Austin Water Restrictions 2011

Confused about the new Austin water restrictions that start Sept 6th?

Here’s the rundown -

Coupled with the record breaking, triple digit heat and the confounding lack of rain for more than 6 months, the city of Austin moves to Stage 2 water restrictions starting this Tuesday, September 6.

water restrictions and schedule

Under these guidelines, Austinites will only be able to water their lawns once per week and on designated days. While hand-watering will be allowed at any time, the use of sprinkler systems will only be allowed before 10:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. Other restrictions included in State 2 are:

•    Vehicles can only be washed on designated days and must be washed before 10:00 a.m.
•    No washing of driveways, sidewalks, parking areas or other paved areas
•    No water is to be served at a restaurant unless it has been requested
•    No charity car washes
•    No outdoor fountains unless necessary to provide aeration for aquatic life
•    No automatic-fill valves with ponds or pools

Since the city gets its water through the Lower Colorado River Authority from Lakes Buchanan and Travis, Austin Water has been working closely with the authority since the beginning of the year in an effort to monitor lake levels. The LCRA reports that the lakes are currently only 47 percent full and are expected to be just 45 percent full by next week.  Since there is no end to the drought in sight, officials cannot predict how long the restrictions will be in place. In fact, they acknowledge there is a possibility the restrictions will become stricter.

The last time we were in Stage 2 restrictions was back in August 2009.

What happens if you don’t follow these guidelines? Well, for those who violate the new restrictions at first will just received a warning. After a resident has been warned, starting at the second offense, violators will receive a citation. Folks, the fines start at $475.

Oh, and just in case you wonder, starting on Tuesday they will have more crews out there to make sure we’re playing by the new rules.

For more information on water conservation or to check to see if your home can be more green and save water – for systems and system installs, if you’re interested in how to use the grey water in your home, from your showers or cooking, I can give you an idea of what you can do.

Give me at a call at (512) 551-0789