Water conservation is goal in limited irrigation, recreational use
Despite the recent rains that McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley region has received in recent days, mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions are still in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones the city has been divided into. Stage 2 is triggered when the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reaches less than 25% capacity; currently, the water supply at both reservoirs is at 17.6%.
“McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the current drought that we continually find ourselves in, it is important that as residents of the community, we follow the mandatory water restrictions out of necessity to ensure a continued adequate water supply and pressure for the coming months,” said Mark Vega, P.E., general manager for McAllen Public Utility. “While the recent rains we have received were beneficial, the rain did not fall in the reservoir watershed which is essential to replenish this water supply.”
Depending on the zone residents live or businesses reside in, they can only irrigate using a sprinkler system on designated days, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. midnight to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. midnight. A water sprinkler system is anything that sprays water into the air with the purpose of covering a lawn, hedge or plant bedding. Residents and businesses that violate the ordinance and use a sprinkler system outside of their designated hours and/or days may be assessed fines.
A hand-held hose or watering can may be used any time of any day with no restrictions; however, the hose or can must be in the residents’ hands. Do not leave hose unattended. Drip irrigation may also be used without restrictions. Drip irrigation includes commercial systems, a home-made system or a drip irrigation hose.
Other restricted uses include:
- Water from irrigation system running into gutter, ditch or drain.
- No washing of paved areas, including sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and tennis courts, except to prevent fire hazards.
- Ornamental fountains without a recycling system are not allowed.
- No car wash fundraisers may be held.
Commercial car washes with recycling systems are exempt. Residents and businesses are reminded to fix all water leaks and that vehicles may be washed only on irrigation days and times with a soap bucket and water cut-off hose. Swimming pools may be refilled on designated zone irrigation days from midnight to 10:00 a.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
The six zones the city is divided into for the designated irrigation days are:
Zone 1: Sunday and Wednesday, Northern city limits on the north, 10th St. on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 2: Monday and Thursday, north city limits on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south, and 10th St. on the west.
Zone 3: Tuesday and Friday, Nolana Ave. on the north, 10th St. on the east, Business 83 on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 4: Wednesday and Saturday, Nolana Ave. on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Business 83 on the south, 10th St. on the west.
Zone 5: Monday and Thursday, Business 83 on the north, 10th St. on the east, southern city limits on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 6: Tuesday and Friday, Business 83 on the north, eastern city limits on the east, southern city limits on the south and 10th St. on the west.
The City of McAllen Water Conservation Plan has five stages. Stage 1 is completely voluntary, and Stage 5 is the most restrictive. McAllen Public Utility officials are keeping a close eye on reservoir levels to determine if State 3 will be initiated. Stage 3 includes a surcharge for water use above 15,000 gallons.
For more information on the plan, other ways to conserve water and other water information, visit www.mcallenpublicutility.com.
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