BEAUMONT, Texas — On a typical day, The City of Beaumont usually uses 22 to 24 million gallons of water. That equates to 36 Olympic-size swimming pools.
However, this past Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Beaumont exceeded 39 million gallons of water each day.
This led to mandatory water conservation restrictions and the penalty for breaking the rules is a misdemeanor for each offense and a fine of up to $2000.
If someone is convicted of three or more "distinct violations" the city manager could have the water service cut off where the violations happened according to the plan.
A police officer or any other city employee designated by the city manager can issue a citation for violations.
Local businesses that are dependent on water usage are in support of The City of Beaumont's Conservation Plan.
Ericka Morris and Brandon Morris, co-owners of Morris Laundry, cut down on their water through the use of technology.
"We can cut down on water usage through the computer. It doesn't have to be 32 gallons of water per wash. 19 gallons of water is enough water for the machine to do it's job," said Morris.
Mayor West wants other businesses and homes to conserve water too.
"We've had three days that were over 39 million gallons and that is excessive. And as a result of that we have to now begin conserving and we've began that," he said.
To follow the stage three drought plan, limit watering plants and washing your car. Don't refill swimming pools or wash down your driveway.
Don't use a sprinkler to water your grass, instead do it by hand with a hose on your designated days.
Now when you enter a Beaumont restaurant, don't expect your waitress to greet you with water in hand, you'll have to ask first.
Mayor West said it is necessary to conserve water because the water system can't keep up with the high usage.
"Well, water main breaks that's exactly right. And we're getting a lot of reports because this causes, I believe we had 80 at one point." he said.
The city doesn't know what will happen if businesses and residents do not begin conserving water now.
"We don't know all the challenges we're gonna face with the increase water usage because this is something that hasn't happened before," said West.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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