Customers are asked to limit water use to indoor only until further notice.

AUSTIN, Texas — People who get their water from the city of Pflugerville are under new Stage 3 emergency water restrictions, in part because of a break in the pipeline that fills the lake.  

City officials said a water line broke near Lake Pflugerville, which has caused water levels in the lake to drop to historic lows. Now, the city of Pflugerville is working with the city of Austin to reroute the water line while repairs are made. The city is also activating other wells and collaborating with Manville Water Supply Company to help boost the water supply from Lake Pflugerville.

Pflugerville Mayor Doug Weiss has signed an emergency disaster declaration to enable the city council to seek state aid and take actions to address the water shortage. The city will remain in Stage 3 restrictions from 5 p.m. on March 4 until further notice.

In the meantime, customers are asked to limit water use to indoor only.

Pflugerville water customers are not allowed to irrigate lawns (including with automatic or manual sprinkler systems), fill swimming pools, wash cars at residences, run ornamental fountains, add landscaping that requires irrigation during installation or wash sidewalks and driveways. Watering foundations are allowed as an exception. Commercial businesses are prohibited from using patio misters.

Lake Pflugerville and fishing piers are closed to recreational usage including boating, swimming and fishing. The trail and playground remain open.

“This declaration gives us the tools and resources we need to respond quickly and protect our community’s water supply,” said Weiss. “Lake levels are at a critical point, and we must act now to ensure we can continue providing essential services.”

Customers who do not follow water restrictions may receive formal warnings or fines that could range from $1,500 to $2,000 per occurrence.

“We need everyone’s help right now to bring our water supply back to a sustainable level by being conscious and conservative water users,” the city said. “Together, we can protect this vital and shared resource by using our water supply wisely.”