Katy’s ‘severe’ drought prompts new water limits
Mandatory measures come amid warnings of potential pump failures
Katy officials have declared a Stage 3 drought plan with mandatory water restrictions on residents, saying low water levels, depleted reserves and damaged equipment could lead to a pump failure if action isn’t taken.
Under the new restrictions put in place over the weekend, residents may only water their landscaping two days a week during nighttime and earlymorning hours (addresses ending in even numbers may water only Sunday and Thursday, while odd-numbered addresses may water only Saturday and Wednesday). The restrictions also prohibit hosing buildings, washing cars, operating ornamental fountains or using any water in a way that will create runoff. No new landscaping may be established, and no new pool plans may be submitted.
ARKK Engineering, which provides services for Katy, reported Friday the city’s water reserves were “severe.” If the city’s water usage isn’t drastically reduced, engineers expect a pump failure within two weeks, according to ARKK project manager David Kasper.
The decision to initiate the plan was based on two considerations, Kasper added. Local water demand exceeded 85 percent of the total well pumpage for three consecutive days, and the water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the major system failure or damage.
A press release from the office of Mayor Dusty Thiele said officials “had to take into consideration the integrity of the City’s wells which have been running continually over the last several months battling the extreme heat and lack of rain. In addition to preserving the City’s water resources, the
decision to enter Stage 3 will help to preserve and protect our wells and give them a muchneeded opportunity to recover.”
The highest water usage of the year occurred Friday, when about 9.1 million gallons of water were used. The city used its least amount of water for the year (roughly 8.4 million gallons) on July 31.
To put that in perspective, 2021’s single-day water demand peak was 7.1 million gallons.
While under a Stage 3 drought, the city is urging residents to report violations of the restrictions on the city’s website or by calling 281-391-4820.
“We ask our citizens, businesses and HOAs to continue to use their best efforts to reduce water usage and follow the Stage 3 restrictions and guidelines,” City Administrator Byron Hebert said. “Being the great community that we are, let our spirit of community unite us in true Katy fashion to conserve our water resources.”