Butler urges residents tobe cautious as they try to water lawns

Tag : Shower Head & Shower Set
Killeen is currently in water conservation Stage 1, a voluntarystage that recommends residents use discretion and common sense intheir water usage from May 1 to Sept. 30.

When Stage 2 happens, charity car washes and cleaning streets orsidewalks become just a few of several prohibited activities.

However, Stage 2 is not expected, Director of Public Works JimButler said. Stage 2 is enacted when the city's tanks fall below 75percent capacity and pumping isn't able to refill the tanks atnight. Stage 2 also is initiated when Water Control and ImprovementDistrict No. 1, which provides and treats water to Killeen, exceedsa certain pumping capacity point that begins to strain Belton Lake.

So far, none of those have happened, and Stage 2 remains apossibility but not a threat. Water district General Manager JerryAtkinson said last year's heavy rainfall, which caused flooding,replenished area lakes well enough that this year's dry summerhasn't created a dire need to conserve.

Even so, Butler watches water levels daily and urges residents tobe cautious as they try to water lawns and keep cool to fight theheat.

"The use is going up and up and people need to stop and think twiceabout running the sprinkler all day long or maybe sprinkling lessoften," he said.

Also, customers receive more affordable water bills when theyconserve.

Atkinson predicted that the water district set a record of morethan 1.5 billion gallons of sales in July to Belton, HarkerHeights, Killeen, Fort Hood and Copperas Cove for sales in a monthdue to high demand.

Atkinson said even though the district's pumps are operating at 68to 72 percent capacity, the pumps can still reach 75 to 80 percentcapacity in just a few weeks and restrictions can follow.

Atkinson said the stages help Killeen keep water in reserve just incase a major fire breaks out or a water line breaks due to pressurefrom dry ground.

Killeen hit Stage 2 of water conservation in 2005. Stages 3 and 4,which involve water restrictions based on specific times, days andaddresses, have not been initiated since the program began 10 yearsago.

Butler also said Killeen's water capacity will be increased in 2009when a 1.5 million-gallon tank is completed at the intersection ofBundrant Drive and Lake Road. The tank will replace a250,000-gallon tank.

Contact Victor O'Brien at vobrien@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7468.

Killeen Water Conservation Stages

Stage 1 (Voluntary)

Limit the amount of water used from May 30 to Sept. 1 to necessaryhealth, business and outdoor use.

Stage 2 (Mandatory)

Goal: Cut city's water usage by 5 percent.

Triggered by: City's storage capacity falls to 75 percent ofmaximum capacity or the city's pumps reach 85 percent of theirpumping capacity.

Restrictions: Outdoor watering allowed only between 7 p.m. to 10a.m.

Vehicle washing between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. on designated days.

Watering fountains between 10 p.m. and midnight on designated days.

No charity car washes.

No using decorative fountains.

No washing sidewalks, streets and parking lots.

No serving water in restaurants unless by request.

Operating broken irrigation systems.

Water runoff and ponding over 1/4 inch.

Stage 3 (Mandatory)

All Stage 2 restrictions

Watering hoses allowed between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. on certain days.

Automatic irrigation systems allowed only between 10 p.m. andmidnight on designated days.

No filling or refilling swimming pools.

No personal car washes not at commercial locations.

No new landscaping.

Stage 4 (Mandatory)

All Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions

Handheld hoses allowed between 6 and 10 a.m. and 7 and 10 p.m.

All watering with irrigation systems, hose ends, drip irrigationand foundation watering.

Source: City of Killeen

Water Conservation Tips

In the Kitchen

Repair leaky faucets, fixtures, and pipes.

Turn water off while washing dishes, brushing teeth or shaving.

Use garbage disposals sparingly. Opt instead to compost vegetablescraps and yard clippings.

Scrape dishes – don't rinse before putting them in thedishwasher.

Rinse produce in a pan of water – use remaining water towater plants.

Keep tap water in the refrigerator for drinking.

In the Bathroom

Check toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If colorappears in the bowl, you have a leak.

Install a low-flow shower head.

Take a shower instead of a bath.

Never use a toilet to dispose of trash.

Reduce shower time or install a cutoff valve.

Outdoors

Use sprinklers that produce large water droplets, not mist.

Set a sprinkler system to 1-inch every five days.

Use drip irrigation for flower beds, trees and shrubs.

Condition soil with mulch or compost.

Set lawn mowers to high – taller grass holds moisture better.

DO NOT water driveways, streets or sidewalks.

Fill a bucket to wash cars – use a hose for rinsing only.

In the Laundry

Wash only full loads when possible.

Use the lowest water setting for light/partial loads.

Use cold water when possible to save energy.