Residents Could Be Charged For Using Too Much Water
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: May 23, 2012
Daniel Graham takes care of the Brownwood Area Community Garden and has taken every precaution to make sure they don't' use more water than the city permits.
"We don't have a garden hose," said Graham.
Graham has made sure to find other means of getting water.
"We included in the garden a rain water collection system so whenever it does rain, we collect that rain water," he said.
Brownwood residents have been under strict water restrictions for some time now- but now they could be fined for going over their two day limit, something that's become more common.
"It's just becoming a real problem and I do see people watering out of time," said resident Shannon McShan.
City officials are looking to begin fining residents up to $2,000 for violating the watering rules.
They say it's a final measure to ensure they have enough water to last through the upcoming summer months.
"We have our stage three contingency plan in place much earlier this year than we did last year," said Brownwood mayor Stephen Haynes, "so were hoping that with the implementation of the ordinance that the stage three will be much more effective and well be able to prevent the lake from dropping lower than it already is."
Many residents are taking extra measures like planting less to ensure they don't have to pay.
"We we actually have only watered once this year," said McShan.
Others like Graham are learning to adapt- using techniques so their gardens can flourish without the need for the drip drip drip.
"We really feel we are demonstrating the best practices in water conservation," he said.
If approved, the citations would begin after June 12. City officials say this would be a last measure resort, they would warn residents beforehand.
If cited, residents would pay an initial fine of $246- a fine that would increment depending on the number of violations.


