The City of Brownwood reported that the drought that has fallen across Texas will likely get worse before it gets better which will impact Lake Brownwood even more. With Stage 2 water restrictions in place, water usage has been curbed, but the weather conditions are not helping the lake levels.
“Water usage has dropped, but the level of the lake has not changed,” said Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree. “We are still under Stage 2 of our drought contingency plan.”
According to the Brown County Water Improvement District, Lake Brownwood is currently 12.3 feet below spillway level.
The Brownwood City Council heard a report Tuesday from Rountree that the drought conditions could last for several more months. Officials were shown the most recent drought monitor map which shows most of Brown County still in extreme drought conditions.
“What they are saying is, they are not expecting any appreciable rainfall in that whole area until the end of September,” said Rountree. “According to this information, the National Weather Service, things are not going to get better throughout this whole summer.”
With the current drought and lake level, outdoor water restrictions were put into place last week. No outdoor watering is allowed between noon and 6pm daily and wasting of water is prohibited (CLICK HERE for more detail on restrictions). Violators will get up to two notices. The third violation could result in disconnection of water.
“We do have notices, and believe me, the last thing we want to do is to give citizens a violation notice for overwatering or watering in the streets,” Rountree said. “We ask that residents comply with the drought contingency plan.”
Brownwood’s Director of Public Works, David Harris, said that so far the city has issued 10 warnings for water violations.
“I anticipate that all of those will get and remain in compliance,” Harris said.
According to Harris, Brownwood is willing to work with water customers to help them cut back on their outdoor watering.
“We are working with many others, mostly commercial irrigation, to get the systems reprogrammed and or repaired,” Harris said. “All of the businesses we have contacted have been willing to do whatever it takes so far.”
With the drought looking to last for several more months, many wonder when Stage 3 restrictions will be put into place.
“Whether or not we go to Stage 3 will be determined by the lake level, and we will work with the water district as we go through,” Rountree said.
Stage 3 could call for more strict water restrictions. Lake Brownwood will have to hit 15 feet below spillway level before Stage 3 is implemented.
Top photo shows a view of Lake Brownwood on Tuesday from the State Park.
