National Drought Mitigation Center
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National Drought Mitigation Center
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Water quality issues led to more lenient watering schedule in North Texas
8/29/2014 3:55:51 PM



CATEGORIES:
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Allen, TX
Copeville, TX
Fairview, TX
Farmersville, TX
Frisco, TX
Josephine, TX
Lavon, TX
Lucas, TX
McKinney, TX
Melissa, TX
Murphy, TX
Nevada, TX
Parker, TX
Plano, TX
Princeton, TX
Prosper, TX
Wylie, TX
Garland, TX
Mesquite, TX
Richardson, TX
Rowlett, TX
Sachse, TX
Sunnyvale, TX
Little Elm, TX
Bonham, TX
Crandall, TX
Forney, TX
Kaufman, TX
Scurry, TX
Terrell, TX
Fate, TX
Rockwall, TX
Royse City, TX

Start Date: 8/28/2014 - End Date: 10/31/2014
Strict water conservation measures in the North Texas Municipal Water District left water in the distribution system long enough to compromise water quality, prompting the district board to allow sprinkler use one day a week. Cities were asked to reduce water use by 15 to 20 percent earlier in 2014 to keep an adequate emergency supply in reserve. The reduction and concerted conservation efforts kept reservoirs levels from dropping quickly during the summer, but the summer’s heat lowered residual chlorine levels. Some cities allowed residents to use sprinklers an extra day to move the old water, but the stale water remained in the system. Fire hydrants were opened to get rid of the water, but that action frustrated residents who have obeyed requests for water conservation. The once a week sprinkler use is intended to keep water moving through the system at an acceptable rate. Dallas Morning News (Texas), Aug. 28, 2014
Sources