Conservation is Key, Lake Level Dropping Fast
It’s Sunday which means if you live in the city of Mineral Wells and are located West of Highway 281, today is the day to water your grass. If you live East of 180, Saturday’s are your day to water your lawn.
It’s also important to remember what time of day to water. Please water before 10am and after 6pm. In case you missed the notice that went out with water bills, here is a link to the city’s water restriction notice. Stage 1 Water Contingency Plan
MWAN spoke with water officials in July and learned that temperatures of 100 degrees or more will cause Lake Palo Pinto, which is Mineral Wells and 7 other communities main water source, to drop 1/2” to 3/4” everyday because of evaporation.
That does not account for the 4 million gallons that are pumped out and sold to the surrounding communities every day.
Mineral Wells is currently in Stage 1 drought contingency plans, but by calculations, and if we don’t receive significant rainfall, we will move into Stage 2 restrictions in September, if not sooner.
Stage 2 will mean ZERO outdoor watering will be allowed, so it’s important community members follow the rules and try to conserve as much as possible.
MWAN assures you the city is watching your yards and monitoring who is not abiding. They do know who has water wells and who does not.
So what happens if you are caught watering when it’s not allowed?
According to Richard Choate, Utilities Supervisor for the City of Mineral Wells, first you are going to get a warning letter. A second violation can result in a fine up to $500. Water service could also be suspended for non-compliance.
“These rules are mandated by the TCEQ. As a city, we have to follow and enforce the rules. Our hands are tied and we are required to monitor the use of water,” Choate said.
MWAN witnessed city staff driving streets looking for violations so be sure to check your sprinklers and know the rules.
