Leander, Texas, Implements Stringent Phase 4 Water Restrictions

News Summary

Leander, Texas, is enforcing Phase 4 water conservation measures starting December 30, requiring residents to cease all outdoor watering. This decision, prompted by planned upgrades at the local water treatment plant, comes as the city aims to reduce water usage significantly before relying solely on a smaller facility. With average usage exceeding current limits, residents are encouraged to prepare and conserve water amid the strict guidelines and potential penalties for violations.

Leander, Texas, Implements Stringent Phase 4 Water Restrictions

Residents of Leander, Texas, get ready for a splash of change as the city transitions to Phase 4 water conservation starting Monday, December 30. If you’ve been soaking up those warm winter days watering your lawn or topping off your pool, now’s the time to hit the brakes. This latest round of restrictions is the most strict measure in the city’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan.

Why the Urgency for Phase 4?

You might be wondering why the city felt the need to dive into these serious restrictions again. This is actually the second time in 2024 that Leander has called upon Phase 4 measures. Back in February, they had to make similar adjustments while replacing over 1,000 feet of submerged pipeline for the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) Water Treatment Plant. Well, guess what? We’re at it once again, thanks to planned upgrades set to kick off on January 13.

During the upcoming upgrades, the BCRUA facility will temporarily go offline for approximately one week. And here’s the kicker: the city will have to rely solely on the smaller Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant, slashing the total water treatment capacity from a whopping 25 million gallons per day (MGD) to just 9 MGD.

Getting Prepared Before the Shutdown

The city isn’t waiting until the last minute to prepare. They are initiating Phase 4 restrictions two weeks in advance, allowing residents to reduce their water usage well below 9 MGD. Just to give you an idea, the average water usage in Leander last weekend exceeded 9 MGD, with December’s average sitting at 11.6 MGD and January’s projected at 8.6 MGD. Clearly, it’s time to cut back!

Details of the Upgrades

So what exactly is happening with the upgrades? The project involves the installation of a 78-inch butterfly valve on a raw water pipeline that runs from Lake Travis to the treatment plant. Once completed, these enhancements are expected to pave the way for future expansions at the plant, which aim to boost water treatment capacity by an additional 12 MGD!

Restrictions You Need to Know

Under Phase 4 restrictions, residents are required to completely cease all outdoor watering, including even handheld watering. That’s right—no more sprinkling the lawn or watering the flowers. This also applies to filling or refilling pools and ornamental ponds. Keeping those weeds at bay might be a challenge, but it’s all for a good cause!

On the plus side, essential water uses like drinking, bathing, and washing clothes and dishes are still permitted. While you’re being mindful, it might also be a good idea to check for leaks in your home’s faucets, pipes, and appliances and get them fixed to save even more water!

Keeping an Eye on Violations

Now, don’t think you can just ignore these rules! Violations of Phase 4 regulations might lead to warnings, fines, or even disconnections of water service. After all, this isn’t just about keeping water flowing; it’s about conservation.

Residents are encouraged to report any violations to the city’s Code Enforcement division. First-time offenders may receive just a warning before citations are issued, so let’s all make an effort to play by the rules for the benefit of the community!

Stay Hydrated But Wary

Considering Leander’s water needs, which usually rely on 24 million gallons per day—with 15 million gallons coming from the BCRUA pipeline and 9 million gallons from Sandy Creek—city officials are diligently monitoring water usage throughout this period of reduced capacity. It’s crucial for everyone to do their part during these unprecedented measures.

So get prepared, plan your showers, and let’s all work together to conserve water in Leander during this essential improvement project. Remember, every drop counts!