Submitted report
Despite recent rains in the area, the City of Kyle is enacting Stage 2 water restrictions, which are effective immediately.
According to a city press release, several factors led to the city’s decision to increase water conservation efforts
Kyle Utility Coordinator Jason Biemer said water consumption in Kyle continues as the drought steadily continues.
“Customer demand is 33 percent higher than during the same period in 2014,” Biemer said in a statement. “We’ve seen an increase in comsumption this summer compared to last year.”
Two other factors have led to the shift to Stage 2 restrictions. Biemer said the Barton Springs Pool of the Edwards Aquifer is “steadily dropping.” He added that the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer is in Stage II.
He said the city expects both to elevate their respective drought statuses in the coming weeks.
Biemer said that the Barton Springs and Edwards Aquifer authorities utilized different triggers for their drought statuses, along with different levels of curtailment.
Permitting requirements for the various sources of water that comprise Kyle’s supply drove consideration factors.
The city’s monthly allotment with Barton Springs will be reduced to seven percent of the annual total under the permit. As a comparison, in August the city has access to 12 percent of the total water permitted.
“During the fall and winter, the proportion of our access goes down to provide more access during the hot dry months,” Biemer said. “We are currently producing one million gallons a day out of the Barton Springs Aquifer, but that value will be cut to just over 500,000 gallons per day by November.”
Biemer said past experience with conservation efforts indicate it will take approximately six weeks to get Kyle water customers back on track for conservation under Stage 2.
“On the plus side, residents understand water conservation much better than they did even four or five years ago,” Biemer said. “That being said, we need to start that move now to ensure we’re able to meet our long-term obligations.”
Kyle Water customers are advised that Stage 2 conservation rules are now in place and will remain in place until further notice.
Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and not less than $50 per violation.
Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Odd-numbered residential addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday. Even-numbered residential addresses can water on Thursday and/or Sunday. Commercial and multi-family establishments can water on Tuesday and/or Friday.
