Water use restrictions lifted at noon Feb. 23

Restrictions on nonessential use of water were lifted at noon Feb. 23 for all City of Georgetown water customers. The City’s water has recovered storage capacity and returned to normal operations following the winter storm, allowing the City to lift the restrictions early.

The restrictions lift at noon to gavecommercial businesses affected by the restrictions, like carwashes, time to staff for the day and ensure they open at the same time, so as not to give businesses an unfair advantage.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work limiting water use the past few days. Our water system recovered much quicker than anticipated, and we have returned to normal operations,” City Manager David Morgan said. “The water and power outages many of our customers experienced during and after the winter storm last week were extremely challenging on all of us. The strength and goodwill you showed your neighbors and our crews working around the clock truly helped us all get through this.”

Water uses such as irrigation, washing vehicles, adding water to a pool, and industrial uses are permitted once the restrictions lift. However, leaving irrigation systems off and limiting other outdoor uses are still encouraged.

Restrictions on outdoor water use started at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and initially were scheduled to lift at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 24. The restrictions were put in place to allow the City’s water system time to recover from the effects of the subfreezing temperatures and power outages last week.

All boil water notices have been lifted for Georgetown water customers. The last boil water notice was lifted Monday after samples indicated that state drinking water standards were met.

The City of Georgetown enacted Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 for all its customers, because the recent ice storm created a demand for water that exceeded the supply, and severe conservation measures are required to maintain the ability to provide the proper level of service.