[Updated Oct. 14 to include additional information]

The city of Georgetown and Chisholm Trail Special Utility District will begin mandatory watering restrictions beginning Oct. 14.

The two water utilities will institute Stage 1 mandatory drought restrictions limiting outdoor watering to twice per week. The restrictions were prompted by an Oct. 2 letter from the Brazos River Authority—which manages Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake—requesting the city reduce water use because of persistent drought conditions and declining water levels in Lake Georgetown.

The letter states the river authority has enacted a Stage 2 Drought Warning for the lake. The lake had been in a Stage 1 Drought Watch since Nov. 8, 2012. Under the Stage 2 warning, the BRA has requested the city reduce its water consumption by 10 percent from the same month last year, according to the letter.

"We have gotten these intermittent rainfall events that have greened everything up and helped cool things off and helped every ones lawn look better, but we aren't really gaining elevation in the lake," said John Hofmann, BRA Central/Lower Basin manager. "That last great [rain] that we got, I think we gained a foot of elevation at Lake Georgetown—which is obviously not enough."

The restrictions are being issued in conjunction with the city of Round Rock and Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District who share Lake Georgetown as their water source.

City of Georgetown customers with odd numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Tuesdays and/or Saturdays; those with even addresses will be allowed to water on Wednesdays and/or Sundays; and watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is not allowed on Mondays.

Watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is not allowed between noon and 7 p.m. each day as well, according to the city. Vehicle washing or filling a swimming pool may be done any day at any time.

Watering with a handheld hose or bucket is allowed at any time, and violations of the irrigation schedule may result in fines, said City Manager Paul Brandenburg.