Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation will hold an open meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 7:00 P.M., at 452 Richards Drive, Buda, Hays County, Texas 78610. The meeting agenda may be viewed here
Water Conservation
News from the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District–
The District’s Water Conservation Period starts Monday, May 1st and extends through the end of September— the time when water use is at its peak.
Since January 2016, groundwater levels in the District have been above drought thresholds. Recent wet weather has helped augment water supplies, but there is still a need to conserve water resources. The last drought proved that surface water and groundwater resources are precious and limited. Water conservation through the summer months can help us delay and/or avoid another drought situation.
Starting on May 1st, Austin Water Utility restricts outdoor watering to no more than twice per week, and the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District initiates a voluntary 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its permittees. Though the approaches are different, the goal is the same—prolong water availability throughout the hottest and driest portion of the year.
John Dupnik, Aquifer District General Manager notes, “Through being mindful of smart water use during the hot summer months, a little effort by individual end-users, when multiplied across central Texas, can do a great amount of good.”
“Our groundwater users are traditionally very conscious of water use. Simple leak fixes and water conservation choices can add up to make a big difference in extending our long-term water supply,” states Robin Gary, Senior Public Information and Education Coordinator.
Water conservation strategies, rainwater harvesting information, water-wise landscaping ideas, and self irrigation audit guidance is available at www.bseacd.org/education/water-conservation/.
Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Certification Update
Approximately 30% of RRWSC service area customers have backflow prevention devices installed on their property. These devices are required to prevent contamination to our public water supply from sources on customer’s premises. The most common sources are swimming pools and irrigation systems but others are possible. When properly installed and maintained these devices prevent potentially contaminated water on customer’s premises from flowing back into our water distribution system and impacting the quality of their neighbor’s and the entire system’s water supply.
It is a state law and TCEQ regulation [TCEQ Rules 30 TAC Chapter 290.47(f)] that these devices be tested and certified annually by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester.
Since this is an annual requirement and due to logistical issues, PGMS will be putting all impacted customers on the same compliance timeline. Consequently, PGMS will be sending out letters on June 1, 2017 to our members with a backflow prevention device requesting they provide updated documentation that their backflow prevention device have been tested and certified to be in proper working order during the last year.
Please help us in this effort to protect the quality of our water.