Fort Worth water customers can expect no outdoor watering changes despite this week’s decision by the Tarrant Regional Water District to lift Stage 1 drought measures.
Also remaining in effect is the prohibition on watering any day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Fort Worth City Council began requiring maximum twice-per-week watering as a year-round conservation measure in April 2014. By contract, communities purchasing treated water from Fort Worth are required to adopt the same measure.
For almost two years, ratepayers have been limited to twice per week watering. During that time, customers have become more aware of the finite nature of water supplies, according to a city news release. Outdoor watering behaviors have changed, and the Fort Worth Water Department said it expects to see that behavior be the new norm. Many residents have changed their plant selections to drought tolerant varieties and come to realize their yards can survive with less water.
The city reports all area lakes at above capacity except for Lake Bridgeport, which is still about 14 feet low. Meanwhile, Lake Bridgeport rose about 10 feet in one week. Water is flowing over the spillway at Lake Worth for the first time in eight years, the city reported on Friday.
Wholesale customers that regularly purchase water include Bethesda Water Supply Corp., Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Trophy Club Municipal Water District, as well as the cities of Burleson, Crowley, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Everman, Forest Hill, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst , Keller, Kennedale,
Lake Worth, Northlake, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Roanoke, Saginaw, Southlake, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village and White Settlement.
More information on the city’s Stage 1 watering restrictions is available at http://fortworthtexas.gov/savefwwater/irrigation/default.aspx?id=63664