Hutto joins Taylor in relaxing conservation measures
HUTTO — Thanks to recent storm cells moving through Central Texas, the city recently rescinded its mandatory Stage 2 drought restrictions, an action echoed a few months earlier by neighboring Taylor.
All three utilities providing water to properties in Hutto are now in voluntary water-conservation stages.
“This transition comes as a result of improved water-supply conditions,” according to a statement from the city. “However, customers should be aware that if the city of Hutto needs to move to Stage 2 Water Conservation efforts again, all the (previous) conservation efforts will be required and enforceable.”
Hutto’s changeover comes a little later than some neighboring water utilities.
Jonah Water Special Utility District returned to Stage 1 (voluntary conservation) on Sept. 23. Manville Water Supply Corp. ended its enforced water restriction on Oct. 1.
Jonah Water and Manville both serve some Hutto properties, though the majority receive city of Hutto water service.
“Dec. 5, 2023, marked the conclusion of drought restrictions last year. However, this year, the restrictions were extended due to a 15% increase in water usage and necessary system improvements that required temporary outages,” said Rick Coronado, Hutto director of public works.
In Taylor, Stage 2 restrictions were likewise lifted in September.
“At this time, we do not have any active restrictions on water use,” said Daniel Seguin, Taylor’s communications director. “The Brazos River Authority is our water provider. They maintain a policy on droughts and restrictions which have set trigger points based on water production and capacity. The city of Taylor follows suit if BRA issues any water restrictions.”
Jonah Water and Taylor both receive potable drinking water from the East Williamson County Region Water System, part of the BRA. Information from BRA shows Williamson County is still under severe drought conditions, but the Granger Lake reservoir is listed as 85-95% full as of Dec. 24.
Hutto’s Stage 1 water conservation plan gives utility customers guidelines for continued water-saving practices, but while the city strongly encourages their use, they are not enforced.
Customers of Hutto water utility are asked to limit outdoor watering to two days a week, from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Houses with evennumbered addresses are asked to water on Sundays and Thursdays. Odd-numbered addresses are assigned watering days on Saturday and Tuesday. Commercial properties are asked to limit watering to Monday and Friday. Hand-held watering and drip irrigation is allowed at any time.
Running automatic sprinklers, washing vehicles or sidewalks and filling swimming pools is allowed on the designated watering days. The city discourages the use of decorative fountains at any time unless they have a recirculation system.
Hutto officials said they encourage all water customers to continue conserving and to avoid using water for nonessential purposes.
