Current water restrictions/drought (Plano, Richardson: house, landscaping, new construction)

[NebraskaNative]

What are the current water restrictions for the area?

It seems there are a lot of pools, is there ever any talk of restricting the usage for them?

How bad is the drought? Lake levels for recreation, etc.

Researching a move to the area, but want to know all I can before deciding.

[momof2dfw]

Most area cities are in stage 2 or 3 water conservation. Basically you can only water once or twice a week during 10 pm and 6 am on certain days. You can check each municipal district to see where they are on this. NEVER, EVER WATER IN TEXAS IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY!!!! That will burn your grass and too much water evaporates causing you to use more water. As for the pool usage... only effects new construction when it is time to fill the pool the first time. Some require you to truck in water to fill the pool up. Other than that you won't be filling a pool up.

[GoPadge]

Specific water restrictions are enacted via city codes, so there may be some variances between municipalities. Here's the rundown of Plano's Drought Contingency Plan. For Stage 3.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions

Triggers

(1) NTMWD impliments Stage 3 drought or emergency response stage.

(2) Lake Levon falls below 478 feet (14 feet below storage capacity).

(3) Lake Chapman falls below 426 feet (14 feet below storage capacity).

(4) Regional water use approaches or exceeds the limit of permitted supply.

(5) The supply from Lake Texoma or some other NTMWD supply source becomes limited in availability.

(6) NTMWD demand exceeds 98% of the amount that can be delivered for three days.

(7) NTMWD demand for all or part of the system exceeds capacity.

(8) NTMWD's supply becomes contaminated.

(9) NTMWD is unable to meet demand due to failure or damage to equipment.

(10) The CITY's demand exceeds 98% of the amount that can be delivered for three days.

(11) Demand on the CITY's system exceeds the systems ability to recover 90% in all storage facilities within a 72 hour period.

(12) Demand on all or part of the CITY's system exceeds NTMWD's delivery capacity.

(13) The CITY's system becomes contaminated.

(14) The CITY is unable to meet demand due to failure or damage to equipment.

Restrictions

(1) Stages 1 and 2 restrictions are still in effect, except as amended or replaced below:

(2) Pools may be filled to maintain operation levels. However using potable water to refill ponds and lakes is prohibited.

(3) Landscape watering is limited to one day per week at each address. Watering is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Watering is allowed based on zone defined below, using the following map: http://pdf.plano.gov/water/waterzones.pdf (broken link)

ZONE
Allowed Landscape Water Days

1 Monday
2 Tuesday
3 Wednesday
4 Thursday
5 Friday

(4) Landscape watering is prohibited on weekends, except as allowed below.

(5) Landscape beds may be watered by using a hand-operated hose equipped with a positive shut off nozzle on any day, outside the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

(6) A drip irrigation system, soaker hoses, or irrigation zones specifically for foundation maintenance may be used as often as deemed necessary by the property owner to maintain foundation moisture. Irrigation for foundation maintenance will not be subject to the watering restriction schedule set forth in (3);

(7) In all instances, excessive run-off that extends a distance greater than ten feet from the property’s boundary lines is prohibited.

(8) Trees may be watered by drip irrigation system or soaker hoses as often as deemed necessary by the property owner except between the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;

(9) Municipal water use necessary to maintain the public health or safety, including, but not limited to: fire-fighting, fire prevention and water system maintenance is allowed;

(10) The watering of golf course putting greens and tee boxes is permitted as needed;

All other golf course watering must follow the watering scheduled as outlined under (3);

Excessive run-off is prohibited for all water users. (Restrictions do not apply to golf courses using non-potable water for landscape irrigation);

(11) Irrigation of City parks, athletic complexes and facilities will be allowed Monday through Friday from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Watering is not allowed on the weekends.

[Debsi]

I've just moved into my house this year.

Can anybody tell me what my current water restrictions are in Richardson?

[GoPadge]

North Texas Municipal Water District Calls for Stage 3 Water Conservation

In an effort to conserve water and comply with mandates from the North Texas Municipal Water District issued in response to the current drought, the Richardson City Council has revised the City’s Emergency Water Management Plan and adopted Stage 3 of this plan, effective June 1.

Stage 3 water use restrictions include the following:

• Residences and commercial establishments are prohibited from watering between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• All landscape and other outdoor water usage is limited to twice per week on designated days.
• Residents may water on their solid waste collection days: homes south of Arapaho Road may water on Mondays and Thursdays and homes north of Arapaho Road may water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Commercial establishments may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Watering during significant rainfalls/precipitation is prohibited.
• Existing swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas may be replenished to maintain operational levels only.
• The washing or hosing down of sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches, parking areas or other paved surfaces is prohibited.
• The washing or rinsing of buildings, vehicles, boats, trailers, other mobile vehicles and equipment on owner’s premises is prohibited.
• Excessive water run off from any landscaped area onto streets, alleys, and parking lots is prohibited.
• Operation of ornamental fountains is prohibited.
• New construction water line flushing and routine fire hydrant flushing is prohibited without specific approval from the City’s Director of Public Services.
These restrictions have the following exceptions:

• Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses used to keep foundations moist may be used, hourly restrictions may apply.
• The watering of newly installed landscaping until the roots are established. Once established, the allowed landscape water days must be followed.
• Golf courses may water greens and tees only. Hourly restrictions may apply.
• Ornamental fountains using water from springs, ponds or wells, which do not draw their water from municipal supply.
• Commercial full-service or self-service car wash facilities, including those at service stations and automobile dealership facilities, except hourly restrictions may apply.
• Activities utilizing wastewater effluent, natural water springs, ponds or deep water wells.

From http://www.cor.net/news/waterconservation.htm (broken link)

[Debsi]

Thanks very much for the info. I'm not going to have much of an herb garden this year.

[GoPadge]

Just plant it near your foundation....