Home » News » Press Releases » 2005 » WATER SUPPLY FOR NORTH TEXAS 11/01/05

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2005 Contact: Lorrie Reeves Water Education Coordinator Phone: (972) 769-4328 WATER SUPPLY FOR NORTH TEXAS It has been a long time since North Texans have seen a regular pattern of rainy days. The extended dry spell has drained lake levels to the point that officials from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) must ask their customers to reduce their water use. NTMWD has implemented stage 1 of their drought contingency plan. Stage 1 asks that communities voluntarily curb their water use and be aware that a problem regarding water supply may exist in the near future. The City of Plano is declaring a water watch under its own drought contingency plan. Citizens and business are asked to voluntarily reduce their water use wherever they can. Effective water conservation tips include washing only full loads of clothes and dishes, taking shorter showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. These tips will help but by far the biggest contribution Plano residents and business can make would be to cut way back on outdoor irrigation. “ Outdoor watering accounts for a huge chunk of our water use here in Plano” states Lorrie Reeves, Water Education Coordinator for the City of Plano. “We just received about an inch to an inch and a half of rain yesterday, so our lawns and landscapes are well watered for at least 10 days. Grasses are going into their dormancy stage for the winter, so all the water in the world won’t turn them green again. Simply turning your irrigation control box to “off” for the next week or so would be very helpful in reducing our water usage.”