Just over a week after the Frisco Town Council approved an ordinance that allows the town manager to implement water restrictions, the town has decided to enter Phase 3 mandatory restrictions.
The ordinance lets the town manager implement restrictions when they determine conditions like snowpack levels or average temperatures pose a risk to the town’s ability to provide water, whereas the town previously implemented restrictions based on certain streamflow and water well storage levels. Phase 3 mandatory restrictions will start Friday, May 8.
A town news release stated the restrictions are precautionary and will be implemented because of historically low snowfall conditions this year. The North Tenmile Creek watershed provides Frisco with much of its water and has seen a 37% reduction in snow water equivalent as compared to an average of the previous five years, the release stated. It emphasized that the situation is “not an emergency.”
“Fire protection and the supply of drinking water are not currently at risk,” the release stated.
Phase 3 restrictions limit outdoor watering and irrigation to between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. two days per week, with even-number addresses watering Tuesday and Saturday and odd-numbered ones watering Sunday and Wednesday. Residents can water plats using drip irrigation, a watering can or a hose with an automatic shut-off valve at any time, though.
The restrictions also mean people can only wash structures, cars or boats with hoses that have automatic shut-off valves. Residents cannot wash paved areas, and businesses can only serve water to customers if the customer requests water.