Grand Prairie Implements Strict Water Restrictions

The city of Grand Prairie is the latest to enact mandatory water restrictions, effective immediately.

Residents are close to tapping into a water reserve specifically meant for firefighters, city spokeswoman Amy Sprinkles said.

“Basically we had so much more demand for water than we had supply, we were dipping into our reserves,” she said.

Until further notice, residents are forbidden from watering on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. Those with even-numbered addresses can water on Mondays and Thursdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

All watering must be done between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m., not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., unless the waterer is using a handheld hose or soaker hose -- which may be used at anytime.

Residents are also forbidden from washing vehicles, sidewalks or driveways during this period.

Grand Prairie resident Thomas Spears said he understands, for the most part, why the city is implementing restrictions.

“I think, if people pay for the water, I think you should be able to pick and choose a little more but, at the same time, if we’re really running out of water, it makes sense,” he said.

The city said the restrictions were necessary with daily demand averaging about 43 million gallons per day, with peaks hitting 46 million gallons. Current capacity for the city is 45 million gallons, so when the peak hits above capacity, the city is forced to draw from reserves which are down 13 million gallons to 33 million gallons.