Resident Alert – Reduced Water Usage Request – archived 20241219 per quarterly Insightly task
Spring Creek Utility District, Montgomery County Municipal Utility Districts 88, and 89 Urge Residents to Conserve Water in the Face of Implementing Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan
From April 2024 to July 2024 (approx. 4 months), one of our shared wells’ static level has dropped 26 feet. Simply put, the drop in water levels is due to residential usage being higher than the recharge rate.
- Usage: How much water is used by residents and commercial clients in the area.
- Recharge Rate: The rate at which the well can refill with water based on the aquifer’s ability to replenish its supply via surface water.
Why are we still in drought conditions after all the rain and Hurricane Beryl?
While heavy rains are good for surface water replenishment, wells work differently. The wells in our area get water from the Jasper or Evangeline aquifers. During this time, the rainfall that is absorbed through the ground slowly refills the aquifer over time, and in turn, the aquifer refills the wells. Even though we have experienced a lot of rainfall in a short period of time, we have not had a substantial enough or sustained amount of rainfall to replenish our aquifers and our wells or to keep up with the amount of usage in the Districts.
What is an aquifer recharge rate?
The recharge rate is how quickly the aquifer is replenished by surface water over a given period. This can vary due to rainfall, weather, and heat conditions, and other variables such as types of soil, saturation level of the soil, as well as the depth of the well, affect the recharge rate of the aquifer. Development of land also impacts the recharge rate as more impervious surfaces, such as concrete, direct runoff to storm drains and sewers rather than allowing soil penetration. There is also the opposite problem of oversaturation; once topsoil has absorbed as much water as possible, it isn’t able to penetrate anymore, and standing water or ponding is left in its place.
The Drought Contingency Plan
What is Stage 2 of the DCP?
The goal is to have a 10% reduction in daily water usage. If necessary, the District Operator will reduce system pressure to 50 PSI.
- Irrigation of landscaped areas shall be Thursdays and Sundays for Even Numbered Addresses, and Tuesdays and Saturdays for Odd Numbered Addresses. Thursdays and Sundays will be for customers watering common areas.
- Mandatory limitations to watering between the hours of 9:00 pm – 2:00 am on designated watering days.
- Use of water to wash vehicles is prohibited except between the hours of 9:00 pm – 2:00 am on designated watering days.
- Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any aesthetic water use is prohibited except between the hours of 9:00 pm – 2:00 am.
- Operation of ornamental fountains or ponds for aesthetics or scenic purposes is prohibited except in cases where it is necessary to support aquatic life.
- Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting and related activities.
- Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, fairways is prohibited except between the hours of 9:00 pm – 2:00 am.
- Restaurants may only serve water to guests if requested.
- Non-essential water use is prohibited.
Looking at historical data, SCUD, Montgomery County MUDs 88 and 89, have not met the 10% decrease in daily water usage. While the Board of Directors is considering going into Stage 3, this would penalize everyone when only a small portion of customers are not paying attention to the rules. It is the intention of all three Districts to strictly enforce the rules to protect the water supply, which includes applying penalties (surcharges) as called for in the DCP, to ensure that the Stage 2 restrictions on irrigation are respected (twice a week maximum).
You can read the full Drought Contingency Plan document on the District’s website:
What Can I Do?
- Sign-Up for the EyeOnWater App to monitor your water usage and set up leak alerts.
- Adjust irrigation times. Residents can ensure they are only watering twice a week and following DCP guidelines.
- Practice water conservation in the home. Take shorter showers, turn off the sink when washing dishes, brushing teeth, and washing hands.
- Notify your District through the contact us page if you notice any leaks in your district, such as hydrants, hoses, or ponding.
For more information, click on your district:
Not sure what District you’re in? Click here to type in your address and find your District.
Did you find this article helpful? Share it with your friends and neighbors on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor!
