As 2017 begins, Austinites have much to be grateful for, including an abundant water supply. Steady rainfall throughout 2016 stabilized the gains made in 2015 to the point where Lakes Travis and Buchanan are now, respectively, 101% and 95% full.
With enough water in reserve, Austin Utility has downgraded the Stage II Water Restrictions that the City Council had voted to make permanent last May. Austin is now officially in conservation stage which means that residents have access to more water to irrigate lawns and gardens. Additionally, many activities — such as car washing — that had been banned are now permissible so long as vehicle owners use a bucket or a hose with an auto shut-off system.
Residential property owners may use their automatic irrigation systems one day a week and their hose-end sprinklers two days per week, midnight to 10AM and/or 7PM to midnight. With respect to other forms of irrigation, however, residents have more leeway and can water plants and trees anytime on any day of the week if they use a garden hose and/or refillable container, a soaker hose or an automatic tree bubbler. They can also pressure wash their driveways, patios, decks, home siding and fence areas.
Commercial property owners, on the hand, can continue to water just one day a week using either hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation, midnight to 10AM and/or 7PM to midnight. Individuals who own restaurants or bars can only use patio misters between 4PM and midnight and must instruct all servers to only serve water when specifically requested by customers.
You can see a video about the change in water restrictions here.
South Austin Irrigation Repair is your source for all things relating to irrigation repair in Austin. Give us a call if you need a hand with your irrigation system.
