STAFF REPORT
Despite Friday’s downfalls, the city of Kyle will move up to stage two water restrictions June 1 to conserve water supplies, officials announced Monday.
The twice-a-week watering schedule is still in effect, yet there will be stricter rules for outdoor watering, such as landscaping and washing vehicles. Repeat offenders could face fines between $500 to $2,000, city officials say.
“We’ll do everything we can do to educate people on these water restrictions, however, we may be left with no choice but to fine,” city spokesperson Jerry Hendrix said.
On Friday, the National Weather Service reported between .75 to 1.5 inches of rainfall in the Kyle area as a strong thunderstorm rolled through Central Texas. But with hot, dry weather expected this summer, once-a-week watering could be enforced as the city’s water suppliers are likely to heighten restrictions, Hendrix said.
Under the revised rules, watering done by hand is still allowed at any time, while sprinklers and other temporary irrigation devices can only be used before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. on designated watering days. Permanent sprinkler systems will only be able to water from midnight to 10 a.m. on designated days.
Washing vehicles must be done by a handheld bucket or hose with a positive shutoff nozzle on specified watering days before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Charity carwashes will be prohibited at all times, officials say.
Professional nurseries are still allowed to conduct themselves normally under this stage, but washing of streets, sidewalks, walkways, patios, tennis courts or other paved areas is prohibited unless it is needed to preserve public health or safety, officials say. In addition, pools, wading pools, and ponds may not use automatic filling valves to refill during this stage. Athletic fields for organized sports must also comply with watering criteria for this stage as well.
At this time, the city of Buda plans to remain in its five-day watering schedule, which can be viewed on the city’s website at http://ci.buda.tx.us/alarm-stage-drought.
