Fredericksburg Implements Stage 3 Water Restrictions

Under the restrictions, all outdoor irrigation may occur between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on designated days.

Watering of plants with a bucket or other hand-held container, hand-held hose or drip irrigation is permitted through Stage 4 of watering restrictions without limitation as to the day of the week; however, it can only be done during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Regulations

The designated days for watering depend on what number a resident’s address ends in (see sidebar).

The day of the week restrictions do not apply to the irrigation of commercial plant nurseries; however, these establishments shall curtail all nonessential water use.

The watering of the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking is permitted only during times designated for outdoor irrigation, except when watering to protect foundations is accomplished by a drip irrigation system or a hand-held hose. A drip irrigation system or hand-held hose may be used to water the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking at any time.

Hotels, motels and other lodging must institute, offer and clearly notify guests of a “linen/towel change on request only” program.

With the summer months fast approaching and water bills expected to rise, local homeowners can be proactive about protecting both their landscape and their pocketbook by reviewing the City of Fredericksburg’s water rationing policies.

City staff encourages residents and commercial businesses to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the ordinance, which is available for review online at www.fbgtx.org, and contact staff if they have any questions.

The US. Drought Monitor listed the majority of Gillespie County in “Severe Drought,” proving the need for water conservation is crucial.

— Map courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor

Watering Schedule

Addresses ending in:

1 or 2 - Monday 3 or 4 - Tuesday 5 or 6 - Wednesday 7 or 8 - Thursday 9 or 0 - Friday

Hand-held — Means used or operated while being held in the hand or hands. Hose — Means a common residential garden hose not more than one inch in diameter, which includes a positive cutoff nozzle.