Austin Drought: Water Use Down 21% in a Week

Full Story Austin Statesman

Water use drops in first week of lawn-watering restrictions
City officials say rain is probably partly responsible for the 21 percent dip in use.
By Marty Toohey
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Austin's water use dropped about 21 percent in the week since the city told residents they could only use sprinklers once a week and threatened stiff fines.

"It's too early to tell for sure, but people seem to have responded," said Daryl Slusher, assistant director for environmental affairs and conservation at the Austin Water Utility.

Scattered rains last week probably contributed to the decrease as well, he said.

The new rules took effect Aug. 24. Slusher said the city has since issued 21 citations, each costing a violator $475: $412 for the fine and $63 for court fees. The city issued nine warnings over the weekend, Slusher said.