Please read the message below from LCRA and adjust your water use immediately.
The hot dry weather shows no signs of letting up in the near future. Many Central Texas communities are experiencing water shortages due to high volume water use and in some cases their conditions have been worsened by mechanical equipment failures and water supply shortages. Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis storage levels are approaching at 45% capacity. With no rain the lakes levels will continue to drop.
We need all Highland Haven and LCRA water customers to immediately reduce outdoor watering by 10-20%.
To further clarify:
Highland Haven water customers are still under the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District Stage 4, 15% mandatory restrictions. https://www.centraltexasgcd.org/drought-status/
LCRA has put their domestic water users (waterfront properties irrigating with lake water) on notice that LCRA Stage 2 restrictions may be implemented soon.
Olan Kelley
Mayor
City of Highland Haven TX
830-265-4366 office
512-413-9031 cell
From: Lower Colorado River Authority <[email protected]>
Date: July 21, 2023 at 10:00:59 AM CDT
Subject: Stage 2 of LCRA’s Drought Contingency Plan likely in mid-August
Reply-To: Lower Colorado River Authority <[email protected]>
 July 21, 2023 We are writing to let you know LCRA likely will enter Stage 2 of its drought response in mid-August, which will mean some changes to the outdoor watering rules for you and other domestic use, temporary, and landscape irrigation and recreation customers. During this prolonged period of extremely hot, dry weather, very little water is flowing into the Highland Lakes. At the same time, significant amounts of water are evaporating or being used by customers every day. The combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis currently is about 960,600 acre-feet, or about 49% full, and lake levels are continuing to decline. LCRA will move into Stage 2 of its Drought Contingency Plan for Domestic, Temporary, Landscape Irrigation and Recreational Use Contracts when the amount of water in lakes Buchanan and Travis reaches 900,000 acre-feet, or about 45% of capacity, which is expected to occur by mid-August. Under provisions of the Water Management Plan, LCRA cut off Highland Lakes water to the Gulf Coast, Lakeside and Pierce Ranch agricultural operations in Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda counties prior to entering Stage 1 of its DCP in July 2022. When we enter Stage 2, LCRA will ask you and other domestic use, temporary, and landscape irrigation and recreation customers to reduce water use from the lakes by 10-20% and follow additional outdoor watering restrictions, which are listed below. We will provide an update on the timing of when we expect to enter Stage 2 as it draws closer. Customers also must continue following the current outdoor watering schedule. Outdoor watering is restricted to no more than twice per week, and only before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Stage 2 Requirements Any new or reseeded irrigated landscapes must have a watering variance granted by LCRA’s general manager. You can request a variance by emailing [email protected]. Residential pools, hot tubs and wading pools may only be drained onto a pervious surface, and only to: Drain excess water due to rain to lower water to the maintenance level. Repair, maintain or replace pool components that have become hazardous. Repair a pool leak. Outdoor water features, including splash pads, must recirculate water through a closed-loop system. Outdoor misting systems at commercial facilities are allowed only between 4 p.m. and midnight. Using water to control dust is limited to uses necessary to meet requirements of federal, state or local permits related to land development or for public health and safety. Using water to wash structures, impervious surfaces or motor vehicles (such as a motorbike, boat, trailer or airplane) is allowed only on designated watering days before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle. LCRA also strongly encourages everyone to incorporate additional water conservation efforts into their daily lives as the unusually hot summer continues. Outdoor watering accounts for as much as 70% of water used at homes in the summer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Water-saving tips include: Using water-efficient landscaping and drought-tolerant plants. Covering swimming pools when not in use. Adding mulch to landscapes and compost to turf to help prevent water loss. Visit www.WaterSmart.org for more water-saving tips, tools and resources. LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY P.O. Box 220, Austin, Texas 78767-0220 |