Friday, Aug. 01, 2008

Southlake Tightens Water Restrictions

Officials Ask Southlake Residents to Conserve, Report Violations

By Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer

The city has toughened watering restrictions as the summer moves into August, historically the driest month of the summer.

Residents are now required to follow the city’s mandatory watering schedule or risk a $2,000 per-day fine.

"The city experienced three days of low water levels in all three storage tanks, which serve the majority of the city," said Bob Price, director of public works, this week. The low-water event occurred on July 26-28, Price told the Journal.

"Stage 2" restrictions are now in effect until Sept. 30, Price said, or until "significant rainfall." This week’s rain, officials said, would not ease restrictions.

Lower water levels in storage tanks could trigger a mandatory boil order, meaning residents would need to boil their drinking water. Low tank levels could result in water pressure dropping below state standards.

In this situation, untreated water could enter the system through leaks such as irrigation or tank backflow valves.

Price said that residents can help avoid this and other restrictions, by following the city’s ordinance. Price said city officials were very optimistic that residents would cooperate fully.

Stage 2 restrictions mean that lawn irrigation is only allowed every five days.

The mandatory schedule is based on the last digit of your property address.

All watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., including hand watering by hose or bucket.

For details, see cityofsouthlake.com or call Public Works at 817-748-8098.

Price said that the city is "pulling together a Water Conservation enforcement team whose goal is to educate and, if needed, fine water abusers. The team will be made up of city staffers from ... Public Works, DPS and Planning and Development.

To report violations, call the city’s code enforcement office at 817-748-8397 or 817-748-8222.

nsakelaris@alliancenews.net 817-329-7700, ext. 104