The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department announced July 30 it will voluntarily reduce the operating hours of the Champion Park splash pad to adhere to Cedar Park's Stage 3 water restrictions, which go into effect Aug. 1.

Instead of operating daily, the splash pad will be open 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday–Sunday through September while the city enforces Stage 3 restrictions. Other park facilities such as the pavilions and water fountains will continue operating unchanged, according to a statement from the county.

The city's splash pad within Brushy Creek Lake Park, as well city pools, will continue operating during normal hours, said Jennie Huerta, the city's media an communications manager. Pools and splash pads operated by homeowners associations are allowed to remain open under Stage 3.

Katherine Woerner, director of community affairs for the city of Cedar Park, said it is important for the city to proactively conserve water. Stage 3 water restrictions also mean once-per-week outdoor watering schedules for residents and businesses.

"While this spring's rain showers have helped renew our yards and landscapes, the rainfall has not been hard enough and long enough to raise lake levels," Woerner said in a statement. "This year is forecast to be yet another year of extreme drought conditions with below-average inflows into the lakes, and Central Texas continues to face potentially the worst drought on record."

Under Stage 3 restrictions, outdoor watering is only allowed between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. on specific days as determined by geographic location. On any day and at any time, however, the city allows using a hand-held bucket or a hose equipped with a device that automatically shuts off flow when the hose is not being used.

Woerner said the city will end Stage 3 restrictions once lake levels increase for a sustained period of time and in accordance with the conditions outlined in its drought contingency plan and LCRA requirements.

Stage 3 watering restrictions schedule:

Residents east of Lakeline Boulevard: Odd addresses water on Saturday, even addresses water on Sunday

Residents west of Lakeline Boulevard as well as residents in the Blockhouse subdivision: Odd addresses water on Wednesday, even addresses water on Thursday

Businesses east of Lakeline Boulevard may water on Fridays

Businesses west of Lakeline may water on Tuesdays

Updated 12:52 p.m. CST Aug. 1, 2013