Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones of the city. When the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25 percent capacity, this triggers Stage 2.

“McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the current drought that we find ourselves in, it is important that as residents of the community, we follow the mandatory water restrictions out of necessity to ensure a continued adequate water supply and pressure for the coming months,” said Mark Vega, general manager for McAllen Public Utility.

Depending on the zone residents live or businesses reside in, they can only irrigate using a sprinkler system on designated days, between the hours of midnight to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and midnight. A water sprinkler system is anything that sprays water into the air with the purpose of covering a lawn, hedge or plant bedding. Businesses and residents who violate the ordinance and use a sprinkler system outside of their  hours and/or days may face fine assessments.

Residents may use a hand-held hose or watering any time of any day with no restrictions; however, the hose or can must be in the residents’ hands and not unattended. Residents may also use drip irrigation without restrictions. Drip irrigation includes commercial systems, a home-made system or a drip irrigation hose.

Other restricted uses include:

• Water from irrigation system running into gutter, ditch or drain.
• No washing of paved areas, including sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and tennis courts, except to prevent fire hazards.
• Ornamental fountains without a recycling system are not allowed.
• No car wash fundraisers.

Commercial car washes with recycling systems are exempt. Residents and businesses should fix all water leaks. Vehicles may be washed only on irrigation days and times with a soap bucket and water cut-off hose. Swimming pools may be refilled on designated zone irrigation days from midnight to 10 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The six zones the city and their irrigation days are:

• Zone 1:  Sunday and Wednesday, Northern city limits on the north, 10th Street on the east, Nolana Avenue on the south and western city limits on the west.
• Zone 2: Monday and Thursday, north city limits on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Nolana Avenue on the south, and 10th Street on the west.
• Zone 3: Tuesday and Friday, Nolana Avenue on the north, 10th Street on the east, Business 83 on the south and western city limits on the west.
• Zone 4: Wednesday and Saturday, Nolana Avenue on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Business 83 on the south, 10th Street on the west.
• Zone 5: Monday and Thursday, Business 83 on the north, 10th Street on the east, southern city limits on the south and western city limits on the west.
• Zone 6: Tuesday and Friday, Business 83 on the north, eastern city limits on the east, southern city limits on the south and 10th Street on the west.

The City of McAllen Water Conservation Plan has five stages.  Stage 1 is completely voluntary, and Stage 5 is the most restrictive.

For more information on the plan, other ways to conserve water and other water information, visit mcallenpublicutility.com.