Current situation
The city announced it was moving to Stage 3 its drought plan for western water customers July 14, and subsequently extended the timeline for the restrictions July 17, citing low levels in the city’s main water sources, sustained high temperatures and severe drought conditions, and water use exceeding 95% of its treatment capacity for multiple days.
Stage 3 water restrictions remain in effect for the service area west of DB Wood Road and west of the Southwest Bypass, including Parkside, Santa Rita Ranch, Parmer Ranch and Water Oak neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the eastern portion of the city’s utility area is in Stage 2 of its plan.
The conditions
City Manager David Morgan said 75% of the city’s water goes toward irrigation. In Stage 3 restrictions, the use of irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers is prohibited, in addition washing vehicles at home, installing turf or sod, filling outdoor spas and hot tubs. Handheld watering is still allowed. For customers under Stage 2 restrictions, landscape irrigation is restricted to one day a week, from 7 p.m.-midnight and midnight-7 a.m.
After an initial warning, single-family households who violate Stage 3 restrictions could be fined $150-$300, with the penalty increasing for each subsequent violation. The penalty for Stage 2 violations, after an initial warning, could range from $75-$150 for the first offense.
What else?
Because the western portion of the city’s water system is higher in elevation, it prevents water from naturally flowing to that area. Meanwhile, the amount of water Georgetown is receiving from Leander has fluctuated. While Georgetown’s contract with the city of Leander is for 3 million gallons of treated water per day, Georgetown has been receiving 800,000-2 million gallons throughout the summer, with some days that amount dropping below 300,000 gallons.
Morgan said Georgetown is working with Leander to learn how more water can be shared between the two cities.
What they’re saying
“The biggest driver in terms of our ability to be able to get to a different phase is the weather condition outside,” Morgan said. “So the heat conditions, that’s the biggest driver that drives consumption and then the continued efforts by our customers to stay within the water restrictions that we have.”
Stay tuned
As the demand for water typically drops at the end of summer, Morgan said the city hopes to move out of Stage 3 restrictions either before or by Sept. 4. In the meantime, he said it is important for residents to know the water system is currently stable and the city has secured enough water for drinking and fire protection purposes.
