The Hydro-Illogical Cycle Apathy DROUGHT RAIN MORE DROUGHT

The “Hydro-Illogical” Cycle Apathy DROUGHT RAIN MORE DROUGHT Panic Concern

Current Situation September 2011

Major Droughts in Texas Water Resources Institute 1822 1870 1885 -1887 1908 -1912 1917 -1920 1934 -1935 1950 -1957 **** 1965 1988 -1990 1995 -1996 2005 -2006 2011 - ? ? ? *** Texas Drought Timeline 2000 -2012

2013 Weather Outlook • No end in sight to the ongoing drought. • Temperatures trending warmer than normal beginning in May and continuing through the summer. • Near to slight below normal rainfall April through May. • Rainfall trending near normal this summer. • Outlook for autumn still uncertain.

Draft - City of Murphy – Stage 3 1. No watering after 10 am or before 6 pm, throughout the year. All other listed restrictions apply from the Water Conservation Plan, and Stages 1 & 2 of the Plan. 2. No hosing of paved areas, buildings or windows. (Pressure washing of impervious surfaces is allowed). 3. No operation of all ornamental fountains or other amenity ponds that use treated water. 4. No washing or rinsing of vehicles by hose except with a hose end cutoff nozzle. 5. No using water in such a manner as to allow runoff or other waste. 6. Limited landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems at each service address to once every seven days, if needed. Residential Street Addresses ENDING in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may water on Mondays only. (for example, 205, 323) Residential Street Addresses ENDING in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may water on Wednesdays only. (for example, 720, 578) Public Schools, All Non-Residential Businesses, City and HOA entries/medians may water on Fridays only.

Draft – Stage 3 – Exceptions to Stage 3: a) Foundations, new landscaping, new plantings (first year) of shrubs, and trees may be watered for up to 2 hours on any day by a hand-held hose, a soaker hose, or a dedicated zone using a drip irrigation system. b) Public Athletics fields used for competition may be watered twice per week. c) Locations using other sources of water supply for irrigation may irrigate without restrictions (i. e. well water). d) Registered and properly functioning ET/Smart irrigation systems and drip irrigation systems may irrigate without restrictions. e) Landscape associated with new construction that may be watered as necessary for 30 days from the date of the certificate of occupancy, temporary certificate of occupancy, or certificate of completion. (Variance Permit Required from the City). f) No hydro seeding, hydro mulching, and sprigging of any grass species. g) Existing swimming pools may not be drained and refilled (except to replace normal water loss).

City of Murphy – Stage 3 Exceptions in Murphy: 1. City of Murphy Municipal Complex and Community Center - it takes 2 days to water all zones one time. City will be watering these locations on Thursdays and Fridays, if needed. 2. Water well irrigation occurs at PISD and Central Park with no restrictions. This summer, city will water throughout day to establish the hyrdomulched turf. 3. A 30 -day variance is available for new home / commercial construction landscapes.

Green spaces have economic, environmental and human benefits. Source: Dr. Charlie Hall – Professor at Texas A&M University

Simple tips to conserve water. Lawn and garden tips: 1. Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. 2. Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks periodically. 3. Adjust your lawn mower up at least one notch. A taller lawn holds moisture better. 1. Use a layer of mulch on the surface of your planting beds to minimize evaporation. 2. Water only when plants look like they need it. Most plants die from over-watering, not under-watering. 3. Water your plants deeply, but less frequently, to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

Educational Resources & Tips: Water Efficiency Network of North Texas WENNT meeting in Murphy – June 14, 2013

Questions? ? Murphy Water Conservation Contacts City Manager’s Office / Public Information Customer Service Code Compliance Parks and Public Works