Effective August 19, the City of Frisco is moving to Stage 2 drought restrictions in the Frisco Water Management Plan, at the direction of the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).

Frisco’s Stage 2 water restrictions call for a 5% reduction in water use by mandating residents take the following actions:

• Limit outdoor watering to two-days-per-week, which coincides with residents’ trash service day plus an additional day (See www.friscotexas.gov/water to determine your additional outdoor watering day).
• Do not water outside between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Do not allow water to flow away from property.
• Do not water hard surfaces, like streets and driveways.

Restrictions apply to automatic sprinkler systems. Hand watering, soaker hoses and drip/bubbler systems, used to protect home foundations or tend to trees and shrubs, are allowed anytime of the year.

“Frisco residents have essentially been following these outdoor watering restrictions since 2009, when the Frisco City Council adopted our Water Efficiency Plan, which is part of our greater Frisco Water Management Plan,” said Gary Hartwell, Director of Public Works. “Every summer since then, July 1 through September 30, our mandatory restrictions go into effect in order to meet our goal – as well as the state’s goal – to reduce usage per person,” added Hartwell.

“Moving to Stage 2 of our Drought and Emergency Response plan means we have an urgency to use water wisely because of a water supply issue related to the district. That’s why it’s important for Frisco to align our watering practices with the district (NTMWD) as one of its member cities.”

NTMWD announced Stage 2 restrictions effective August 1 as a result of:

• temporary loss of raw water supply due to invasive zebra mussels;
• continued drought;
• record usage for the district;
• approaching treatment plant capacity during high consumption periods.

By imposing Stage 2 ‘drought and emergency’ restrictions, Frisco is able to extend the two-day, time-of-day restrictions, if necessary, beyond the September 30 end date, described in the City of Frisco’s year-round, Water Efficiency Plan.