Posted: Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:49 AM - 13,852 Readers

By: Jessica Vess

Round Rock water customers are under new watering restrictions.  On Monday, the city enacted Stage 2 (b) water restrictions.
 
“People see what is going on at the Lakes. Not just Lake Travis but Lake Georgetown where we get our water, it is just as low, so I think people really understand we are in a crisis,” said City Communications Director Will Hampton.
 
Round Rock City Council approved the new restrictions last week. It means residents will go to a once a week watering schedule.
 
Residents at odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water on only Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses can water on Sundays. Commercial and multi-family homes can water on Fridays.
 
According to the City, the restrictions also include:

All outdoor irrigation is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the once-per-week watering schedule.

• The washing of automobiles is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the once-per-week watering schedule (this does not apply to commercial car washes).
• The watering of ground around foundations is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the once-per-week watering schedule.
• The refilling or adding of water to swimming or wading pools is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the once-per-week watering schedule.
• The operation of any ornamental fountain or other similar use of water is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life.
• The irrigation of golf fairways is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the once-per-week watering schedule (these restrictions do not apply to a golf course using waste water effluent or private well water).
• The following uses of water are prohibited: failing to repair leaking sprinklers, valves or faucets; washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved areas; operating irrigation system with broken heads or heads out of adjustment that spray on streets or parking lots; and allowing any water to run off in the street or parking lot.

According to the city, anyone caught violating the schedule faces a Class C misdemeanor. Fines reach up to $2,000. City leaders say repeat violators could have their water service disconnected.
 
City leaders say the restrictions will likely stay in place through March. A dry winter season is predicted for the upcoming months.