Posted: April 6, 2007
In June 2006 the City of Plano enacted Stage 3 water conservation/water emergency restrictions joining regional efforts to maintain the long-range integrity of our water supply in the face of North Texas’ on-going drought. These restrictions apply to both residential and commercial Plano water customers.
Plano’s water distribution system is continually monitored by the Utility Operations Division of the Public Works Department, responsible for ensuring a steady and adequate supply of water to all customers in Plano. During the Stage 3 outdoor watering restrictions that have been in place since June 2006, the daily recharge (refilling) of our water storage tanks has often been a challenge due to the heavy strain on the system created by once weekly, twice daily outdoor watering scheduled throughout the City.
After careful consideration, a new Stage 3 outdoor watering schedule has been adopted to equalize water system operations throughout the City during drought conditions. Water customers will now be allowed to water their landscape twice weekly once per day, rather than once weekly twice per day as in the past. Instead of 5 watering zones throughout the City, 6 watering zones have now been established to further balance water usage and storage tank recharge.
Each address will be able to water in the morning on one scheduled day (between 2am and 10am) and will have the opportunity to water a second scheduled day in the evening (between 6pm and 10pm). Outdoor watering using any type of sprinkler system is prohibited on Sundays to enable Plano’s water system to totally recharge.
Landscape Beds: While grass can flourish with twice weekly watering certain flowering plants and shrubs cannot. You are allowed to hand water your landscape beds any day including Sunday, except during the hours of 10am and 6pm. You must use a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. You cannot leave the hose running unattended.
Foundations: Some foundations may crack when the soil around them separates. You are allowed to water around your foundation as often as you deem necessary, using a soaker hose or other drip irrigation method. A hand-held hose is prohibited.
Swimming Pools/Spas: Water used in maintaining swimming pools is drastically less than that used in landscape irrigation. You can maintain your pool at proper
operational levels, construct a new pool or spa, drain and fill a pool for repairs. Filling a lake or pond with potable water is prohibited.
In April 2007 all Plano water customers will be notified of these changes through direct mail of an informational letter on the new restrictions, along with the new watering zone map.
Plano obtains its water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, which provides treated water to over 60 regional cities and special utility districts, encompassing over 1.5 million persons. The District obtains its water from Lake Lavon, with authorized water rights for limited draws from both Lakes Chapman and Tacoma.
The Texas Water Development Board estimates landscape irrigation accounts for more than 50 percent of water usage during the summer months, with more than half that amount wasted due to over-watering or run-off. This is why conservation of landscape water plays such a major role in conserving our water resources. Your cooperation and support plays a critical role in the success of our conservation efforts and we appreciate your help and understanding.
For more information on the new restrictions, including enforcement, and to view the water zone map, click here.