Area cities and water providers began implementing Stage 3 water restrictions on Wednesday.  The Brown County Water Improvement District implemented Stage 3 of their drought contingency plan yesterday asking all of their wholesale customers to reduce water use by at least another 10%

The City of Brownwood issued a press release Wednesday morning announcing their initiation of Stage 3.  It states that conservation is necessary and 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.  To report water waste, please call 646-6000 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.

Brownwood City Manager expressed his concerns at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“I don’t want citizens to be lulled into thinking everything is going to be okay,” said Rountree.  “There’s two years of water left in the lake.  That’s good news but we still must have the cooperation of citizens.  The next significant rain forecasted is in the spring of 2012.”

Rountree suggested people conserve by being mindful of water usage such as making sure that dishwashers and clothes washers are used with only full loads, turning off the water when brushing teeth, and taking shorter showers.

The City of Early has also initiated Stage 3, with the same restrictions; however with a goal of 25% reduction of water usage.  Complaints can be directed to city hall by calling 325-643-5451.

Early City Manager Ken Thomas stated that he owns property at Lake Brownwood and that it is very noticeable how the lake level has dropped.

“I hope people realize it’s not just conserving water as usual, it’s reaching a critical state,” Thomas said.  “I’m going to do my part.”

Thomas commented that other water sources have been considered such as drilling wells; however there are no wells significant enough to support the area as a primary water source.

The City of Bangs mayor and city manager were discussing what measures would be implemented in their city Wednesday morning.

Below is the outline of Stage 3 Water Restrictions for both Brownwood & Early:

*All personal, outdoor water use is restricted to designated days between 7 pm and 9 am. Designated days as follows:

a. Addresses ending in an odd number water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only.

b. Addresses ending in an even number water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only.

c. No outside watering on Monday.

*Watering of parks and outside school areas is limited to drip irrigation or handheld hose on

designated days for trees, shrubs and planters.

*Commercial use of water to be reduced 20% of normal use.

*Penalties include:

a. Warnings, House Call

b. Turn off and reconnect fee

c. Complaints filed through ordinance provisions

Free information on ways to conserve water is available at the City of Brownwood city hall and on the city’s website http://www.ci.brownwood.tx.us/.  The best way to conserve large amounts of water and maintain a healthy landscape is to water between 8 in the evening until no later than 9 in the morning and only when wind is below 5 mph and temps below 85 degrees to reduce evaporation.