WICHITA FALLS, Tx_ The
City of Wichita
Falls is officially in a Stage 3 Drought Emergency.
Public Works Director Russell Schreiber informed the City Council this morning
that lake levels are now at or below 40%, triggering the need to call the Stage
3 Drought Emergency. New water restrictions will be in place, in addition to the
restrictions put in place during the Stage 2 Drought Warning that
affect:
1. Outdoor
Irrigation/Watering
2. Car
Washes
3. Car
Dealers
4. Golf
Courses
5. Swimming Pools
6. Restaurants, Bars, Clubs and
School Cafeterias
For complete details go
to the City's homepage at wichitafallstx.gov and
follow the links under the headline, "City Now in Stage 3 Drought
Emergency-Learn More." The website contains a complete description of the new
water restrictions, a Watering Zone Map showing which day of the week residents
can water, a list of 100 Ways to Save Water and much more. Citizens can also
contact the Public Information Office at 761-7401.
Enforcement of
violations will begin Tuesday, February 5th at midnight. Watering is allowed on
a resident or business owners designated day only. The most significant changes
for city water users:
●Automatic sprinkler systems can
only be used from MIDNIGHT TO 5:AM.
●Hose end sprinklers can only be
used from 8:PM TO MIDNIGHT.
Violators will be
ticketed. Keep in mind that under Stage 3, in addition to the new water
restrictions, there is a new SURCHARGE applied to anyone who uses over ten units
of water per month. If someone is watering excessively, fills a swimming pool,
has an outdoor water feature, leaks in a toilet, faucet, shower or somewhere in
the kitchen, the extra charge could be significant. The City is asking that
citizens monitor their water bill and reduce their water use or the extra charge
will be applied. Anyone using an irrigation meter, the surcharge begins at zero.
The Water Hotline is
still available for questions or reporting a violation by calling 761-7477
Monday through Friday from 8:am to 5:pm. For reporting violations after hours or
on weekends please call 720-5000. By working together we can preserve and
protect our remaining water supply.
