For Immediate Release – August 19, 2009

Austin -Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the Austin Water Utility (AWU) will enact Stage 2 Mandatory Watering Restrictions because of the exceptional drought in Central Texas and recommendations made by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

Stage 2 Watering Restrictions are in line with the 2009 Drought Contingency Plan authorized by Council earlier this year. The plan states the City Manager may order additional water restrictions when the combined lake storage levels of Lakes Travis and Buchanan is less than 900,000 acre-feet. That level was reached on Aug. 12.

Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions

• Requires residential and commercial water customers to follow a once-per-week watering schedule.

• Limits automatic irrigation systems to operation between the hours of midnight and 10 a.m. on designated days.

• Limits residential vehicle washing to designated days and times and prohibits charity car washes.

• Automatic fill valves for pools or ponds should be turned off.

• No outdoor fountains should be used except to provide aeration for aquatic life.

• No water to be served at restaurants unless requested by the customer.

• No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas or other paved areas except to alleviate an immediate health or safety hazard.

To ensure that restrictions are followed, the AWU Water Conservation staff will begin stepped-up, around-the-clock enforcement and take a zero-tolerance approach to violations of the restrictions. Violating mandatory watering restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. To report water waste, residents should call 3-1-1. For more information on water conservation visit www.WaterWiseAustin.com.

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959