Why are we under water restrictions?
Due to the lack of rain and excessive heat this summer, the City of Beaumont is experiencing excessive water demands, which has triggered the drought contingency plan in the City ordinance.
How long will this last?
Each stage is triggered by a different level of demand on the system, and each stage requires usage levels to rescind for a period of three (3) consecutive days in order to be brought back down. Currently (8/15), we are in Stage 3, which will last a minimum of three days. If we reduce our usage enough to go back down to Stage 2, that will last three days, then Stage 1, which is voluntary restrictions for another three days. You can read more about the stages and requirements here >> https://ecode360.com/38683374
Is the City of Beaumont under a boil water notice?
NO, the water is not unsafe to drink; there is just excessive customer demand at this time. A few other cities in Southeast Texas are under boil water notices that are unrelated to this.
How does this affect me?
Water customers in the City of Beaumont are being asked to minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes during this time.
What is limited to specific days/times?
• Irrigation of landscaping to hand-held hoses, hand-held buckets, drip irrigation, or permanently installed automatic sprinkler system only
• Washing of motor vehicles, motorbike, boats, trailers, airplanes, and other vehicles
• Filling, refilling, and adding to indoor or outdoor swimming, wading, or jacuzzi pools
What are my designated days and times?
Designated days are Sundays and Thursdays for customers with street addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) and Saturdays and Wednesdays for customers with street addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), between the hours of midnight and 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
What is prohibited? The following are defined as non-essential:
• Hose-end sprinklers
• Wash-down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas
• Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection
• Use of water for dust control
• Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street
• Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s)
• Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes except when necessary to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system
• All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to patrons except upon request of the patron
Was this related to the salt in the water?
No. This has nothing to do with the salinity or quality of the water, just the volume of customer demand.
I see a leak on x,y,z street! Are you fixing it?
City crews have been working extended hours to repair the reported water breaks and are evaluating other options to help expedite the process, many of which have been exacerbated by the drought conditions. We prioritize major breaks which will have the greatest impact upon our water system over smaller leaks but want you to know this one has been noted and is on our radar. We appreciate your patience and ask that if you do continue to see increased pressure or a fire hydrant running, please note the address and continue to report it to 311.
How does this affect car washes and other commercial facilities?
Car washes and other commercial entities will be affected if we reach Stage 4, which will require them to limit hours of operation.
Are the splash pads open?
Not while the restrictions are in effect.
I still see City crews watering the landscaping?
They're on automated irrigation systems. We're working our way through the list - they will all be turned off shortly. While restrictions are in effect, the City will only be watering flowers on designated days by handheld hose.
What is the City doing to help reduce their water usage?
The City will be reducing or discontinuing the flushing of water mains, discontinuing fire hydrant flushing, reducing or discontinuing irrigation of public landscaping, implementing measures to return all system components to full production capacity, and aggressively locating and repairing water main leaks and breaks. Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens.
Is my water bill going to be affected?
Billing is always based on usage. If you didn't use more, the bill will be about the same. If you conserve and use less, the bill will be less.
How can we help?
Be mindful and make a concerted effort to help minimize your usage. The quicker we can work together to conserve water, the quicker the restrictions can be lifted.
