In an attempt to avoid going to Stage 4 water restrictions, the North Texas Municipal Water District is requesting the city of Frisco reduce watering to once every two weeks instead of the current once a week watering restrictions.

The move would put Frisco in line with other NTMWD member cities, including Prosper and Little Elm. The water district said in a letter to the council that Stage 4 restrictions are a possibility "unless greater water reduction measures are implemented through the summer."

The Frisco City Council will discuss the issue at the Tuesday regular meeting.

City staff is recommending the council adopt the modified restrictions, although it did point out some areas concern.

In an agenda briefing, city officials are concerned the modification could actually increase water usage instead of reduce it.

"Last summer with no weekly watering, we had no water pressure or water quality issues," the briefing reads. "Watering once every two weeks could lower the water pressure and affect firefighting capabilities if water usage increases to compensate for the lack of watering days."

Officials also said water quality issues related to lower disinfectant levels could occur on nonwatering weeks.

However, city staff reiterated the importance of saving water to stay out of Stage 4 restrictions, which would prohibit using sprinkler systems altogether.

"Clearly, Stage 4 would adversely affect North Texas and must be avoided," the agenda briefing said. "Stage 4 prohibits the irrigation of new landscaping, prohibits all watering of existing landscapes, prohibits the permitting of private pools and calls for a reduction goal of about 33 percent. Outdoor watering with hand-held hoses, soaker hoses, and drip/bubbler systems are permitted for only two hours per week."

Regardless of the council's decision, city officials said the city's continued recommendation to residents would be to turn off sprinkler systems for the summer and use a combination of hand-held hoses, drip systems and bubbler systems to water lawns, landscaping and trees, as well as use soaker hoses to water foundations.

The council has the option to agree to the NTMWD modification request, table the recommendation, remain with the current Stage 3 restrictions or request city staff to make changes for future consideration.

The council begins the meeting in closed session at 5 p.m., but the open portion of the council meeting generally begins between 6:15 and 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the council chambers at City Hall, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.