BEAUMONT, Texas — Less than 24 hours after issuing a stage two mandatory water restriction the City of Beaumont has increased the restrictions to stage three.
Among the restrictions the city imposed on Tuesday residents are now no longer allowed to use sprinklers attached to the end of a hose.
The restrictions were imposed because the city is experiencing an excessive demand on its water system.
Once water use levels have fallen for a period of three consecutive days the city can go back to voluntary water conservation.
On average the city normally uses from 22 to 24 million gallons of water daily according to Beaumont Mayor Roy West.
Over this past weekend and Monday the city used more than 39 million gallons daily West told 12News on Tuesday.
That’s the equivalent of going from using the water from 36 Olympic swimming pools daily to using the water from 59 Olympic swimming pools daily.
The reason the restrictions moved from stage two to three seemingly overnight is because of how fast the city’s water consumption has been increasing, he said.
Once the city’s water use goes over a set amount, state guidelines require that the “drought plan” be put into use according to West.
The city has had these plans in place but this is the first time they have been put into effect according to West.
The restrictions limit certain water uses for businesses and residents to midnight to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – midnight two days a week depending on the last number of their address.
Addresses ending in even numbers are designated for Sunday and Thursday while those ending in odd numbers are designated for Saturday and Wednesday.
Those limits include only watering landscaped areas using a hand-held hose or bucket, drip irrigation or a permanently installed automatic sprinkler system.
Sprinklers attached to the end of a hose are now prohibited under the stage three restrictions.
Residents should also limit washing their vehicles and boats those days and times.
The city is also telling residents to stop filling, refilling, or adding any more water to indoor and outdoor pools.
The city lists several prohibited water uses under the stage three restrictions including…
- Hose-end sprinklers are prohibited.
- Do not wash-down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas.
- Don’t use water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection.
- Do not use of water for dust control.
- No flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street.
- Not repairing 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.
Violations of the restrictions are a misdemeanor and if convicted could cost violators from $250 - $2,000 according to the city's Drought Contingency Plan. Each day a violation happens can be considered a separate offense.
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.
City officials will also be taking measures to reduce its 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, according to the release.
Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees and fairways is prohibited except on designated watering days between the hours midnight and 10:00 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and midnight unless the golf course utilizes a water source other than that provided by the City of Beaumont.
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 help in conserving water through everyone's efforts, we hope to lift these restrictions as soon as possible," city officials said in the release.
The city is offering 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.