October 28, 2014
Murphy reverts to Stage 3 Modified for fall and winter
Twice a month back in place until March 31, 2015
MURPHY (October 28, 2014) It’s time to turn off the automatic controller for the sprinkler or irrigation system and turn it on only as necessary, says Candy McQuiston, Murphy’s Manager of Customer Service.
“The fall and winter dormant season for most grasses, plants, shrubs and ground covers is fast approaching,” she said. “And, that means that these plants do not have the same watering needs as they do during the spring and summer. So using the manual feature of the controller only when necessary makes the most sense.”
In addition to entering the dormant season, the City’s water supplier is reverting to Stage 3 Modified status, returning to the twice-per-month watering schedule. This will go into effect on Nov. 1 and will continue at least until March 31, 2015.
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) sells water to the City of Murphy, which then distributes it through the City’s system to homes and businesses. NTMWD has recently announced their intention to re-institute the Stage 3 Modified status. That status limits watering of lawns and landscaping with irrigation systems and automatic sprinklers to twice a month.
“Residents may still use soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems for foundations, trees and other landscaping as needed,” added McQuiston. “Even so, watering of grasses such as rye or other cool weather grasses is not recommended during the fall and winter. And, warm season grasses, like Bermuda and St. Augustine, always go dormant during fall and winter.”
McQuiston says residents should turn off the automatic controller of their sprinkler systems and turn it on manually only when necessary.
New schedules with allowed watering days to reflect the new restrictions are available on www.murphytx.org.