Drought Conditions Cause Water Restrictions

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- There is one thing that people can always be certain about summers in Texas. They are always hot, humid, and dry. With temperatures creeping into the triple digits and no rain for the past month, the area is in a definite drought. Therefore, The Woodlands Joint Power Agency has initiated Stage two of their Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan.

Residents of The Woodlands are asked to voluntarily conserve water and restrict their water usage, especially outdoor irrigation such as sprinklers. Residents with even numbered addresses should limit watering to Thursday and Sunday. Residents with odd numbered addresses should limit watering to Wednesday and Saturday.

Stage two was put into act last Friday due to trigger requirements. The Joint Power Agency receives daily report about what The Woodlands in pumping daily from the San Jacinto River authority. In order to imitate stage 2, the community has to pump an excess of 85% of our water capacity for three consecutive days. The Woodlands went over their 85%, and the Joint Power Agency is hoping that people will follow the plan and get water usage down.

“I think most reasonable people know we are in a drought, and are doing something to lessen their water usage,” Mike Mooney, operation manger of the Joint Power Agency, said. “I hope they take it seriously. I think everyone should be concerned. It’s the life blood of the world.”

Stage three will not occur unless an excess of 90% is pumped over three consecutive days or an excess of 95% for one day. Then the voluntary odd/even watering schedule will become mandatory, and residents who do not comply will be fined and other consequences will be taken.

“Ignorance won’t be an excuse,” Mooney said. “People will be notified and anyone caught will be fined.”

The possibility of stage three happening is slim, but the plan will be executed if it does occur. The Woodlands according to Mooney’s knowledge has never had to go into stage three.

“Hopefully, we won’t get there and there will be compliance, and we get through this drought,” Mooney said. “We have a plan just in case.”

For further questions contact the Joint Power Agency at 281 367-1271.