Water Conservation
The City of Cedar Park implements mandatory water restrictions
Low lake levels and persistent drought conditions bring precautionary measure
Due to low lake levels and persistent drought conditions, and as required by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the City of Cedar Park is entering Stage 2 of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan effective Thursday, August 25, 2011. Under Stage 2, the current voluntary outdoor watering schedule becomes mandatory and water waste is prohibited. These water restrictions apply to all Cedar Park water utility customers, both within and outside of the City limits.
Under mandatory water restrictions, water customers are required to follow the watering schedule and should water less than allowed if possible:
- Residential addresses ending in an
even number may water outdoors on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Residential addresses ending in an
odd number may water outdoors on Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- All commercial/business addresses, even and odd, may water outdoors on Tuesdays and Fridays, before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
“During the summer, most water is used outdoors, so following the City’s watering schedule is critical for conserving our water supply — especially during a drought,” said Mayor Bob Lemon.
Residents are permitted to water with a handheld hose equipped with a positive pistol grip nozzle or other device that automatically shuts off water flow when the hose is not being used, or handheld buckets at any time and on any day.
Under the water waste ban:
-
Washing automobiles is allowed only during the mandatory watering schedule days and hours
-
Charity carwashes are prohibited at all times
-
Anyone may use an automatic car wash business at any time
-
Operation of ornamental ponds and fountains is prohibited unless there are fish or other life in the pond
-
Residents may not use water to wash sidewalks or driveways
-
Irrigation of golf courses is allowed only during permitted hours and days, although golf courses which utilize an auxiliary water source may irrigate at any time
-
Sprinkler systems must be in good working order; any leaks must be repaired
The City has revised its Drought Contingency Plan Ordinance to include an administrative fining process to assist with enforcement efforts. Beginning today, the City is implementing a 30-day introductory period of Stage 2 in which only warnings are issued to violators. Violators will be notified of the Violation through the receipt of a door hanger and letter sent via first class mail. After September 23, the City will enforce water restrictions with administrative fines which will be added to violators’ utility bills. If a customer has a general inquiry about the restrictions or the fining process, they may call 512-401-5308.
The fine schedule is as follows:
|
Violation |
Residential Customer |
Commercial Customer |
|
First Violation |
Warning Letter |
Warning Letter |
|
Second Violation within 12-month period from date of immediately preceding violation |
$50.00 |
$200.00 |
|
Third Violation within 12-month period from date of immediately preceding violation |
$100.00 |
$400.00 |
|
Fourth & Subsequent Violations within 12-month period from date of immediately preceding violation |
$200.00 |
$1,000.00 |
The City of Cedar Park encourages water utility customers to visit the City’s Water IQ website,
http://www.wateriqknowyourwater.org/cedarpark/ for water-saving ideas and more information on the importance of conserving water. Water IQ is an official public education program of the State of Texas. It has been tailored to various geographic regions, water sources (underground and groundwater) and weather conditions. The campaign offers simple tips to help people save water.