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A Winter Water Message from Julia J.
Hunt, P.E.
Director, Arlington Water Utilities
Fats, Oils and Grease
(FOG)
This holiday season, it is important for all of
us to remember how to properly dispose of fats, oils
and grease. Fats, oils and grease from cooking and frying can
clog your plumbing, sanitary sewer service line, as well as the city's
sanitary sewer collection system if not disposed of properly.
When fats, oils and grease accumulate in a sanitary sewer, it can
cause a blockage. This results in a sanitary sewer back up or
overflow.
We can avoid unnecessary expense and damage to
the sewer system by following a few simple guidelines.
Try these helpful hints:
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Small amounts of cooking oil can be soaked up
with a paper towel or poured into a closed-lid container such as a
coffee can and disposed of in the trash.
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To dispose of a large quantity of cooking oil,
let the oil cool after use. Slowly pour kitty litter into the
oil. When the oil has been absorbed, discard it in a
tightly sealed trash bag to prevent leaks. The trash bag can be
placed in the garbage for proper disposal.
Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center also
accepts large quantities of cooking oil and grease. As an
Arlington resident, you have access to this facility at no additional
cost to you.
The center is located at:
Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center
6400 Bridge Street
Fort Worth, TX
Ph: 817-871-5257
Winter Water Adjustments for Irrigation
As cooler weather approaches, we can save water
by making these adjustments.
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During the winter months, lawns and landscapes
need less water. A typical lawn only needs 1 to 1.5 inches of
water every three weeks during winter months. Conserving water
during these months will also help reduce your sewer charge.
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Each year, monthly water consumption is measured
(during the months of December - March) and averaged to establish the
maximum sewer charge for each residential customer. By
conserving water during this period, residents can control their sewer
costs for the next 12 months.
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We can all be more responsible by installing
rain and freeze sensors on all irrigation system controllers.
Rain and freeze sensors prevent your automatic sprinkler system from
watering during a storm or cold icy weather. Using a rain and
freeze sensor prevents irrigation systems from running during cold
weather. This prevents sidewalks and roadways from icing over.
Other tips for winterizing to conserve water
include:
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Covering and insulating all outdoor spigots and
pipes
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Insulating hot water pipes
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Checking for and repairing leaks
Get Helpful Tips for Saving Water
Year-Round
The City of Arlington appreciates your
commitment to conserving water and we encourage you to save water and
money by changing your water use habits today.
For more information about
this message, send us an e-mail at
water@arlingtontx.gov or call
817-459-6600. Together, we can ensure a reliable water supply
for future generations.
Watering Nixed Ten to
Six Year-Round
 Year-Round
Watering Restrictions 10am - 6pm
Except for hand watering and
the use of soaker hoses, it shall be unlawful for any person to
irrigate, water, or cause or permit the irrigation or watering of any
lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased, or managed by
that person between the hours of 10:00AM and 6:00PM.
Rain
and Freeze Sensor Requirements
(1) Effective January 1, 2007 all irrigation systems
installed within the City must be equipped with rain and freeze
sensors in number and type established and published by the Director of Utilities.
This requirement applies to all commercial and
residential properties.
(2) Any irrigation system installed before January 1, 2007, may not be
operated after March 4, 2007 without being equipped with rain and
freeze sensors in number and type established and published by the
Director of Utilities. This
retrofitting requirement does not apply to a
single family residential or duplex property, or an individually metered townhome or condominium unit.
The above amendments were approved by City Council on November 28,
2006. Violations of the ordinance can result in fines up to
$500.
Ordinance 06-109
(pdf)
Approved Rain and
Freeze Sensor List (pdf)
New Irrigation Rules Effective January 1, 2009
As mandated by the Texas Legislature, the City of Arlington
recently approved Ordinance 08-108 creating a landscape
irrigation program that includes permitting, minimum design standards,
and inspections for all new and expanded lawn irrigation systems.
The new ordinance requires irrigation permits for new installations
and additions of sprinkler heads and/or zone valves to existing
irrigation systems. An irrigation permit is not required if you
are replacing a sprinkler head with a new sprinkler head in the same
location.
Because 50% of all treated water is used for irrigation and it
is estimated that up to half of that water is lost to leaks,
evaporation, and runoff, the new rules will help meet the projected
water demands of the State of Texas in the future. Efficient
irrigation systems combined with the proper seasonal
watering schedule can save a significant amount of water and money.
The landscape irrigation program will be managed through the One Start
Center by the Building Inspections department. To view the new
irrigation rules scroll down to "Irrigation Ordinance" under "Current
adopted codes and ordinances" here:
Codes and Ordinances.
WaterSense
Developed by the EPA to promote water-efficient devices and
services. Click the icon below for more information.
Remember:
Seasons Change and So Should Your Watering Schedule
No Outdoor Watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Year Round
What is the difference between conservation planning and drought
management?
The City of Arlington and
the City's primary water supplier, Tarrant Regional Water District,
work closely together to develop and implement water conservation
and drought management plans to make possible an adequate supply of
water today and in the future. Although a water conservation
and drought management plan may appear to be the same, there are
differences between the plans that benefit the community and region
when put into practice.
Water Conservation Plan
Implemented full-time; permanent
Long-term response to efficient water use and supply
Drought Contingency Management Plan
Implemented during times of crisis, such as droughts
Short-term response to a water supply shortage
As annual and seasonal
climate varies, it is important to have an on-going water
conservation plan in place to better be prepared for drought
conditions in the future. The City of Arlington is dedicated
to the practice and promotion of the efficient use of our valuable
water supply and encourages all residents to be mindful of their
water usage.
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