August 29, 2011

Arlington Begins Stage 1 Watering Restrictions

The City of Arlington implemented Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Management Plan today in response to Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) water supply system dropping to 75 percent capacity. Arlington, along with the cities of Fort Worth and Mansfield, and the Trinity River Authority, purchases wholesale raw water from TRWD.

The goal of Stage 1 drought restrictions is to reduce current water consumption by 5 percent through outdoor irrigation reductions. It is estimated that 50 to 60 percent of all water use during the summer months is attributed to outdoor irrigation, which represents an area of significant and practical water savings potential.

To meet the 5 percent water savings goal, mandatory drought restrictions to prohibit non-essential water use include:

• Two day allowable watering schedule based on service address
   
  • Wednesdays and Saturdays- residential addresses ending in an even number (0,2,4,6, or 8)
  • Thursdays and Sundays- residential addresses ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7, or 9)
  • Tuesdays and Fridays- all non-residential locations (apartments, businesses, parks, common areas, etc.)
• No outdoor watering between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hand-held watering may be used any day and any time.
   
• Water waste, including hosing of paved areas, is prohibited. Be sure to inspect irrigation systems for runoff and leaks.

Enforcement of the Stage 1 drought restrictions will include a warning for the first violation and possible citations for subsequent violations. To report a violation, citizens are encouraged to submit the violation through the City’s online Action Center or by calling 817-459-6777.

A drought information website is also available for residents and includes outdoor water saving tips through articles, short videos, and professional publications on techniques to efficiently water your lawn, trees, and landscape beds during drought. For the latest updates on the drought condition, full details of drought restrictions, and drought watering tips, go to www.SaveArlingtonWater.com.