In North Texas, where summer heat persists and outdoor water usage can account for up to 70% of a water bill, conserving water effectively amidst extreme weather conditions like droughts can be challenging. Fortunately, Texas Smartscape, a water-conservation program hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), offers guidance on strategic lawn usage to promote water conservation. Here are some basic steps to help you become an expert in water conservation!

• Using Native and Adaptive Plants: Native plants that are well-adapted to our environment have the capacity to tolerate droughts, can resist diseases and pests, and will attract important pollinators. By using native and adaptive plants, you can reduce your irrigation, reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, provide wildlife habitat, and conserve water!
• Becoming Water-Wise: Efficient irrigation can save you both money and water! Here in Southlake, watering between 6pm and 10am is the best and only City-approved method to prevent unnecessary loss of water during those hot summer days. As a reminder, homes with an even address may only water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while homes with an odd address may only water on Thursdays and Sundays.

Beginning with these steps will ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to enhance and beautify your garden and lawn while simultaneously saving money, water, and the environment. So, let’s put the “petal” to the metal and get started, Southlake!

To learn more about the Texas Smartscape initiative and get some inspiration for your dream landscape, visit the Texas Smartscape Webpage. Want more information over Southlake’s watering schedule? Visit Water Smart, Outside.

Although the old signs are still technically functional, their fading color raises big alarms for this team whose main priority is Southlake safety. With the fading signs officially retired, the division has enhanced the safety experience for every driver and pedestrian that will interact with the crosswalk moving forward.

Every day can look different for this team, but it all revolves around three words: Preventative, Proactive, Protection.

This boots-on-the-ground group of professionals is tasked with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining traffic measures throughout the city, from ensuring traffic signals are functioning properly to replacing old signs like they do now.

“If we didn't do this work, there would be no structure in how people interact with our infrastructure," Trent Agan, Crew Leader said. "That could create dangerous situations, immense congestion, and the inability for our emergency services to get where they need to go."

If you think about infrastructure as a computer, the Traffic Division is the antivirus that establishes ways to prevent damage when utilizing the roadways. Thankfully, Southlake invests in highly qualified individuals to manage this aspect of road safety.

“Our job demands a deep understanding of traffic control systems, extensive technical skills, and the ability to adapt to various challenges on the job,” Eli Martin Del Campo, Traffic Management Technician said. “There is significant expertise and dedication required for each of our tasks because it involves extremely important work. Our citizens and emergency services rely on traffic lights and road signs every time they hit the road.”

Part of this expertise is evident in the City’s extensive preventative maintenance program designed by Crew Leader Trent Agan that surpasses what’s required by State standards and sets the Southlake team apart from similar cities. Within the program, the team services our city’s 36 school zone flashers, 22 crosswalk flashers, 13 battery backup units, and 7 traffic signals every single week to ensure they are working properly.

That means any time you stop at a City-owned red light or slow in a school zone, someone from the Traffic Division team has personally checked the bulbs and wiring to ensure you are safe on the roads.

“Everything we do impacts the flow of traffic, so it’s crucial that we do it right," Jase Arellano, Traffic Management Technician, explained. "Every sign, crosswalk, and traffic signal in the city undergoes research and maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency."

The impact of this work is noticeable everywhere in the city, subtly affecting your daily commute each time you apply the brakes or enjoy a string of green lights. These little details that contribute to massive overall safety are thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of the Traffic Division.

“We’re committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents by creating safer roads and shorter commutes whenever possible,” Miguel Palos, Traffic Supervisor said. “Our team is passionate about ensuring the safety and efficiency of our city's transportation system.”

The City of Southlake is finishing the month of March off strong with several mobility and construction improvement projects set to take place over the next few weeks.

If you're a driver who regularly travels through these areas with ongoing construction, it's important to remain vigilant and take extra precautions on the road.

Here’s the list and project details:

Drainage Improvements on San Saba Drive, March 27

Contractors will be on-site to install a storm line for the San Saba Drive Drainage Improvements Project on Monday, March 27, weather permitting. The closure will be conducted at the culvert crossing. Plans to detour traffic through Mission Drive to the Mission Hills neighborhood are set to occur. This project is expected to last approximately four to five weeks. Commuters should expect some traffic delays.

Asphalt Repair on Brumlow Avenue, March 27

The Public Works Streets Division will be on-site at the 1400 block of Brumlow Avenue starting Monday, March 27, through Tuesday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Traffic control procedures will take place throughout the project. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times.

Concrete Repair at the intersection of Lakeside Court and Westmont Drive, April 4- 7

Traffic improvements at the Lakeside Court and Westmont Drive intersection are set to occur on Tuesday, April 4, through Friday, April 7, weather permitting.

Contractors will be on-site to repair concrete at the intersection to make it easier for vehicles to transition into the turning lanes. One lane of traffic will remain open during the project.

Earlier this year, the Emergency Management Operations and Public Works Operations team members came together to best manage an emergency in the event of a natural disaster.

After several meetings and brainstorming sessions, the Rapid Response Team Trailer was born.

The team consists of essential public works and parks personnel who can assist in responding to emergency matters at a moment's notice.

The trailer comes equipped with emergency management tools that can be used anywhere, anytime, from shovels to rope, landscaping tools, and traffic management devices.

"The trailer gives us the tools to respond to a natural disaster," said Deputy Director of Public Works Jack Thompson. "He continues, "clearing roadways and mobility purposes."

The trailer also serves as a one-stop shop for essential personnel to access emergency equipment.

"It is all about mobility and making things safe for the public and the emergency responders so they can get in; even if we need to block off a road for utility companies to come and do their work, we can do that for them as well," said Thompson.

For more information, please visit www.protectsouthlake.com.

Former City of Southlake Public Works employee Bill Hollings was named a Star of Texas recipient by Governor Greg Abbott.

Mr. Hollings, a traffic supervisor, passed away in August of 2020 due to his injuries from a July 2020 traffic accident believed to be caused by a drunk driver. At the time of the accident, he was aiding the Southlake Police Department in keeping an intersection safe after the traffic signals lost power.

The Star of Texas Awards honor all Texas peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and federal law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or lost in the line of duty. Private citizens who were seriously injured or passed away while aiding or attempting to aid a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency first responder in the performance of their duties are also eligible to receive a Star of Texas Award. Southlake Police Chief James Brandon nominated Mr. Hollings in the private citizen category.

“The City of Southlake is pleased that Bill could be honored in this way. He was devoted to his beautiful family and his faith. We are lucky to call him one of our own,” said Southlake City Manager Shana Yelverton.

Forty-six Texans were honored this year. Governor Abbott started the ceremony with remarks telling the families and audience: “We pray with gratitude for you and your families. The service of your loved ones will never be forgotten.”

The entire ceremony can be viewed here- https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=a030e9e1-8d02-484b-ab74-56b50f7a3e50. Mr. Hollings’ family is seen accepting his Star of Texas Medal at 2:32:36.

With the hottest months of summer coming up, why not learn how to sustainably help your landscape beat the heat? In conjunction with the Tarrant Regional Water District and Tarrant County Master Gardeners, the City of Southlake Public Works Department will host a virtual DIY Rainwater Harvesting Workshop. Rainwater harvesting is not only a great way to save money on your water bill, but it also helps conserve water. This is especially important in the summer when demand for water reaches its peak.

Open exclusively to Southlake residents, this 45-minute workshop will teach you the best tips and tricks on how to easily collect and utilize rainwater for your home. Registrants will be able to access the virtual presentation at their convenience from July 23rd to July 30th.

In addition to the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to purchase their own rain barrel at a discounted rate of only $25. There are a limited number of barrels, so be sure to register today and secure yours! Only one rain barrel per household. More details about when and where to pick up the barrels will be provided through email after registering.

For more information and to register for the event, visit https://southlakerwh.eventbrite.com.

To learn more about Tarrant Regional Water District and water conservation efforts in our region, visit https://savetarrantwater.com/.

Every team has a great leader, and in the Public Works Department, one of those leaders is Alex Stroud.

In February, Stroud received the Director’s Award for Public Works as part of Employee Appreciation Week.

Stroud has served as a drainage crew leader in Public Works for over two years.

He maintains the public flow of stormwater throughout the City’s creeks, ditches and commercial structures, which helps protect residents and businesses from property damage caused by obstructed or damaged infrastructure and flooding.

He also investigates and manages customers concerns and drainage requests, as well as schedules and oversees in-house, routine and emergency maintenance projects.

Although his role is predominantly behind the scenes, Stroud keeps an ear out in the community with his outreach efforts.

He works with the Public Works Drainage Committee to gather data to find and craft solutions to resolve the most complex drainage issues the City faces.

“I frequently work with HOAs, residents, contractors, developers and engineers to find solutions that work for all parties fiscally and ethically in a way that best represents the values of our organization,” Stroud said.

Not only is Stroud dedicated to providing the community with world-class customer service, but he is also committed to his team.

“I'm always working to promote a positive and productive work atmosphere for our teams,” Stroud said. “I work to secure continuity of operation in our department by developing our operators and maintenance techs by making sure they receive adequate training opportunities on machinery and with administrative tasks and responsibilities.”

Stroud also revisits the crew’s job sites during the day to help move projects forward.

“If we’re shorthanded, I jump in to help,” he said. Apart from serving the community and leading the team, Stroud is proud to serve our community.

“There are so many factors and challenges involved in solving and rectifying stormwater drainage issues, and it's personally very gratifying to meet the challenges along the journey. It's rewarding for me when we leave residents thankful and happy with our service,” he said.

When it comes to providing a multitude of services from one central department, Public Works comes to mind.

The department plays a vital role in distributing services that contribute to the quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors from quality infrastructure to water quality and mobility.

They also provide safety and security by taking protective measures to reduce infrastructure risk within the City of Southlake.

“Our professionals take great pride in serving the citizens of Southlake,” Director of Public Works Rob Cohen said. “We implement the Southlake standard when it comes to taking care of City’s infrastructure needs, maintaining mobility and providing our customers with safe drinking water. Our team is well-versed and trained; it is a true honor and privilege serving alongside our public works professionals.”

There are several divisions of Public Works that contribute to the health and safety our community: Environmental Services, Streets and Drainage, Wastewater, Water, Mobility, Facilities, Engineering and Administration.

All divisions are staffed with knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to providing the Southlake community with world-class service by protecting the public’s interest and improving quality infrastructure.

The Environmental Services Division promotes environmental wellness through public awareness, resource conversation and programs. Their ultimate goal is to protect public health by utilizing regulatory programs in addition to public education to teach others how to utilize the environment’s natural resources through storm water management, as well as Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) and water conservation programs.

The Streets and Drainage Division maintains the City’s infrastructure including roadways, stormwater infrastructure, and sidewalks. They oversee 209 miles of streets and 36 miles of drainage ditches, gutters, street curbs and medians. This division is often the first division called to assist first responders with blocked roadways from flooding, downed trees, debris or other disaster relief.

The Wastewater Division manages the daily operations of Southlake’s sewer system. They repair and perform preventative maintenance on over 200 miles of wastewater pipeline in addition to 13 lift stations. Staff also inspects and maintains over 3,000 manholes. Their tasks are required to be in compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) and most staff members are licensed in TCEQ Wastewater Collections.

The Water Division serves as the infrastructure side of Southlake Water Utilities. This team covers more than 11,314 water accounts, three major pump stations capable of processing more than 26 million gallons of water daily, storage tanks with a capacity of 21 million gallons of water per day, 302 miles of distribution pipe, 2,838 fire hydrants and 7,764 water valves. If customers have an interest in conserving water, the City offers programs and services that allow customers to conserve water and detect leaks in their water systems.

The Mobility Division is centered around mobility project management. The Traffic Team is responsible for roadway safety that includes signal operation, school zones and crosswalks. The division also works with regional partners in an effort to improve mobility.

The Facilities Division is responsible for all preventative maintenance on City buildings and structures. The team oversees almost 1 million gross square feet of infrastructure such as buildings and parking garages. They also coordinate project management for capital renovations and assist in planning future buildings.

The Administrative and Engineering Division oversees the planning, design and construction of the Capital Improvement Program, as well as identifies, manages and oversees infrastructure projects in Southlake.

Visit our website for more information about the Public Works Department.

The City of Southlake will be participating for their second year in the Holiday Grease Roundup. The Public Works Department will provide a collection station where residents can drop off used cooking oil and grease to be recycled for free at 1950 East Continental Boulevard. The collection station will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from November 23, 2020 until January 4, 2021.

Holiday cooking can be hard on pipes and sewer systems. Washing oil and grease down the drain can lead to clogged pipes. This can cause sewer lines to backup in your home, which leads to expensive repairs and health concerns. To prevent sewer backups and clogged pipes during the holiday season, the Holiday Grease Roundup strives to provide a convenient location for residents to recycle cooking oil and grease.

The City wishes you a wonderful and safe holiday season and invites you to dispose of your cooking oil and grease responsibly. Free grease collection containers are available for pick-up in the collection station. For more information on other cities in the area that are participating, click here.

 

While the City of Southlake consistently invests in and maintains quality infrastructure, it is always important to understand how systems work and how you can help us keep Southlake special.

Backflow is a term that describes water flowing in the opposite way from its intended direction, either from a decrease in pressure in the drinking water supply lines or increase of pressure on the customer’s side. The biggest issue that backflow can potentially cause is water contamination, if the proper backflow prevention assemblies aren’t installed and maintained on your plumbing system.

Water is designed to flow towards the point of lowest pressure, therefore if a water main were to break or a surge of fire hydrants were opened to fight a fire, the pressure would drop, forcing the water to flow backwards and potentially carry contaminants into the waterlines. If there is an illegal cross-connection to a source of contamination, which is when a physical connection between the drinking water supply and a possible source of contamination or pollution collide, it could result in the water being unsafe to drink. The most frequent types of cross connections include a water hose in a pool or soapy bucket, water wells connected to irrigation systems, coffee makers and ice machines with direct water lines, and chemical injection units at restaurants.

The good news is that backflow can be prevented by utilizing the proper backflow prevention assembly or an air gap, which is a physical separation between the end of the water supply pipeline and the flood level of the fixture in question. A good example of an air gap is the distance between the bottom of your sink tap and the height of your sink bowl.

The City of Southlake conducts customer service inspections to analyze and remove current or potential cross connections on a consistent basis throughout the year. If you have recently received a letter from the City stating an assembly has not been tested in the last year and are unsure of your records, you can search search here for the last backflow test or call 817-748-8082 to update your file.

If you are a licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and you’re interested in becoming a registered to test in the City of Southlake, the City has partnered with VEPO LLC for an online database and documentation of backflow prevention and tester registration. Learn more about the process here.