The city council will vote today on whether to make those twice-weekly water restrictions permanent as part of a greater conservation effort. The Dallas Morning News reports that everyone seems on board with it, except for our councilmember Ann Margolin and Sandy Greyson who represents Far North Dallas.
I spoke with Greyson about water conservation in Notes from City Hall recently in our North Dallas magazine. The idea was first suggested back in February and was fairly well received by the council, she said.
However, the North Dallas Neighborhood Alliance, an HOA umbrella group that covers part of the Preston Hollow area, has outlined several concerns about permanent Stage 1 watering restrictions, including the city’s ability to successfully enforce it year-round. Questions loom about how it applies to golf courses, country clubs, churches and gated communities. Also, the Alliance says, the restriction hurts long-time residents who have invested in expansive landscaping. Read the full list of concerns here.
Mayor Mike Rawlings and those in surrounding suburbs heavily support a twice-a-week permanent watering restriction to save water and money for the region. According to the council briefing the ordinance would reduce outdoor water use by up to 16 percent, growing our water supply and preparing for future droughts.
Under the proposed ordinance, you could still water any time with a bucket, hose, hand-held sprinkler or drip irrigation.
Update: The council passed the ordinance. Only Greyson and Margolin voted against it.
