The City of Hutto has scaled back local water restrictions, moving from Stage 2 to Stage 1 water conservation effective Dec. 22, after officials said water supply conditions improved.

The details

Stage 1 guidelines are voluntary, but encouraged to focus on reducing outdoor water use. City officials recommend that:

• Industrial, commercial and institutional customers water outdoors on Mondays and Fridays.
• Residential customers with even-numbered addresses water on Sundays and Thursdays.
• Residential customers with odd-numbered addresses water on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
• Outdoor watering take place before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. to reduce water loss.

Outdoor watering includes automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers, according to city officials.

The move also lifts several restrictions that were mandatory under Stage 2. Activities such as vehicle washing, filling swimming pools and serving water at restaurants are no longer limited. Water may also be used to wash buildings, driveways, sidewalks and other hard-surface areas.

City officials said conservation remains important and warned that mandatory restrictions could return if water supply conditions worsen. Residents and businesses are encouraged to remain mindful of water use and review the city’s drought contingency plan for additional guidance.

For full details on water conservation guidelines, residents can visit the city’s official website.