Water Restrictions Lift At Noon On February 23

Restrictions on nonessential use of water lift at noon Feb. 23 for all City of Georgetown water customers.

The City’s water has recovered storage capacity and returned to normal operations following the winter storm, allowing the City to lift the restrictions early.

The restrictions lift at noon to give commercial businesses affected by the restrictions, like carwashes, time to staff for the day and ensure they open at the same time, so as not to give businesses an unfair advantage.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work limiting water use the past few days. Our water system recovered much quicker than anticipated, and we have returned to normal operations,” City Manager David Morgan said. “The water and power outages many of our customers experienced during and after the winter storm last week were extremely challenging on all of us. The strength and goodwill you showed your neighbors and our crews working around the clock truly helped us all get through this.”

Water uses such as irrigation, washing vehicles, adding water to a pool, and industrial uses are permitted once the restrictions lift. However, leaving irrigation systems off and limiting other outdoor uses are still encouraged.

Restrictions on outdoor water use started at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and initially were scheduled to lift at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 24. The restrictions were put in place to allow the City’s water system time to recover from the effects of the subfreezing temperatures and power outages last week.

All boil water notices have been lifted for Georgetown water customers. The last boil water notice was lifted Monday after samples indicated that state drinking water standards were met.

Until noon Feb. 23, all Georgetown customers are prohibited for nonessential uses. Nonessential water uses are uses that are not required for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.

This includes:

• Using water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment
• Washing vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities
• Washing pavement or other surfaces
• Adding water to a pool or spa
• Flushing gutters
• Conducting foundation watering
• Operating an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life.
• Industrial water use

Violations may result in administrative charges on customer bills. Reports of violations should be reported to conservewater@georgetown.org. Staff is working to notify businesses.

Customers can further help by limiting using appliances that use a large amount of water, such as washing machines and dishwashers, and taking baths.

The City of Georgetown enacted Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 for all its customers, because the recent ice storm created a demand for water that exceeded the supply, and severe conservation measures are required to maintain the ability to provide the proper level of service.

City crews worked around the clock to address the issues caused by the winter storm, including repairing lift and pump stations, as well as burst water mains.

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