Low water levels at Lake Leon has forced the City of Eastland to impose strict water restrictions.
Effective Sept. 10, outside watering within the city only allowed two days per week for a total of four hours per day on the authorized watering days. All watering must be done from 7 to 9 a.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. on designated days.
Odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sunday and even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Churches, institutional, industrial, commercial and government offices may water on Mondays and Fridays.
"The restrictions that have been in place since early July have resulted in some water conservation, but not nearly enough to make a significant difference", said Ron Holliday, Eastland City Manager.
The Eastland School District athletic fields will be watered two days per week during the same hours as the other restrictions. The stadium and "track" fields may be watered on Wednesdays and Sundays and the elementary school field may be watered on Tuesdays and Sundays.
City of Eastland supplied water may not be used in the City Cemetery. However, using well water, city crews will keep the cemetery's public areas watered.
No city supplied water may be used to wash sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or other outside hard surfaces.
"Lake Leon's surface is about six inches above the lowest point in its history and we still see no significant rainfall in the forecast," said Holliday. "We hate to impose tighter restrictions and dislike the thought of issuing citations to rule breakers even more."
First time offenders of the water use regulations will be fined $150. A second offense will net a fine of $300 with $150 being added for each subsequent violation.
By contract, water suppliers buying their water from The City of Eastland will be required to implement water restrictions as well.
