DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN
Below is a summary of the City of Waco Drought Contingency Plan, adopted through Ordinance No. 2009 – 221. You may also view the entire drought contingency plan by clicking here.
Stage 1 - Water Watch (voluntary reductions)
- The city will forecast water supply and potential water demands for May 1 through September 30 of that year.
- Citizens are encouraged to practice good water management techniques inside and outside the home.
Stage 2 - Mild Water Shortage (452msl)
- The city will limit its use of water to activities necessary to maintain public health and safety.
- The city will monitor “excessive watering” and issue notifications to customers.
- Criminal penalties DO NOT apply during Stage 2 restrictions.
Stage 3 - Moderate Water Shortage (450msl)
- All previous restrictions still in effect
- All landscape and outdoor water use is limited to two days per week, based on meter service address
Last Digit of Residential Address: Allowed Outdoor Watering Days: Odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) Tuesday and Saturday Even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) Wednesday and Sunday All Non-Residential Monday and Friday No Watering, Storage Recovery Day Thursday
Stage 4 - Severe Water Shortage (446msl)
- Two days per week outdoor water use schedule continues, but this use is prohibited from 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Refilling after draining private swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, ornamental ponds, and fountains is prohibited
Stage 5 - Critical Water Shortage (445msl)
- All previous restrictions still in effect
- All outdoor water use is now limited to one day per week, based on meter service address
Last Digit of Address: Allowed Outdoor Watering Days: 0, 1 Monday 2, 3 Tuesday 4, 5 Wednesday 6, 7 Thursday 8, 9 Friday No Watering, Storage Recovery Days Saturday and Sunday
Stage 6 - Emergency Water Shortage (440msl)
- All previous restrictions still in effect
- All landscape and outdoor water use is now prohibited until the emergency is alleviated
- Use of water from fire hydrants is prohibited except for fire fighting and related activities