City of Tyler downgrades water restrictions - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Released by The City of Tyler:

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - The City of Tyler is rescinding Stage Two mandatory water restrictions that were put in place in December 2011 and reinstituting Stage One voluntary restrictions.

"The precipitation that we have received in recent weeks, and that which is forecasted in the next week, has led us to shift from mandatory restrictions back to voluntary restrictions," said Water Utilities Managing Director Greg Morgan.  "The long term forecast for rain in the upcoming summer is uncertain.  Therefore, we will monitor lake levels closely and determine if we are able to remain at the Step One restrictions moving into the warmer months."

Lake Tyler is currently 2.5 feet below spillway levels and Lake Palestine is full.

Voluntary Step One modified drought measures call for residents to voluntarily conserve water and limit irrigation of landscaped areas to Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for customers with a street address ending in an even number (0,2,4,6,8) or Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9).  Additionally, irrigation should be done between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The City originally implemented Stage One drought measures in early October.  Then on Dec. 13, Stage Two drought measures were implemented.

"Although the restrictions are not mandatory at this time, we encourage our residents to be prudent in their use of this valuable natural resource," added Morgan.  "Residents are urged to check for leaking faucets and toilets, ensure sprinkler systems are adjusted to NOT be watering pavement, and to irrigate only when necessary."