East Texas

WHITEHOUSE — Effective immediately, the city of Whitehouse declared a mandatory no outdoor watering policy until further notice.

Two days after issuing a mandatory staggered day watering program to avoid low water reserve levels, the city has decided a mandatory no outdoor watering policy is needed to curtail demand.

City Manager Ronny Fite said Tuesday that initial relief had been achieved by initiating the mandatory even-odd day watering schedule. Around noon Wednesday, the city gave notice that high afternoon demand forced more stringent water restrictions.

“We need to give the system time to recover to its normal levels,” a prepared statement from the City of Whitehouse said.

According to the release, two new wells are close to availability. However, until they are on line and reserves return to manageable levels, citizens are to refrain from any outdoor watering. One well is due to be complete by the middle of next week and the second by the end of that week. The city expects to follow with an updated release next week concerning staggered watering.

These restrictions do not include residents in the Walnut Grove WSC.

For further information, call the city of Whitehouse at 903-839-4914.