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Posted on: September 21, 2023

The City of Beaumont Mandatory Water Restrictions Has Moved Back to Stage 2

Contact:

Bart Bartkowiak, Director of Public Works

The City of Beaumont Mandatory Water Restrictions Has Moved Back to Stage 2

With the help of citizens conserving water and our crews repairing water leaks, we have been able to reduce pumping rates to allow moving down to Stage 2 Drought Restrictions. This allows for irrigation with a handheld hose, a faucet-filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or less, or a drip irrigation system at any time. We are still pumping at very high rates for this time of year and continue to ask citizens to assist us by following the Stage 2 Drought Restrictions.

Stage 2 of the City's Drought Contingency Plan still requires all customers to conserve water and minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes. Customers are still required to limit irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems, limit washing any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane, or other vehicles, and discontinue filling, refilling, or adding to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, or jacuzzi-type pools to designated days. This is Sundays and Thursdays for customers with a street address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) and Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), and to only irrigate landscapes between the hours of midnight and 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight on designated watering days or risk penalty of an ordinance violation.

Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except where 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.

The following uses of water are also still defined as non-essential and are prohibited:

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)

The City will continue its reduced water consumption by reducing or discontinuing the flushing of water mains, discontinuing fire hydrant flushing, reducing or discontinuing irrigation of public landscaping, and implementing measures to return all system components to full production capacity. Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, and fairways is prohibited except on designated watering days between the hours 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 12:00 midnight unless the golf course utilizes a water source other than that provided by the City. Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare, except that use of water from designated fire hydrants for construction purposes may be allowed under special permit from the City.

With your continued help in conserving water through everyone's efforts, we hope to bring the restrictions back down to voluntary (Stage 1) once usage levels have rescinded to the designated level for an additional period of three (3) consecutive days.

Water-saving tips:

Check faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems for leaks and repair any you find. Even a slow drip can use several gallons a day.
Be conservative showering and bathing. Take shorter showers. If you must use the bathtub, only fill it half full.
Don't leave water running while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. Every little bit helps.
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. You can also select a lower or shorter cycle or save water by rinsing dishes beforehand.
Consider replacing old toilets or showerheads. Dual flush models use less water, as do low-flow shower heads.
Sweep it up. Clean your driveway and exterior areas with a broom instead of a hose.

For more information on the City's Drought Contingency Plan, visit www.ecode360.com/38683374.

Learn More About the Stages >> https://www.beaumonttexas.gov/553/Drought-Updates