Greenbelt Water Authority officially remains in Stage Three of its drought contingency plan as of Wednesday, August 3, and Clarendon and Hedley both have mandatory Stage Three restrictions in place.
The depth of Greenbelt Lake was recorded as 47.97 feet Tuesday morning, August 2, which is 0.03feet below the trigger for the next drought level. Stage Four will not begin until the water authority gives public notice in newspapers of its member cities, and Greenbelt General Manger Bobbie Kidd said that might happen in a week or two.
Restrictions implemented by Greenbelt member cities are having an effect, Kidd said.
“Childress is using about 1.5 million gallons a day,
and they were using about 2 million gallons,” Kidd said. “Clarendon is doing really good. They used 376,000 gallons on Monday, and in June they had some days that were 500,000 to 600,000 gallons. Hedley has cut back good, too.”
Kidd said the authority will assess the situation very carefully before declaring Stage Four and asking cities to do more to reduce water consumption.
The lake continues to suffer from a lack of rain and temperatures that persist in the triple digits.
Clarendon’s Cooperative Observer for the National Weather Service, Tommie Saye, says the city had 28 days in July that were 100°F or higher. The city has received 1.72 inches of rain since January 1.
Clarendon’s Rules
The Clarendon Board of Aldermen voted 2-1 last Tuesday, July 26, to adopt a new Drought Contingency Plan and establishes a maximum penalty of $500 for violating water restrictions in Stages Three or Four of the plan. The new rules also call for water service to discontinued if a person is found to have violated the restrictions three or more times, and the reconnection fee will be $1,000. Aldermen Ann Huey and Tommy Hill voted for the guidelines, and Alderman Terry Noble voted against the measure.
Clarendon’s restrictions for Stage Three, which became mandatory as of this Wednesday, August 3, are as follows:
1. Limit outside watering to twice-a-week, and then before 10:00 am and after 7:00 pm. Residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-numbered street addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
2. Limit washing of motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, and other vehicles at home to before 10:00 am or after 7:00 pm on your designated watering day, and then use a bucket and/or a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Commercial car washes are excepted.
3. Avoid filling swimming pools except during the above watering hours.
4. Avoid operating ornamental fountains unless necessary to support aquatic life or if equipped with a recirculation system.
5. Do not water-wash driveways, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas. Do not wash down buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.
6. Repair all leaks as soon as possible, and report any leaks or unauthorized usage to City Hall. Night and weekend emergency leaks should be reported to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 806.874.3533.
The entire text of Clarendon’s new Drought Contingency Plan will be made available this week on ClarendonLive.com
Hedley’s Rules
The Hedley Board of Aldermen will meet Thursday night, August 4, to discuss possible changes to that city’s regulations. Current Stage Three mandatory restrictions in Hedley are:
1. Outside watering utilizing sprinklers or irrigation systems will only be allowed on Monday and Thursday, However, no watering will be allowed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Hand watering only will be allowed on Sundays.
2. No washing of vehicles, boats, RV’s or driveways is allowed.
3. Customers with livestock tubs must maintain the float systems in good repair to alleviate any overflow.
4. Swimming pools must be maintained to reduce evaporation and water loss due to flushing.
5. All commercial and other known high water users are asked to reduce usage and prevent waste.
6. Watch for leaks and notify personnel at Hedley City Hall immediately if one is found.
7. Violators will be given one verbal warning. After the warning has been given a fine of $50 will be charged to your water bill every
All citizens are urged to comply with their municipality’s guidelines and even rural residents and those with private wells should exercise all possible conservation measures while the current conditions persist. And above all, pray for rain.
About time! I realize that in the state of Texas football is a pretty big deal, but it is worth draining these towns water supply dry? Really? Is it that big of a deal to play on yellow grass? Cowboy up there fellas! If your big enough to play football then your big enough to take a few nose dives on half dead grass.
Your too nice Mr. Kidd. But super glad to see these restrictions hope it doesnt go to the next level.
Just by looking at the pictures both the Clarendon and Hedly football fields appear to be reacting to watering twice weekly much better than my yard. Hope they are able to play on such pitiful surfaces.
Just to clarify, Clarendon ISD is on well water for Broncho Stadium and is not subject to the current city restrictions. (Of course, conservation with groundwater is a good idea, too.) Hedley’s Memorial Field is on city water and is subject to that city’s restrictions.