Houston begins mandatory water conservation

As promised last week, Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced Monday the beginning of Stage 2 mandatory water conservation measures.

With the hot, dry summer offering no relief to Texas or Houston, Parker said the measures are needed to stabilize water levels in Lake Houston, which have dropped almost a foot since the beginning of August. The lower level necessitated moving water in from Lake Conroe for the first time since 1988.

"While these restrictions are mandatory, we will begin with warnings and an informational campaign because the goal is voluntary compliance," Parker said in a news release. "For those who insist on not being good neighbors, citations will follow."

Houston, which has three reservoirs on which to draw, does not have a water emergency, the mayor emphasized.

STAGE 2 MEASURES

· All water leaks that are detected must be repaired within 72 hours.

· Outdoor watering must be done between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Residents are limited to watering twice a week according to schedule. Those with even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays and Thursdays. Those with odd-numbered address are restricted to Saturday and Wednesday.

· Those who wish to report water leaks or serious violations may call the city service line at 311. The mayor's office said it is not encouraging neighbors to report on each other as a matter of course.

· Violation of water conservation measures will result in fines. The first violation will mean a warning placed on the door of the residence. After that, the fines are $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and no less than $350 or more than $2,000 for each subsequent offense. Enforcement will be done through the city's Department of Neighborhoods.

SUGGESTED CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES

· Keep showers under five minutes.

· Turn water off while brushing your teeth.

· Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.

· Replace older model shower heads and faucet aerators with new low-flow models and install low water use toilets.

· Don't wash vehicles unless the dirt poses a driving hazard.

· Don't wash down any sidewalk, walkway, driveway, parking lot or any other hard-surfaced area.

· Don't fill our refill indoor or outdoor swimming pools, spas or whirlpools.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7698637.html#ixzz1VJpuE5Kp