In case you weren't aware...Houston Issues Mandatory Water Restrictions

                                                                                       
HOUSTON - It’s no longer voluntary. Starting now, you WILL have to limit some of your water use.

Mayor Annise Parker ordered mandatory water conservation measures for the city of Houston Monday afternoon.

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According to Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures, you’re ordered to do the following:

-- Repair all detectable leaks within 72 hours 
-- Limit outdoor irrigation use between 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. on no more than 2 days a week

Residents on even-numbered street addresses are scheduled for Sundays and Thursdays. Odd-numbered addresses are scheduled for Saturdays and Wednesdays.

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The city is not going to slap your wrist right now. Because this order just came down, residents will be informed and likely given warnings later on.

The city hopes residents will “voluntarily comply” with the order, according to a statement.

That said, they city will not suffer repeat offenders. They will be issuing citations for those who “insist on not being good neighbors.”

== Why Us? Why Now? ==

The announcement was long expected given record-high temperatures and the severe drought.

Galveston and League City had already enacted water conservation measures last week, banning outdoor use. League City shut down a municipal pool in compliance with the order.

The city will be transferring water from Lake Conroe to Lake Houston in order to maintain proper water levels in Houston’s water treatment plant.

The city says water levels in Lake Houston have steadily dropped in the month of August, according to a statement.

== Want to Help? ==

In addition to the mandatory restrictions, the city is hoping you’ll do a little more in the effort to conserve water.

It’s all voluntary and will require some sacrifice, but the following tips could be good for the city and your water bill:

-- Keep showers under five minutes 
-- Turn water off while brushing your teeth 
-- Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes 
-- Replace older model showerheads and faucet aerators with new low-flow models and install low water use toilets 
-- Inspect toilets for silent leaks by putting food coloring in the toilet tank. If colored water leaks into the toilet bowl before flushing, water is being lost due to a worn flapper 
-- Refrain from washing any vehicle or motorbike unless the dirt poses a driving hazard 
-- Refrain from washing down any sidewalk, walkway, driveway, parking lot or any other hard-surfaced area 
-- Refrain from filling, refilling or adding water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool, spa or whirlpool.

For more information about Houston and water conservation, follow the links below:

http://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/utilities/conservation.html

http://dwsm.publicworks.houstontx.gov/watergauges/