By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-828987.mp3
Dallas, TX – Beginning today time of day water restrictions begin for Dallas water customers living in more than 20 cities. KERA's Shelley Kofler says it's a conservation measure that appears to work.
Following the drought of 2000 Dallas adopted a time -of -day watering restriction. Now from April 1 until October 31 residents are not allowed to water lawns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Assistant Water Department Director Charlie Stringer says a violation can result in a fine of up to $2,000, but the goal is conservation.
Charlie Stringer: That's during the time when really watering outdoors is not really effective. You get a lot more evaporation during the afternoon and morning than you do at night so it's really better to water after 6pm.
Stringer says hand watering or soaker hoses are permitted at any time.
He says time of day watering has lead to a drop of more than 20-percent in per capita water use since the program was adopted in 2001.