North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) returned to full plant capacity on Friday, July 22 following unexpected maintenance at the Wylie treatment plant. Allen residents and businesses who voluntary reduced their water use may return to twice-weekly watering on their assigned days.
Mandatory restrictions possible if heat, drought continue
NTMWD informed board members on Thursday, July 21 that more severe water restrictions could be necessary unless water use is closely controlled from late July to mid-September. High temperatures and continuing drought conditions can cause continued demand increases that could exceed NTMWD’s full treatment plant capacity.
Under current water conservation plan provisions, City of Allen utility customers may water up to twice per week on their assigned watering days only. Watering is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reduce water loss from evaporation.
If NTMWD nears its full plant capacity and Stage 2 restrictions are enacted, customers would be permitted to water only once per week.
Ways to save
During the summer, up to 60% of the water used in Allen comes from residential irrigation systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 50% of outdoor water use is wasted, in part due to overwatering. Find a growing list of ways to conserve at CityofAllen.org/WaysToSave. Wise landscape watering practices also help to reduce summer water bills.