This browser does not support the Video element.
Leander water restrictions
The City of Leander says its primary source of potable water will be shut down while a pipeline is being replaced. This shut down will significantly reduce the city's overall water capacity.
LEANDER, Texas - The City of Leander is moving from Phase 2 (once-a-week watering) to Phase 4 (no outside watering) water conservation on February 12.
The move comes as the city prepares to replace the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) pipeline, which will significantly reduce the city’s water treatment capacity. It is the primary source for treated drinking water.
"If it is going to address that issue fine, if not, we need to think of some other way for Leander to get water instead of depending upon the Brushy Creek," says Jane Thompson, who lives in Leander.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Leander to move to Phase 4 water restrictions
The City of Leander is moving from Phase 2 (once-a-week watering) to Phase 4 (no outside watering) water conservation on February 12.
"The pipeline that was put in was meant to be temporary, and it was defective, and it wasn't installed correctly in our opinion and so it has needed repairs over time," says Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle.
Leander water customers are being asked to turn off irrigation systems and limit all nonessential water uses from February 12 until the pipeline is replaced, which is expected to be completed by the first week of April.
On Feb. 28, BCRUA contractors will begin replacing about 1,400 feet of 36-inch underwater pipeline used to transport raw water from Lake Travis to the BCRUA water treatment plant, Leander's primary water source.
"This is a permanent fix. This is something we are not anticipating doing again. This isn't an emergency where it needs to be done. This is a part of the upgrades that we have promised our residents," says Mayor Christine DeLisle.
MORE LEANDER NEWS
- Hawk stuck in bush rescued by officer in Leander
- Suspects steal carts of tools from store in Leander
- Fentanyl crisis: Parents of Leander ISD teen who died from suspected poisoning warn others about drug
This planned construction will require shutting down the BCRUA water treatment plant, reducing Leander's overall capacity of potable water from roughly 24 million gallons per day (MGD) to 9 MGD. Higher than 9 MGD water use could result in low water pressures and boil water notices, says the city.
While the plant is closed, Leander will rely solely on its Sandy Creek water treatment plant.
Residential and commercial penalties for violating Phase 4 include:
- First offense – Courtesy warning
- Second and subsequent offense – $1,000 fine and potential disconnection of water
The city has been notifying residents of the upcoming Phase 4 water conservation measures, including mailing the Phase 4 guide to all Leander water customers last week.
"It is upsetting that we can’t do anything to make our yard, make our property look pretty and my husband has always worked hard trying to make our yard pristine. Now what do we have a bunch of dirt," says Sandra Debner, who lives in Leander.
On Feb. 1, Leander City Council approved a resolution supporting temporary emergency water conservation actions. The city will implement items listed in the resolution as part of the Phase 4 transition, including a temporary halt to issuing new bulk meters, irrigation permits, and pool permits.
"Stage four really just means don't go crazy with water, turn off your irrigation system. That is the biggest thing that we need. We know that when the irrigation systems are off, we are well within those 9 million gallons a day," says Mayor Christine DeLisle.