The City of Amarillo is taking additional steps to cut nonessential outdoor water use after officials said current conservation efforts have not reduced demand enough to help the city's water reservoir recover.
Effective immediately, the City is temporarily suspending irrigation at city parks and facilities and closing park splash pads.
The measures come as Amarillo remains under Stage 1 water conservation. While residents have been encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor watering, city officials said water usage has not declined enough to provide the needed relief to the reservoir.
“Reducing water used for irrigation and recreation helps preserve our stored water for the essential water needs of our community,” city officials said. “We know these actions will have visible impacts on residents that enjoy public facilities, but the community needs to conserve water, and the City has a responsibility to reduce its own water use as well.”
Residents are being asked to continue following the Stage 1 voluntary watering schedule and limit outdoor watering to no more than three times per week.
City officials said greater participation in the voluntary watering schedule could help the reservoir recover while reducing the likelihood that more restrictive water conservation measures will be needed.
