Drought Contingency Plan

Updated: June 19, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help answer pertinent resident questions, listed below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the City of Wylie’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan.

Q: What stage is currently in effect in the City of Wylie?
A: The City has been in Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan since June, 2006. The Stage 3 restrictions were modified by Council and become effective June 20, 2007.
   
Q: What are the Stage 3 water restrictions?
A:

The mandatory water restrictions for Stage 3 include:
 
  • Limit landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems at each service address to two times per week based on the last digit of the street address. Allowed watering day and times are shown in the table below.
Ending number of address:
Allowed watering days:
0 or 1
Monday and Friday
2 or 3
Tuesday and Saturday
4 or 5
Wednesday and Sunday
6 or 7
Thursday and Monday
8 or 9
Friday and Tuesday

Note: Watering is allowed on the assigned day between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m and between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.·

  • Prohibit outdoor watering with sprinklers or irrigation system between 10 am and 6 pm and between 10 pm and 6 am year round.
  • Prohibit hosing of paved areas, buildings, or windows.
  • Prohibit operation of ornamental fountains if they use treated water.
  • Prohibit using water in such a manner as to allow runoff or other waste.
  • Existing swimming pools may not be drained and refilled, except to replace normal water loss.
  • Prohibit watering of golf courses using treated water. Golf courses may water greens and tee boxes to keep them alive without restrictions.
Q: Are there any exceptions for watering of foundations or new landscape?
A: Yes, there is an exception in Stage 3 that permits the watering of foundations, trees and new (first-year) plantings of shrubs for up to two hours a day by a hand-held or soaker hose. In addition, residents and businesses may water new planting of grass within the first 30 days up to one hour a day by any means.
   
Q: Will I be able to wash my vehicle?
A: Under the Stage 3 revisions, vehicle washing is allowed using a hand-operated hose equipped with a positive shut off. Commercial car washing businesses are permitted to operate under Stage 3.
   
Q: How will the City communicate Stage 3 water restrictions?
A: Prior to Stage 3 taking effect, the City worked to build awareness as well as allow water customers the opportunity to become familiar with the new restrictions and make necessary adjustments to their watering practices. To build awareness, the City used various communications strategies:
 
  • An insert in the June water bill
  • Press releases to local newspapers
  • Informational signs at high-traffic intersections
  • Posting on the City website: www.wylietexas.gov
   
Q: What are the penalties and fines for violations of mandatory water restrictions?
A: Enforcement of the Stage 3 requirements will be accomplished through daily patrol by City staff, including patrol officers. Any resident or business that violates these restrictions can be fined a sum not exceeding $500 with each continuing day’s violation constituting a separate office. If the violation relates to public health and sanitation, the fine shall be a sum not exceeding $2,000.

After two violations, the City may install a flow restrictor in the line to limit the amount of water that may pass through the meter in a 24-hour period. After three violations have occurred, the City may cut off water service to a customer.
   
Q: What is the goal of Stage 3?
A: The goal for water use reduction under Stage 3 is a reduction of five percent in the amount of water used within Wylie.
   
Q: Is there the potential of initiating Stage 4?
A: Yes, if drought conditions continue and water usage is not reduced sufficiently, there is the possibility that Stage 4 will be initiated at some point during the summer.
   
Q: What would the Stage 4 water restrictions be?
A: Basically, Stage 4 includes Stage 3 restrictions with prohibition of commercial and residential landscape watering, washing of vehicles except as necessary for health, sanitation or safety reasons, and establishment of new landscaping.
   
Q: Are there other water conservation tips?
A:

The City encourages all residents to practice water conservation during their day-to-day household activities. Listed below are some water conservation tips:.
 
  • Fix leaking faucets and toilets.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off water while shaving or brushing teeth
Q: How will the mandatory restrictions affect the City’s water distribution system and parkland?
A:

The City’s Water Department will continue normal operations and maintenance to the City’s water distribution system. This routine maintenance includes the occasional flushing of fire hydrants to control taste and odor problems as well as maintain adequate chlorine levels.

In addition, the City will use a non-potable, alternative water source, which does not come from the NTMWD distribution center, for additional watering of athletic fields and median landscape.

City of Wylie 
2000 State Highway 78 North   
Wylie, TX 75098
972.442.8100
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