Water Conservation Now Mandatory
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Jun 18, 2012 at 10:37 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jun 18, 2012
City Council has agreed to take precautionary measures to prevent Laredo from having a water shortage in the future.
Beginning July 1, residents will only be allowed to water on certain days of the week.
Rain has been a rare site here in the Gateway city and now Laredo is taking precautionary measures to ensure the city does not have a water shortage.
"Right now, with this drought. It is probably one of the worst droughts we've ever had so we have to take precautionary measures to make sure we protect our citizens."
The city has approved the water conservation and drought contingency ordinance to a stage three, which means watering will only be allowed before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Depending on addresses, residents will have three days a week they are allowed to water outside.
Addressees ending in even numbers can only water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Addresses ending in odd numbers can only water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Watering on Sundays is prohibited.
City officials said they are just taking precautionary measures.
Utilities Director, Tomas Rodriguez said residents are not concerned and said many have already been following this.
“As a matter of fact, about 90 percent of Laredoans are already doing it, watering Monday, Wednesday, Friday. You know how I know that, 311. People complain that we are not issuing citations or warning tickets to those folks. "
A fine of $500 can be given to those who do not follow the stage three ordinance, but Mayor Raul Salinas said it' s not about the money.
"It's really not about fining people, it's just being responsible and caring about a situation that is very difficult right now."
This ordinance applies to washing of vehicles and refilling swimming pools but does not pertain to hand-watering or using a drip irrigation system.
This will take effect on July 1, and will last until October 1.
