility District has not announced any watering restriction changes at this time, and were not available by phone on Wednesday.
Officials from Brownwood said that cooler weather and citizen conservation has reduced daily water use, but Lake Brownwood continues to drop. Lake water level is currently at 38% of capacity, and additional measures must be taken to ensure an adequate water supply for all customers.
All water resellers have a warning system for water wasting with an eventual disconnection penalty for repeat offenders. Reconnection penalty fees vary between each city or utility district. Any questions should be directed to your local water provider. The following information shows all cities and water supply companies’ guidelines for Stage 3 of their water contingency plan.
Free information on ways to conserve water is available at the City of Brownwood City Hall public information center. Information is also available online at http://www.ci.brownwood.tx.us/.
Current amended Stage 3 restrictions are as follows:
City of Brownwood & Early
1. Continuation of Stage 2 actions
2. All personal, non-household water use is restricted to Mondays and Tuesdays only:
a. Odd -Addresses ending in odd number Monday – Midnight to 9:00 am and Monday – 7:00 pm to Midnight.
b. Even- Addresses ending in even numbers Tuesday- Midnight to 9:00am and Tuesday- 7:00 pm to Midnight.
3. Watering of parks and outside school areas is limited to drip irrigation or handheld hose on designated days for trees, shrubs and planters.
4. Non-essential Commercial water use reduced 20%.
5. Minimize outdoor usage.
6. Reduction in use goal is 10%
7. Penalties:
a. Warnings, House Call
b. Turn off and reconnect fee
Residents can direct their questions to the Utility Department of their city by calling Brownwood: 325-646-5775 or Early: 325-643-5451.
Zephyr Water Supply Corporation
For ZWSC consumers, restrictions are the same as Brownwood and Early restrictions; however odd and even numbered houses are determined by their 911 addresses rather than street address, since most of these customers are in a rural location.
Odd numbered homes in the ZWSC areas may water on Monday at the designated times, while even numbered homes may water on Tuesday at designated times.
Zephyr Water Supply Corporation may be reached for questions at 325-739-5264.
City of Bangs
Officials in Bangs stated that the city has not amended their Stage 3 contingency plan and will continue with watering restrictions adopted in September.
Water waste is prohibited. Water waste is defined as allowing runoff in the streets or alleys, over watering of lawns, filling of swimming pools, or leaking pipes that are not repaired.
1. Continuation of Stage 2 actions
2. All personal, non-household water use is restricted to designated days between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. the following day. Designated days as follows:
a. North of the Railroad track will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday
b. South of the Railroad track will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
c. No outside watering on Sunday
3. Watering of parks and outside school areas is limited to drip irrigation or handheld hose on designated days for trees, shrubs and planters.
4. Commercial water use reduced 20%.
5. Minimize outdoor usage.
6. Penalties:
a. 1st Violation – Warning
b. 2nd Violation – Warning
c. 3rd Violation – Water immediately cut off;
$50 fee must be paid before turn on
Bangs residents with questions may call city hall 325-752-6223.
Brookesmith Special Utility District was not available for comment on Wednesday, but we will get confirmation on their current restrictions as soon as possible.