News Summary
In response to severe drought conditions, Georgetown has enacted strict water conservation ordinances effective June 4, 2025. The new regulations limit irrigation to one day per week and introduce a structured watering schedule based on residents’ address endings. These measures aim to preserve the city’s water resources as demand has exceeded treatment plant capacities. Residents will receive initial courtesy notices for violations, with penalties imposed after a one-week adjustment period. The city is committed to promoting sustainable water use during these challenging times.
Georgetown Implements Strict Water Conservation Ordinances Amid Drought Conditions
Georgetown has taken significant steps to manage its water supply amid ongoing drought conditions, with new water conservation ordinances going into effect on June 4, 2025. The city is enacting a streamlined watering schedule and stricter compliance measures to address the increasing demands on its water resources.
New Watering Restrictions
Under the freshly initiated regulations, irrigation and sprinkler system watering are now limited to one day per week. This schedule affects automatic irrigation systems, soaker hoses, drip systems, and hose-end sprinklers. For residents at home, hand watering is permitted any day of the week, offering some flexibility in maintaining gardens and lawns.
This watering restriction applies nationwide, termed Stage 2 of Georgetown’s drought plan, which is essential given the high water demand recently observed. In fact, water usage has spiked to exceed 90% of the city’s water treatment plants’ capacity on several occasions. With temperatures reaching the century mark this June, the measures are crucial for ensuring that the city can manage its dwindling water resources responsibly.
Address-Based Watering Days
The new watering schedule is designed around the last digit of residents’ street addresses to ensure an even distribution of water usage across the city:
- Addresses ending in 1: Watering on Tuesdays
- Addresses ending in 2 or 6: Watering on Wednesdays
- Addresses ending in 0: Watering on Thursdays
- Addresses ending in 5 or 9: Watering on Fridays
- Addresses ending in 4 and 8: Watering on Saturdays
- Addresses ending in 3 or 7: Watering on Sundays
No irrigation or sprinkler watering will be allowed on Mondays, providing a collective day for the city’s water resources to recover.
Fee Structure for Violations
All customers, categorized into residential and non-residential, will face different violation and fee structures for non-compliance with the new watering ordinances. Initially, customers will receive a courtesy notice for their first infringement; however, subsequent violations may incur penalties, which will be determined based on the current drought stage.
A one-week grace period has been allowed for residents to adjust their irrigation systems before citations and fees are issued. This ensures that people have adequate time to become accustomed to the new regulations without immediate penalties affecting their bills.
Developers and Additional Resources
The new ordinances also introduce additional requirements for developers and inspection mandates, emphasizing responsible construction and landscaping in the city. Georgetown officials are keen on promoting water efficiency across all stages of drought, reflecting ongoing dedication to conserving natural resources.
Georgetown’s Water Utility Department is providing numerous resources to assist its residents in adapting to these changes, such as programming controller how-to videos, rebate programs, and general information about the city’s water system. These efforts aim to foster a community that values water conservation and becomes more sustainable, especially during times when water is in short supply.
Conclusion
As the summer heats up and water usage surges due to irrigation demands, Georgetown’s stringent water conservation ordinances aim to ensure the long-term viability of the city’s water resources. By introducing a systematic structure for watering and implementing a strong compliance framework, Georgetown takes a significant step toward stewardship of its water supply in a time of need.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Georgetown to Resume Two-Day Watering Schedule
- Wikipedia: Water Conservation
- KVUE: Georgetown Texas Construction and Water Conservation
- Google Search: Drought Management
- CBS Austin: Georgetown Water Conservation Ordinance
- Google Scholar: Irrigation Restrictions
- Statesman: Georgetown Declares Once-Week Watering Restrictions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Usage Policies
- FOX 7 Austin: Georgetown Texas Drought Contingency Plan
- Google News: Water Conservation Ordinance
