Stage 2 watering restrictions lifted

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin Water Utility lifts Stage 2 Mandatory Watering Restrictions, residents permitted to water twice a week.

Stage 1 Restrictions will begin on Saturday, November 21. 

The following restrictions apply for Stage 1 Restrictions:

-Odd number single family homes may water Wednesdays and Saturdays

-Even number single family homes may water Thursdays and Sundays

-Commercial and Multifamily buildings may water Tuesdays and Fridays

-No irrigation is allowed between 10am and 7pm

-Hand watering is permitted anytime

Stage 1 Restrictions are generally in effect between May and September. 

Drought conditions have improved significantly with the onset of cooler temperatures and recent increased rainfall.  Lakes Travis and Buchanan are at 52% of capacity. 

On Wednesday the Lower Colorado River Authority lifted mandatory watering restrictions among their water customers due to improved conditions. 

An inflow deficit remins for Lakes Travis and Buchanan that will not be improved without above average rainfall.  The city urges residents to continue to conserve water and adhere to the restrictions. 

Austin Water Utility customers conserved and saved over 2 billion gallons of water in 2009. 

“I am proud of our community’s response and overwhelming compliance with the watering restrictions. Austin serves as an example to other Central Texas communities of how citizens can dramatically reduce water demand under drought conditions and conserve water for the future. In addition to our current water conservation programs and our continued outreach encouraging the community to conserve water, I believe maintaining Stage 1 Water Restrictions will further highlight our commitment to protect our most priceless commodity,” said Austin City Manager Marc Ott.