Mandatory Water Use Rules Lifted

With Lake Georgetown surpassing the full mark of 791 feet yesterday morning, the City of Georgetown is lifting mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use. This morning, the lake level is above 796 feet, according to a U.S. Geological Survey gauge at the lake.

After significant rainfall west of Georgetown on Thursday, the lake level surged from 775 to 788 feet (see graph below). Rains in September and October have filled both the lake and the aquifer in Georgetown after they reached historic lows this summer.

The Brazos River Authority, which manages the Lake Georgetown water supply, lifted their phase 2 restrictions on Friday, allowing the City to drop mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use that had been in effect since August 31.

According to the most recent Drought Monitor map at drought.unl.edu/dm, the northern portion of Williamson County is no longer experiencing drought conditions. The southern portion of Williamson County is in the lowest drought category, as of the most recent update on October 20.

Rules for outdoor water use return to voluntary guidelines, which all water customers are asked to follow.

Voluntary Outdoor Water Use Guidelines

1. Water no more than three times each week. Follow this schedule for irrigation systems, hose-end sprinklers, or soaker hoses, based on the last digit of your address number:

Odd addresses: Tuesday and/or Thursday and/or Saturday
Even addresses: Wednesday and/or Friday and/or Sunday

2. Do NOT water with irrigation systems, hose-end sprinklers, or soaker hoses during the day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or any time on Monday.

Non-irrigation outdoor water use is not restricted by the voluntary guidelines. This includes activities such as washing vehicles or filling pools, ponds, or fountains.

Voluntary guidelines will remain in effect until further notice. For additional information, contact Georgetown Utility Systems via their 24-hour number at (512) 930-3555 or by email at gus@georgetowntx.org.