In response to low lake levels, the City of Austin, Texas has entered Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan.
The drought response, effective June 6, 2022, includes several irrigation restrictions for homes, businesses, and other buildings.
For three years, the city had already experienced a lower level of water restriction called the Conservation Stage. The only new restriction introduced by Stage 1 is a reduction of the total number of hours available for watering via automatic irrigation systems from 15 hours to 13 hours.
“While the changes in restrictions for Stage 1 are limited, Austin Water also views the declaration of Stage 1 as an opportunity, and obligation, to inform citizens about the current situation with drought and lake volumes,” Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning and Development Services. “Although some rain has fallen in Central Texas this year, it doesn’t always make its way into the streams and rivers that replenish the Highland Lakes.”
The Drought Contingency Plan was triggered by low water levels in nearby lakes: the combined level of water in Lakes Travis and Buchanan has been projected to drop below 1.4 million acre-feet within the next few days. In response to these levels, Austin’s city manager Spencer Cronk ordered the implementation of Stage 1.
“Our community has embraced water conservation year-round and I’m confident they will step up to this additional restriction” said Interim Water Director Robert Goode. The only change between Conservation Stage and Stage 1 is the reduction of automatic irrigation watering hours. “Watering only in the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are coolest, will help reduce unnecessary water loss through evaporation and that continues to support Austin’s water conservation efforts.”
Austin Water will undertake additional community outreach and education through social media, radio, television announcements, and responses to frequently asked questions on Austin Water’s website. In addition, Austin Water will continue its investigations of reported non-compliance received via Austin 3-1-1 and water waste patrols.
