Water Wise Denton

Stage 2 drought begins at on the 3rd consecutive day of customer demand hitting 90% of our treatment capacity. At this time, 90% of our treatment capacity is 38 Million Gallons. Yesterday we used about 38.2 Million Gallons. Reduction in use today will help us hit the reset button so that we do not have to implement stage 2 restrictions.

With the new watering restrictions and our recent capacity challenges, it’s important to highlight ways that Denton Water Utilities is working to meet our water current and future water supply needs. Today we’re highlighting reclaimed water, also known as recycled water, or reuse water. After wastewater is cleaned at our local Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the resulting effluent can either be returned to the local system of creeks and lakes that it was pumped out of, or it can be chlorinated and pumped into a separate distribution system for non-drinking water uses. The City of Denton has over 5 miles of such pipes, delivering reclaimed water to several customers for uses such as irrigation, car washing, and power plant cooling tower make-up water. By sourcing reclaimed water for these needs, our reuse customers took a load off the regular drinking water distribution system, helping keep our numbers below drought triggering thresholds. These were not small numbers either! See the below chart to compare potable numbers to reuse numbers. Many days saw over 1 million gallons of reuse. As Denton continues to grow, we’re working to grow the reclaimed water system with it, leaving more water in our reservoirs, and saving treatment capacity at our water production plants. Learn more about the city’s reuse program at our website https://www.cityofdenton.com/1061/Reuse-Water#:~:text=Today%2C%20City%20of%20Denton%20Water,water%20were%20distributed%20to%20customers.

Due to reduced water treatment capacity and increases in water usages, our city is nearing Stage 2 of our drought contingency plan.

What does Stage 2 Drought mean?

Stage 2 Drought means that water conservation measures must be increased to ensure sustainable usage throughout our community. One of the key changes involves the regulation of outdoor irrigation, which will be limited to watering their lawns a one day per week. This measure is crucial to preserving our water resources during this challenging period.

Compliance and Support:

We understand the importance of maintaining landscapes and gardens, especially during warmer months. However, by adhering to these restrictions, we can collectively reduce water consumption and help mitigate the impacts of drought on our environment and community.

Additional Conservation Tips:

• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect faucets, sprinklers, and hoses for leaks and repair them promptly.
• Use Efficient Fixtures: Install water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Water Wisely: Water outdoor plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

Stay Informed:

As we continue to monitor our water supply closely, we will keep you updated on any further developments or changes to our conservation efforts. Your cooperation and commitment to water conservation are greatly appreciated during this time.

Get Involved:

We encourage everyone to join us in preserving our precious water resources. Together, we can make a significant impact on ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

We are continuing to work through a reduced capacity situation.During this time, we called our higher irrigation users. These users are naturally the highest volumes, because they have the largest areas to irrigate. Through their efforts and creative solutions we have been able to reduce consumption to a level below drought stage triggers.

URGENT CONSERVATION REQUEST! We have hit the second day in a row of Drought Triggers, as demand has exceeded 85% of our capacity. Please conserve. NO Residential addresses should be watering today, based on the irrigation schedule. We urge all apartments and businesses to limit irrigation today. If we continue to hit drought triggers, we will have to begin to implement Stage 1 Drought Restrictions.

Denton Water Utilities has worked with our Legal and Purchasing Departments to expedite emergency repair services for our filters. Parts to repair both filters should begin to arrive on site within a week. There are two filters that are down, the first filter is anticipated to be repaired within 2 weeks. This repair will increase capacity. There are some components of the second filter that have supply chain restraints, we should have all of the supplies needed by August 20th. Repairs to the second filter will begin immediately upon receipt of the materials. Once repaired, the second filter will restore us to full capacity.

Yesterday demands hit the criteria for Stage 1 drought conditions, because demand was 85% of plant treatment capacity. Please refrain from any unnecessary water usages. If you see residents or businesses irrigating outside of the schedule, you can reach out to us and we will send educational materials to the resident (we are not issuing fines at this time). We believe residents and businesses want to do the right thing, but not everyone is aware of the schedule.

In response to hitting the criteria for Stage 1, the city has stopped all spray irrigation in public park spaces.

We are still working on repairs to the damaged filters, as you can imagine, it is challenging to repair a system at full capacity. Think of trying to change a tire while a car is in motion. While we are continuing to work through capacity restoration, we urge our customers to follow the irrigation schedule, and practice wise uses of water. We will continue to update you all daily on the status of the filter.

During this time we are also reflecting on how fortunate we are to be in a situation, where conservation is largely focused on asking resident to reduce watering on turf grasses that naturally go dormant in the summer anyways. This quick video brings to light other communities that have significant water supply challenges.

Thank you Denton!

Yesterday's usage was 32.2 Million Gallons, which keeps us below needing to enter Stage 1 Drought. While filter repairs are taking place, Stage 1 drought is 36 Million Gallons. Please continue to spread the word on the mandatory irrigation schedule,

Please help us conserve, we are currently at a reduced capacity due to a damaged filter, If we cannot keep usages low, we will have to implement stricter measures. We are working to repair the filter and will continue to provide updates as we have them. Your help is critical, and we encourage you to help us continue to get the word out about the irrigation schedule. While turf irrigation is the largest non-essential use of water, indoor conservation is very impactful as well. Below are some additional tips.