Austin’s Stage 2 Water Restrictions 2009
Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions
The last time we wend to Stage 2 Water Restrictions was the summer of 2000
The City Manager has determined that Stage 2 Water Restrictions will go into effect on Monday, August 24, 2009. These restrictions will be in effect until further notice.
And just a quick note, if you see petitions going around or propaganda against the way the LCRA handles our lakes and rivers, keep in mind that we do have to send water downstream to support our state economy. South Texas produces more than just oil… Much of the country’s rice also comes from the region. And chances are, your sod came from south Texas as well!. So please look up the other side of the story before forming your judgements.
In Stage 2, the following additional restrictions apply to the use of potable water:
- Outdoor irrigation is prohibited except on assigned days at designated times :
- Golf fairway irrigation is limited to assigned days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
- Golf tee and green irrigation is limited to every other day
- Vehicle washing is limited to designated days and times, with a hand-held bucket or a positive shut-off nozzle on a hose*
- A person may not conduct or participate in a charity car wash
- The use of outdoor ornamental fountains is prohibited except to provide aeration for aquatic life
- A person may not fill, refill, or add water to an indoor fountain
- No automatic fill valves are allowed for pools or ponds
- Washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved surfaces is prohibited*
- A restaurant may not serve water to a customer unless requested by the customer
*Exceptions are made for washing necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare
In some limited situations, we may be able to grant a variance from the outdoor watering schedule. Variance forms, along with a description of the eligible circumstances, are below. Variances will not be granted for overseeding, conflicts with trash pickup, or lawn maintenance.
New Landscapes
You may apply for a variance from the City’s watering restrictions if you are installing a new landscape:
- at the time of construction of a new house, multi-family or commercial building,
- as part of a governmental entity’s capital improvement project, or
- which alters more than one-half of an existing landscape.
Note: Stage 2 restrictions take effect August 24, 2009 until further notice. The installation of new landscape is strongly discouraged.
Request for Variance for Irrigation of New Landscapes
Note: This variance is not appropriate for seasonal color beds or temporary grass installation (overseeding).
Large Properties
Properties that are too large to be watered in a single day may apply for a variance from the City’s watering restrictions. A variance granted under this subsection may allow the applicant to water each section no more than two times per week, with no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Note: Stage 2 restrictions take effect August 24, 2009 until further notice. Large properties with existing variances do not need to reapply, but may water each section of property no more than once per week, as follows:
- Sections currently authorized to water on Tue/Fri — water on Tuesday
- Sections currently authorized to water on Wed/Sat — water on Wednesday
- Sections currently authorized to water on Thurs/Sun — water on Thursday
Request for Variance to Water Large Residential Properties
Request for Variance to Water Large Commercial & Multifamily Properties
Athletic Fields
Athletic fields may request a variance to allow the use of an automatic irrigation system between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to suppress dust on the infields prior to games. This variance does not allow for irrigation of turf areas unless incidental to the infield head/zone locations.
Athletic fields may also request a variance from the Tuesday/Friday watering schedule when these days conflict with scheduled games and would result in an unsafe or unplayable surface.
Note: Stage 2 restrictions take effect August 24, 2009 until further notice. Athletic fields may apply for a variance to water up to twice per week to ensure safe playing conditions. A Stage 2 Variance form will be posted soon.
Request for Irrigation Variance for Athletic Fields – Dust Abatement
Request for Irrigation Variance for Athletic Fields – Watering Days
Health and Safety
Customers may request a variance to use an automatic irrigation system during the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. for health and safety reasons. This variance is particularly for, but not limited to, fertilizer or pesticide applications.
Request for Irrigation Variance for Health and Safety
Pressure Washing
Washing driveways, sidewalks or other paved surfaces is prohibited in Stage 2 except to alleviate an immediate threat to public health or safety. Washing of commercial establishments is permitted where health/safety is an issue, such as around fuel pumps or areas around trash containers. Washing to remove debris or trash is not allowed. Pressure washing of houses is not allowed, except by businesses whose primary source of income is pressure washing. Variances will not be granted for businesses that were not in operation prior to the implementation of Stage 2 restrictions. Employees of businesses granted a variance for pressure washing must carry a copy of the approved application form with them while operating.
Pressure Washing Business Variance Request
If I see a neighbor in violation of the watering ordinance, what do I do?
The best thing to do is to give the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Department a call at 974-2199, email watercon *at* ci.austin.tx.us, or use our online reporting form. Please provide us with as much information as you can (address, time, date, location, type of violation).
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