Dallas County announces water conservation plan

BY VICTOR INGE

THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The Dallas County Water & Sewer Authority has issued its conservation plan, which asks customers to “voluntarily cut back” on the amount of water used in the wake of current drought conditions.

David Hamm, water works general manager, said they have entered Phase I of their conservation plan, which calls for customers to abstain from watering and irrigating during the daylight hours.

“That’s because the sun would evaporate it anyway,” Hamm said. “Our water table looks good. We just wanted to bring awareness to our customers. It is necessary to take steps now to conserve our water supply so that we do not experience a shortage in the future.”

A heavy rain fell over north Dallas County on Friday morning, but water experts call them “mercy drops.”

“It was good to see that little rain Friday morning, but we’re going to have to get some considerable rain,” Hamm said. “If it doesn’t rain soon it could be serious.”

Dallas County residents, primarily in Selmont and the Craig Field communities, are asked to water lawns from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

“We don’t want to inconvenience anybody. We just want them to voluntarily reduce their usage,” Hamm said, suggesting a 10 percent usage reduction.

Hamm said they are asking restaurants to only serve water if the customers ask for it, and discouraged the washing of vehicles.

The Selma Water & Sewer Works has issued an advisory for residents within the city limits, asking customers to refrain from water on Sundays and Wednesdays. It limits watering to between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.