As summer approaches, Lewisville residents are called upon again to observe water use restrictions detailed in the city's Emergency Water Management Plan, slated to start on May 1 and extend through the end of September. These measures, integral to mitigating stress on municipal water systems during peak heat months, restrict the use of automated and manual sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the City of Lewisville, Texas announced.
Lewisville’s Director of Public Services, Aaron Russell, highlighted the issue of water wastage, stating, as per the City of Lewisville, Texas, "Improper irrigation, especially during the heat of the day, leads to tremendous water waste from evaporation and runoff". He reiterated the importance of adhering to the watering schedule, which allows residents with even-numbered addresses to irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses may do so on Wednesdays and Sundays; commercial and larger residential properties are assigned Mondays and Thursdays. The guidelines according to the city stress that such regimental groundwork is essential in preserving valuable water resources. Although the scheduling might seem restrictive, it stands as a pillar for sustainable water use in the community.
Despite these limitations, there are no restrictions on hand-watering or the use of soaker hoses, methods Russell commends for their efficiency. For residents suspecting violations of these rules, the city offers the OurLewisvilleTX app or a direct line at 972.219.3510 for reporting—an effort to galvanize community involvement in safeguarding water supplies. Emphasizing effective irrigation, Russell added, "Watering when temperatures are highest results in as much as 30 percent of that water being instantly lost to evaporation," arguing instead for the conservation gained by watering in cooler, early morning, or evening hours, as cited by the City of Lewisville, Texas.
To bolster proper lawn maintenance, the city underscores that a healthy lawn requires roughly "an inch of water per week from either rainfall or irrigation," a quote from Russell that enforces the message against overwatering, as detailed by the City of Lewisville, Texas. Lewisville residents are encouraged to adopt advanced irrigation practices such as sizing spray heads for optimal coverage, checking systems for leaks, raising mower heights, and aerating soils, all aiding in the effort of curtailing water waste and embracing a more efficient watering regime. Moreover, the municipality offers rebates for water-efficient systems, aiming to incentivize residents to upgrade to technology that supports the overall vision of sustainability.
