Brownsville Enters Drought Stage 2, Water Restrictions Active

BROWNSVILLE, Texas  — The City of Brownsville remains under Stage 2 water restrictions due to dropping water reservoir levels. These restrictions are crucial for managing water resources effectively and ensuring that there is enough water available for essential needs, especially during periods of drought.

The trigger for implementing Stage 2 water restrictions is when water levels at the Amistad and Falcon International Reservoirs drop to 25 percent capacity or 834,600 acre-feet. This indicates a serious depletion of water reserves, prompting the need for conservation efforts from residents and businesses alike.

As of February 17, 2024, the combined reservoir levels were at 22.1%, the International Boundary and Water Commission reports.

According to the February-April Outlook from the National Weather Service in Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley, sufficient inflows from Mexican reservoirs serving the Lower Rio Grande watershed remain unlikely, and the combined share of water in Amistad and Falcon are now likely to continue at or below Stage2 triggers at 25% or less.

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board initiated its Stage 2 Drought Contingency Plan in September of 2023 which remains in effect. These restrictions are as follows:

• Vehicle washing is allowed two days a week from midnight to 10 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight, based on the last digit of the service address.

• Non-essential watering is prohibited, such as washing buildings, using water for dust control, or allowing water to runoff into streets.

• Lawn watering by a sprinkler system is restricted to two days a week based on the last digit of the service area and from midnight to 7 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight, based on the last digit of the service address.

• Variances must be acquired from the BPUB office to water new landscapes outside the landscape irrigation schedule for four weeks since the date of planting.

Last Digit of Service Address and Watering Days

0 or 1 – Monday, Saturday

2 or 3 – Tuesday, Saturday

4 or 5  -Wednesday, Saturday

6 or 7 – Thursday, Sunday

8 or 9  -Friday, Sunday

Under Stage 2 water restrictions, it’s essential for residents to be mindful of their water usage and to adopt conservation measures whenever possible. This can include actions such as reducing outdoor watering, fixing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances, and being mindful of overall water consumption.