2009-07-09

City enters Stage 3 water restrictions

By Judith Pannebaker

In their latest utility bill, city residents also received word that the City of Bandera had entered Stage 3 water restrictions.

“I’ve been city administrator for eight years, and this is the first time this has happened,” noted Gene Foerster in an interview. It is hoped complying with the latest controls would see a 35 percent reduction in daily water use throughout the city, he said.

Triggering event for Stage 3 restrictions was the fall of the static water level in the city’s Dallas Street Well to between 532 feet and 546 feet, measuring from ground level to water level.
In Stage 3 – severe water shortage conditions – all previous requirements of Stage 2 remain in effect along with imposing additional restrictions.

Irrigation of landscaped areas will be limited to Sundays and Thursdays between midnight and 6 am and between 10 pm and midnight. The only irrigation methods allowed are hand-held hoses and buckets, drip irrigation or permanently installed automatic sprinkler systems. Using hose-end sprinklers for watering is prohibited.

In addition, extracting water from designated fire hydrants under special permit for construction purposes will be discontinued.

Restrictions covered under Stage 2 include prohibiting washing vehicles except on the designated watering days of Sunday and Thursday. Commercial car washes, however, are exempt. Also, swimming pools cannot be filled, refilled or topped off except on designated watering days. Use of water from hydrants is limited to fire fighting. Restaurants are prohibited from serving water except when requested.

The following uses are defined as non-essential and are prohibited:
• washing sidewalks, driveways or any hard surfaced areas.
• washing building or structures.
• using water for dust control.
• flushing gutters or permitting water to accumulate on streets.
• failing to repair a controllable leak within a reasonable time.
“We want people to know what stage we’re in and what restrictions apply to each stage,” Foerster said. “We also continue to observe the city’s monitor well daily as well as the flow of the Medina River.”

Stage 3 water restrictions will be rescinded when triggering events gave ceased to exist for three consecutive days.

For statistical information on the city monitoring well, visit www.cityofbandera.com and click onto “monitoring well” on the homepage or go directly to http://midgewater.twdb.state.tx.us/twdbwells/bandera6924225.png.