Austin moves to Stage 2 water restrictions on Tuesday. Here’s what that means

The City of Austin moves into Stage 2 water restrictions beginning on Tuesday to compensate for drought concerns.

New watering restrictions will take effect on Aug. 15, according to a press release. Lakes Travis and Buchanan are expected to drop below 900,000 acre-feet within the next few days, the press release said.

Failure to follow watering restrictions could result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

Austin’s Stage 2 Water Restrictions:

• Automatic irrigation and hose-end watering are restricted to one day per week.

• Automatic irrigation runtime is reduced by 3 hours with a cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.

• Water waste is prohibited.

• Restaurants may serve water only upon request.

• Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing must use an auto-shut-off valve or a bucket.

• Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight.

• Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated.

• New landscape-establishment irrigation is no longer exempt from the watering schedule.

When can you water your yard? Here’s a list of water restrictions in the Austin area

Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson believes there is no substitute for water.

“For many years, Austin has leaned into water conservation in normal weather as well as drought,” Roalson said. “As our current drought continues, we know that the entire Austin community will respond to the need to conserve our most precious resource.”

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin announces Stage 2 water restrictions. Here’s what that means