LAREDO, Texas – With no rainfall in the area combined with extreme heat and drought conditions at Amistad Reservoir, the City of Laredo hereby notifies the community that the Water Conservation Drought Contingency Plan- Stage 3 has now been activated as per ordinance No. 2019-O-139. According to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Amistad is at 20% capacity, with Falcon Reservoir at 9%. This triggers Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan, which mandates the public to reduce the use of irrigation during this time.

All elements of Stage 2 shall remain in effect in Stage 3 except that:

• Irrigation utilizing hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems for lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other plants is prohibited except during designated hours which shall be before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. of the designated days.
• Customers with an address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) are only allowed to water between designated hours on Wednesdays of each week.
• Customers with an address ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are only allowed to water between designated hours on Saturdays of each week.

Please note that City of Laredo will adopt new restrictions on water conservation starting July 12, 2024 due to the new ordinance  adopted by City Council.

Irrigation of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs or other plants is permitted at any time if:

1.        A continuously attended hand-held hose is used; or

2.        A drip irrigation system is used. (Soaker hoses are not drip irrigation systems.)

Exception: Commercial nurseries, commercial sod farmers, and similarly situated establishments are exempt from Stage 3 irrigation restrictions, but will be requested to curtail all nonessential water use.

• The washing of vehicles, trucks, trailers, boats, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited except on designated hours before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. of the designated days.

Exception: Washing may be done at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial carwash or commercial service station.

• The refilling or adding of water to residential swimming and/or wading pools is prohibited except on designated hours before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. of the designated days.
• The operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar use of water is prohibited except for those fountains or structures with a recycling system.
• The use of water for irrigation for parks, plazas, and squares is prohibited except on designated hours before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. of the designated days. The irrigation of golf course fairway is absolutely prohibited. Utilizing wastewater effluent or well water is exempted from the provisions of this division.

The cooperation of all community members is vital to ensure the supply of water and higher tank levels in Laredo. To report any waste of water, the community can call the Water Conservation Division at 956-721-2020.

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