Lake Cypress Springs Declares Mild Drought Condition

Posted in: news by david on October 21, 2011

October 20, 2011

 

 

Re:            Trigger Condition for Mild Drought Condition, Franklin County Water District Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan

 

 

According to the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Franklin County Water District in April 2001 and amended in May 2005 and July 2006, the District has reached the trigger condition for a Mild Drought.

 

Lake Cypress Springs, the District’s reservoir, has reached the elevation of at least 375 feet mean sea level (MSL) for sixty (60) consecutive days.  The normal reservoir elevation is 378 feet MSL.  At the current elevation of 373.9 feet MSL, the reservoir, based on the capacity per 2007 Texas Water Development Board Volumetric Survey, is at 81% of its normal storage capacity.

 

The Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan requires that the District attempt to raise public and customer awareness of the water supply conditions.  The District will be issuing a press release to the local papers concerning the condition and will be posting notice on the District’s web site.

 

The lake elevation may be monitored on the District’s web site.

 

The District suggests that all water users follow these conservation tips:

 

 

Conservation Tips

 

Indoor Use

·     When brushing your teeth, turn the water off until it is time to rinse.

·     Install a low-flow shower head that limits the flow from shower head to less than three gallons per minute.

·     Install faucet aerators to reduce water consumption.

·    When shaving, fill lavatory basin with hot water instead of letting water run continuously.

·     Use a moisture meter to determine when house plants need water.

 

 

 

Outdoor Use

·     Water only when needed. Look at the grass, feel the soil, or use a soil moisture meter to determine when to water.

·     Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.

·     One and one-half inches of water applied once per week in the summer will keep most Texas grasses alive and healthy.

·     Do not water streets, walks or driveways.

·     Do not “sweep” walks and driveways with the water hose. Use a broom or rake instead.

 

The Mild Drought Condition will terminate when the reservoir elevation rises to 376 feet MSL.