Another Water Usage Spike Depletes City Water Tanks

The City is taking an aggressive approach to curb the City’s excessive demand for water.

In the past three days, three Connect CTY calls have gone out reminding residents and businesses that stage 1 water restrictions are now mandatory.  The City is also prepared to take the first steps and issue fines to users who are not in compliance.

“On Wednesday, the City issued 35 warnings,” said Public Works Director Bob Price.  “We intend to follow up to ensure compliance with the mandatory water restrictions.”

Price added, “I cannot stress enough the importance of users reducing their use and encouraging their friends and neighbors to do the same. Excessive demand, brought on by the worst drought conditions since 1917, and triple digit temperatures have drained our system to the point where we need everyone’s help getting it refilled.”

Price is also quick to point out that the system can more than accommodate Southlake’s population, but excessive use creates demand spikes that drain storage tanks.  Normal summer usage ranges from 18-19 million gallons per day, but the City has seen usage spike to 21 million gallons per day.

“The problem really is with what’s being used on the ground.  If everyone follows the twice a week watering schedule, our system will be able to accommodate the needs of our City, said Price.”

At one point on Monday, there was concern about being able to fight a structure fire if one should break out, which was part of the reason for the Connect CTY call that was issued at 7:20 A.M.

“We needed to get people to cut back on their use quickly,” said Price.  “We were encouraged with the response.”

But levels fell again on Wednesday after heavy use Tuesday night, so the City will continue to work to get the word out.

“People have questions about stage 1 water restrictions and the City’s water system,” said Price.  “But once we talk to them about how critical it is to cut back, they understand.”

“We are asking people to take water conservation personally, and to help us bring down usage during this hot drought period,” said Price.  “We can’t control the temperatures or the drought conditions, but we can control the amount of water we use.  I am hopeful that our residents will respond.”