City of McAllen sets mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions

McALLEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The City of McAllen has set mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions for residents and businesses despite the recent rain that has been received in this area.

According to a release from the City of McAllen, during Stage 2 the sprinkler system irrigations will be restricted to only two days a week during specific hours, depending on which of the six zones you are located in.

“McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the current drought that we continually find ourselves in, it is important that as residents of the community, we follow the mandatory water restrictions out of necessity to ensure a continued adequate water supply and pressure for the coming months,” said Mark Vega, P.E., general manager for McAllen Public Utility.

Vega added while the recent rainfall was beneficial, the rain did not fall in the reservoir watershed which is essential to replenish this water supply.

Residents or businesses can only use the sprinkler system during designated days, between the hours of midnight to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight.

Other restricted uses include:

• Water from the irrigation system running into a gutter, ditch or drain.
• No washing of paved areas, including sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and tennis courts, except to prevent fire hazards.
• Ornamental fountains without a recycling system are not allowed.
• No car wash fundraisers may be held.

City officials also advise residents to fix all water leaks. Vehicles must be washed only on irrigation days and during the correct times with a soap bucket and water cut-off hose.

Additionally, swimming pools may only be refilled on designated zone irrigation days from midnight to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight.

The six zones that have been divided for designated irrigation days are as follows:

• Zone 1 :  Sunday and Wednesday, Northern city limits on the north, 10 ^th St. on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south and western city limits on the west.

• Zone 2 : Monday and Thursday, north city limits on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south, and 10 ^th St. on the west.

• Zone 3 : Tuesday and Friday, Nolana Ave. on the north, 10 ^th St. on the east, Business 83 on the south and western city limits on the west.

• Zone 4 : Wednesday and Saturday, Nolana Ave. on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Business 83 on the south,  10 ^th St. on the west.

• Zone 5 : Monday and Thursday, Business 83 on the north, 10th St. on the east, southern city limits on the south and western city limits on the west.

• Zone 6: Tuesday and Friday, Business 83 on the north, eastern city limits on the east, southern city limits on the south and 10 ^th St. on the west.

The City of McAllen states, they will keep a close eye on the reservoir water levels to determine if a Stage 3 water restriction will be initiated.

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