Irrigation FAQ
Irrigation
- 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:
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- 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
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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.