Stage 3 seasonal in place until end of April for Murphy
Restrictions may be extended further depending on lake levels
The combination of declining water levels at area lakes and the persistent drought that has gripped the area for last few years has resulted in the City of Murphy extending Stage 3 seasonal until at least the end of April, says Customer Service Manager Candy McQuiston.
“Unfortunately, the recent precipitation has not been enough to raise the levels appreciably at Lavon and Chapman Lakes,” she said. “The same drought we’ve been experiencing for the last couple of years continues to have us in its grip.”
Stage 3 seasonal requires that residents limit watering with automatic sprinkler systems to twice a month, and then only when necessary. Other restrictions also apply, but the lawn watering restriction affects virtually everyone.
As of the end of February, Lake Lavon, which is one of the North Texas Municipal Water District’s principal sources, had an elevation that was down almost 11 feet and Lake Jim Chapman, another critical water source, was also down about 10 feet. The NTMWD supplies Murphy the water it distributes to homes and businesses.
“We’re asking residents to use the highest level of discretion when using water, especially when it involves irrigation,” said McQuiston. “Overwatering and allowing broken or misaligned sprinkler heads to run unchecked wastes the most water outside the home.”
Residents are encouraged to turn off the automatic controller’s timer and operate the sprinkler system manually, thereby ensuring that watering occurs only on allowed days and only when necessary.
“We need everyone’s cooperation to conserve this precious resource,” she added. “Water is a limited, non-renewable resource that we must continue to use carefully.”
Stage 3 seasonal may continue beyond April, as officials of the water supplier will be monitoring lake levels and issuing directives to their customer cities regarding the appropriate stage of conservation.