UPDATED: H’wick residents face water restrictions

Water rationing is in effect for Howardwick residents as Red River Water Authority deals with limited storage capacity and reduced pressure.

Red River’s Walt Rice says the authority has had more storage capacity in the past but is currently dealing with aging tanks and is working on a plan to replace those. He also said Howardwick residents are being asked to reduce consumption because the authority can’t keep up with demand in the summer heat given its current limited capacity.

Late last week, reduced water pressure in the system led to a “boil water” notice being issued to the city. Red River supplied bottled water for residents’ use to City Hall Friday afternoon.

UPDATED: City Hall received another shipment of bottled water Wednesday, and the Boil Water Notice was lifted Wednesday for all sections of the city EXCEPT for Carroll Creek Acres.

Meanwhile, city residents are restricted to watering only Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. with even numbered addresses watering on Monday and Wednesday, and odd number addresses watering Tuesday and Thursday. Red River is also not allowing any washing of vehicles, boats, RVs, or driveways.

Residents found to be violating the restrictions could face temporary disconnection and a $50 reconnect fee.

Water issues facing Howardwick do not apply to residents living on the south side of Greenbelt Lake. While those lake residents do have water service through Red River, the source of that water is Greenbelt Water Authority. Howardwick’s water comes from wells.

Rice says Red River is working on ways to improve the water system in Howardwick, including better supply and better pressure.

He and other authority representatives are scheduled to be at the next Howardwick City Council meeting on June 12 to discuss the problems and ways to address those issues.