• Stage 2 Water Restrictions

WCID No. 17 is enforcing Stage 2 Water Restrictions and we greatly appreciate the public’s support to help ensure our usage of this precious resource is as efficient as possible. Our receding lake levels during record heat and ongoing drought have made this enforcement necessary. We are doing our best to ensure guidelines and regulations are met so we can help safeguard the drinking water for our future.

• What does Stage 2 Watering Restrictions mean?

This includes irrigating a maximum of two days a week and only one time on your designated day. Approved hours are either between 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. OR 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. on your authorized day. Visit WCID17.org to learn more.
Your watering days are based on your address ending number:

• • • Monday & Thursday: 0, 1, 2, 3 (Res)
    • Tuesday & Friday: 4, 5, 6 (Res)
    • Tuesday & Friday: Commercial/HOAs
    • Wednesday & Saturday: 7, 8, 9 (Res)
    • Sunday no automated systems are allowed

Note: Above-ground (hose-end) sprinklers allowed once on designated day between hours of 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. OR 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Hand-held hose watering is allowed any day but NOT between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• I was issued a violation but I’m only watering on the wrong days. Why is this even a restriction?

Some customers may wonder why watering on the wrong day is a violation since they aren’t over-watering or even watering outside the allotted times. The fact is if just 25% of the District’s customers are watering on the wrong days, it could amount to a little more than 5.6 million gallons of unplanned water use. This, on top of normal daily use, would significantly impact the District’s ability to serve all of our customers as there is a limit to how much water our treatment plants can provide on a given day.

• If I use an above ground (hose-end) sprinkler, can I water whenever I’d like?

Customers using above ground (hose-end) sprinklers can water once on their designated day between the hours of 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. OR 7 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. and NOT in conjunction with automatic irrigation systems.

• What about hand-held hoses?

Customers who are watering by hand can do so any day but not between the hottest hours of 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• How do you know I am irrigating, did you drive by and see the irrigation system running?

WCID NO. 17 runs a report on Monday mornings which shows our customers water usage. Irrigating uses a large amount of water and we are usually able to distinguish between irrigation and something like washing clothes or dishes which uses much less water.

• If I am using a pressure washer, filling a pool or running an above ground sprinkler why are you accusing me of irrigation use?

If you are using a pressure washer or filling a pool, please call the office to be put on a variance list. These are usually one-time events that won’t show up multiple times on our report as does irrigating a lawn.

• I am watering on my correct day(s) and designated time but received a warning.

We have found that many of our customers were watering correctly with one program on their irrigation controller but upon investigation they inadvertently had a second program also operating that was causing the issue. AMI Customers can join/login to https://mywateradvisor2.com/ to access their own data and see exactly when they are using water at their property.

• How is the District letting customers know about the enforcement?

WCID No. 17 emailed customers on Wednesday, July 5 to remind them Stage 2 Water Restrictions are in effect and violators will be fined. Repeat violators could have their water shut off. We have worked diligently with local media to also inform customers as well as update our website and Facebook page frequently. The notice is also on every customer’s paper or electronic bill.
If a customer does not have an email on file with our office, they are encouraged to do so by signing up for an online account by visiting https://www.wcid17.org/how-to-pay-online/
They can also call our office to request to be added to our email system.

• I think I have a leak. Am I still responsible to adhere to the restrictions?

Yes, it is up to the customer to detect and fix leaks. Please contact our office at 512-266-1111 if you suspect a leak.

• I didn’t realize I was watering more than I should until I received an email from the District.

Please refer to our website at www.wcid17.org to learn which days you should be watering. Customers are also encouraged to download the “My Water Advisor 2.0” app or visit https://mywateradvisor2.com/ to sign up to help monitor their water usage in real time. The portal provides users the opportunity to monitor water consumption while on vacation, set monthly limits, and predict future water consumption based on previous monthly usage. Even more important, the portal will notify the account holder of a possible water leak or unauthorized use.

• How do I know how long to water my lawn?

You can easily figure this out by placing several empty tuna cans on your lawn 8-10 feet from the sprinkler. Turn on the sprinkler and measure the amount of time it takes to accumulate one inch. Longer watering is only wasting water and costing you money.

• HOA requires yards be at a required landscape level. What should I do?

If you are not able to keep your lawn within HOA requirements, we suggest communicating with your HOA to help get the rules changed. WCID No. 17 has worked closely with area HOAs to request they forego green lawn rules during times of drought and several have agreed to do so.

• I understand the Stage 2 Watering Restrictions, but am completely at a loss about programming my system and the required amount of water needed for my size lawn?

The LCRA offers a visit from a Licensed Irrigator to perform an audit on your irrigation system. Below is the application.
https://www.lcra.org/water/watersmart/residential-rebate-application/

For more information from the LCRA. Click here.

• I received a notice for violating water restrictions. What should I do?

WCID No. 17 is enforcing the stage 2 water restrictions that have been in place since September 2022. The restriction notification has been on every bill (electronic and paper) since September 2022. Multiple notices are on the WCID No. 17 website about the enforcement of Stage 2 restrictions. We also sent notice to customers via email and postcard in July of 2023 that we would be enforcing restrictions. Please see our website at WCID17.org and follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCIDNo.17 for information as we update both sites frequently to remind customers we are enforcing water restrictions.

If you have received a notice that you are in violation of water restrictions, please do the following:

• Check your irrigation controller to ensure it is set properly. We have found that many of our customers were watering correctly with one program on their irrigation controller but upon investigation, they inadvertently had a second program also operating that was causing the issue. Be sure to check the irrigation controller after a power loss as they tend to reset to factory settings.

• Check for leaks! A running toilet can use up to 200 gallons a day.

• View your water consumption and monitor water use by downloading the “My Water Advisor 2.0” app or visiting https://mywateradvisor2.com/ to sign up. There, you can access your own data, and even be notified should you have a leak. 

• If you received a warning, please ensure you are in compliance with guidelines (listed below) as soon as possible in order to avoid being fined (and potentially have service disconnected.)

• Pay your fine as soon as possible here.  You may also visit our office at 3812 Eck Ln or call our office at 512.266.1111. Please note, it could take up to 72 hours to return your call

• Keep informed with the latest updates by visiting our website at https://www.wcid17.org/ as well as follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCIDNo.17

Stage 2 restrictions include irrigating a maximum of two days a week and only one time on your designated day. Approved hours are either between 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. on your authorized day.

Visit WCID17.org to learn more.

Your watering days are based on your address ending number:

• • • Monday & Thursday: 0, 1, 2, 3 (Res)
    • Tuesday & Friday: 4, 5, 6 (Res)
    • Tuesday & Friday: Commercial/HOAs
    • Wednesday & Saturday: 7, 8, 9 (Res)
    • Sunday no automated systems are allowed

All watering should occur a maximum of two days a week AND ONLY ONE TIME on your designated day. Approved hours are either between 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. OR 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. on your authorized day.
Note: Above-ground (hose-end) sprinklers allowed once on designated day between hours of 12 a.m. – 10 a.m. OR 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Hand-held hose watering is allowed any day but NOT between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
WCID No. 17 will enforce restrictions and fine those who are in violation of the guidelines. Repeat offenders could have their water service disconnected.

Learn about our current outdoor watering schedule.

Learn where you can find the water shutoff valve in case of an emergency.

During working hours, call Water District No. 17 office at 512-266-1111 Ext 110. After hours, call the emergency phone number; 512-537-8302. If the leak appears to be on your property call a plumber.  If the leak appears to be near the street call the District. The District will investigate the issue and repair it if it is on the District’s equipment.

The Board of Directors meets every month on the third Thursday at 6:00 pm at the WCID No. 17 office at 3812 Eck Lane. There is always a posting for public comment at 6:30 pm, and everyone is welcome. The agenda is posted each month in a public bulletin case next to the front door of the WCID No. 17 office, and on our website (www.wcid17.org) tabbed: About Us / Board Meetings.

If you have abnormally high usage as a result of a water leak, you may apply for an Unintentional Water Loss Adjustment once per calendar year. You will need to submit your request in writing, providing the date when you think the leak may have started, the cause of the leak, and the date the leak was repaired. You will also need to attach a copy of the repair receipts for materials used to repair the leak. You may walk in and drop off your request at the District Administration Office or you may submit your request by:

• Mail: WCID No. 17, 3812 Eck Lane, Austin, Tx 78734 Attn: Billing Department
• Fax: (512) 266-2790
• Email: Payments.billing@wcid17.org
  • hfillas@wcid17.org (North of Mansfield Dam and River Ridge)
  • bcardenas@wcid17.org (South of Mansfield Damn and Apache Shores)

This type of adjustment can take 45 – 60 days and you are still responsible for paying your bill each month or making a payment arrangement prior to any due date.  If an adjustment is awarded, it will appear as a credit on your account.

Payment Options:  Mail, Lockbox, Phone, Credit Card, Automatic Bank Draft (Remember to allow time for the processing you choose) Payment may be mailed to 3812 Eck Lane, Austin, TX 78734; dropped-off in the lockbox located in the driveway of the WCID No. 17 office, made in person at the WCID No. 17 office; over the phone by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover); or by FREE automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account. To have your monthly bill deducted from your checking or savings account, please use the green “Pay Online” button on the bottom of the Home page to set recurring payments up and remember to complete all screens to “turn on” recurring payments. Pay the current amount due and autopay will begin the following month. There is no additional charge for this monthly service and it may be cancelled at any time.

A Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and is empowered to purchase, construct, operate, and maintain everything necessary to provide water, wastewater and drainage services. Like school districts and fire districts, a WCID can collect taxes, charge service fees, operate facilities, own land, condemn property, and pass ordinances. A five (5) member Board of Directors is elected by the residents to serve four (4) year staggered terms. Elections are now held on the November Uniform Election Date in even-numbered years. WCID No. 17 is a non-profit public utility regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), now under the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

System Data Availability – Consumption information is made available to water utility and user through a communication network that continually monitors consumption through the water meter.

Estimation Purposes Only – Keep in mind the information displayed in My Water Advisor is for estimation purposes only. It is to advise the utility customer of current consumption which may not reflect any potential delays in the transmission of usage information.

Accurate Billing – The user consumption information shared through My Water Advisor is NOT the same data used to generate the water bill. The information used for billing purposes comes directly from the water meter at the time of generating month-end billing. The hourly information that consumers can access during the month are for informational and general budgeting purposes.

TAKEWAY NOTE: Because of system data availability, your consumption data is for estimation purposes only. However, accurate billing data is still retained.

User Guide:
Under Water Consumption, you can choose Monthly, Daily, or Hourly.
Hourly consumption focuses on showing consumption for 24 hours starting at 12 a.m. for the selected day.

*Please note if irrigation is set for 6:05 a.m. and runs for two hours, My Water Advisor would display the usage in the 7 a.m. data line. If the sprinklers ran until 8:05 a.m., part of that water use would show up in the 9 a.m. data line.

Water waste is defined as:

1. Failing to repair a controllable leak including sprinkler heads, valves , pipes, or faucets.
2. Allowing irrigation water to run off into the street for a distance of 50 feet or more, or allowing it to pond in the street or parking lot to a depth greater than 1/4 inch.

Contact Water District No. 17, Texas Water Development Board, WaterWise Council of Texas, or City of Austin Water Conservation.

Your irrigation professional can tell you, or you can easily figure it out yourself. Set out several empty tuna cans on your lawn about eight to ten feet from the sprinkler. Turn on the sprinkler and mark the time. Measure the amount of time it takes to accumulate about one inch (use the average of the depth in the cans). Longer watering is only wasting water and costing you money.

Most landscape plants get more water than they need. You can keep landscaping alive even during the worst summer heat by following these tips:

• Start early in the year! (Late March is best) to condition your lawn to the watering schedule. (From October to March, you probably will not have to water at all.) Water deeply 1 to 1.5 inches. This practice will encourage deep root systems and make for healthier, drought tolerant grass.
• Use native plants that do well on little water.
• Try not to plant or install new sod in the summer months. New grass, plants and shrubs require frequent watering for quite a while. Many new plants will die in the Texas summer heat even with constant watering. Give your plants time to get established before facing the summer heat.
• Mulch around plants to hold in water and discourage weeds.
• Install efficient irrigation systems. Avoid sprinklers with fine sprays. Don’t water during the heat of the day (10AM to 7PM) when 60% of the water will be lost to evaporation. Install a moisture sensor system so that you will not be watering when it is raining.
• Use Drip irrigation for bedded plants, trees, and shrubs.
• Adjust automatic sprinkler systems so they water the landscaping and not sidewalks, driveways and pavement.
• Don’t water on windy days.
• Water only enough to restore water lost to evapotranspiration (ET). If it rains during the week, subtract the rainfall from your required watering amount.

Without a doubt, the most important thing you can do is to carefully follow your utility’s watering schedule, and be efficient with your water use outside. If you hire a landscaper or irrigator to set your watering schedules, be clear about your expectations. Some companies over water automatically to avoid complaints. Discuss over watering, routinely fixing broken heads and leaks, and not over spraying. Participate in rebate programs provided by Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) using water smart irrigation systems.  LCRA is WCID No. 17’s water provider and as customers you can reap the same rebates offered to all LCRA customers.

Be aware of how much water you are using. Look at your water bill, and in the summer, keep your usage under 35,000 gallons for a 5/8″ meter and 45,000 gallons per month for a ¾” meter.

The majority of Texas water systems, including WCID No. 17, produce more than enough drinking water year-round. Even though the District is experiencing a period of explosive growth, we are constantly constructing new facilities to ensure all present and future customers have an adequate water supply. It is only during excessively hot and dry periods that demand may occasionally outpace supply as when everyone tries to water their lawns every day at the same time. If the lake level drops, the pumps have to work a lot harder to get water up to the plant, and they pump less. Electric companies often experience the same problem in the summer, and power “brownouts” are common. Anytime the temperature reaches 100 degrees (very common in central Texas) for several days, evaporation rates rise sharply, and vegetation loses much more water. Utility systems (and their customers) would incur huge costs to expand facilities to allow unlimited usage for only a short time during the summer.

Adequate supply does not mean unlimited use. The water treatment plant is designed for a maximum peak day production of 1 gallon per minute per living unit equivalent (single family home) or about 35,000 gallons per month for a 5/8 inch meter in a hot summer month. This is 30 percent greater capacity than the state requires.

No, because all of that water doesn’t belong to us. What many people don’t realize is that essentially all of the water we see in lakes is already appropriated to river authorities, municipalities, and farm irrigation. The State appropriates water to applicants through a system of water rights. The applicants are responsible for making productive use of the water; otherwise the State can re-appropriate the water to other users through a process called adjudication. While all water carried in rivers and lakes is appropriated, all appropriated water is not sold. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) which holds the rights to much of the water stored in Lake Travis is attempting to sell it to entities in the Brazos, Guadalupe and San Antonio River basins.

The water in Lake Travis is believed by many to be over appropriated. In a year of average rainfall, all water carried by rivers is fully committed for use. It is the storage volume of reservoirs that permits us to have water in years with less than average rainfall. When the state experiences another prolonged drought such as the one which occurred during the 1950s, there will not be enough water available to support all current uses.

• Why the change to using MGO Connect?

There are many benefits to using the online portal including
– Having the ability to apply for permits online and see status of those applications in real time rather than visiting or calling the WCID No. 17 office during business hours.
– Users will receive program reminders and notifications
– Many area builders are already familiar with the website as other jurisdictions are already using it.
– Users can apply for permits, pay online, request inspections, submit files, download inspection reports and approved plans, check status of permit,
– Ability to view all projects simultaneously in system

• Why is there a need for permits and why is WCID No. 17 involved?

Travis County WCID No. 17 is responsible by law to the state regulatory agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), for protecting the drinking water supply from contamination or pollution that could result from improper plumbing practices. All plumbing within the boundaries of WCID No. 17 must be installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition with District amendments. Plumbing permits may now be obtained via the My government online portal: https://www.mgoconnect.org/cp/portal

• Who needs a permit?

While most often needed by builders and plumbers, homeowners may also need to apply for a permit if they are doing any of the following:
– installing a sprinkler/irrigation system
– installing a swimming pool or gas spa
– adding on a bathroom or kitchen
– remodeling a house that will affect current plumbing

• How long is a permit valid?

Permits for residential homes are valid for a period of one year, irrigation permits and water heaters are valid for three months and pool permits are valid for six months. Commercial permits are valid for a period of two years. If the permit expires before the work is complete, a permit may be extended for an additional fee. A permit should be extended prior to expiration.

• Who may do the work?

A homestead permit may be issued to a person who is not licensed to perform plumbing work provided the residence is the person’s homestead and principal residence. For commercial work, a master plumber is required. If a homestead permit is issued and the homeowner performing the work fails multiple inspections, the District may require the homeowner to hire a competent plumbing contractor to complete the work.

• What are the payment options for permits and inspection fees?

Now with MGO Connect, you can make your payment online at https://www.mgoconnect.org/cp/portal with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Please note that a 2% Convenience Fee will apply. Or pay in person with check or money order at WCID No. 17, 3812 Eck Lane, Austin, TX 78734. Our office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

Travis County WCID No. 17 is responsible by law to the state regulatory agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), for protecting the drinking water supply from contamination or pollution that could result from improper plumbing practices. All plumbing within the boundaries of WCID No. 17 must be installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition with District amendments. Plumbing permits may be obtained at the WCID No. 17 offices at 3812 Eck Lane.

The following people may apply for plumbing permits:

• Homeowners/Business owner/Property owner
• Certified Pool or Irrigation Specialists
• Licensed Master Plumber

If a permit is obtained under a master plumbers license, that master plumber must supervise the work and will be held responsible for the quality of the work.

Permits are required prior to the start of construction from the following types of projects:

1. Building a new home for yourself or prospective buyer.
2. Building a commercial business or building.
3. Installing a new yardline to an existing house, trailer, prefabricated house or structure formerly using a well or cistern.
4. Installation or replacement of water heaters or water softeners.
5. Installing a sprinkler/irrigation system.
6. Installing a swimming pool, gas spa or auto-fill equipment.
7. Adding on a bathroom, kitchen or room(s) requiring additional plumbing.
8. Remodeling an existing house, room(s), or commercial building, if it necessitates changing the existing plumbing.

Persons plumbing without a permit or illegally connecting to the water system may be subject to fines.

Permits for residential homes are valid for a period of one (1) year; irrigation permits are valid for three (3) months; and pool permits are valid for six (6) months. Commercial permits are valid for a period of two (2) years. If the permit expires before the work is completed, a permit may be extended for an additional fee. After two (2) years for a residential permit, or three (3) years for a commercial permit, that expires without the work being completed, any unused inspection fees will be forfeited and the permitting process must start over.

If a tap is already done, a service can be established within one to three (1-3) days. If a tap is required, it may take two to four (2-4) weeks to get service. If a tap with a road cut is required, it can take four to six (4-6) weeks because permits must first be obtained by the WCID No. 17 from Travis County for the road cut. If a meter has already been set and you are transferring service, new service can usually be transferred within 24 hours.

A red tag is an indication of a failed inspection or improper plumbing practices discovered by WCID No. 17 personnel. The problem must be corrected within 10 days and re-inspected. All further plumbing work must be stopped on the project until the inspection is passed. Red tags may be issued by your plumbing inspector or by WCID No. 17. Failure to correct red tagged plumbing could result in termination of water service. A green tag indicates that the inspection was passed by the inspector.

A homestead permit may be issued to a person who is not licensed to perform plumbing work provided the residence is the person’s homestead and principal residence. For commercial work, a master plumber is required. If a homestead permit is issued and the homeowner performing the work fails multiple inspections, the District may require the homeowner to hire a competent plumbing contractor to complete the work.