The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has lifted mandatory water restrictions, as heavy, consistent rainfall has returned area lakes to full capacity. And while the drought is officially over, the region's more than 1.6 million residents are still encouraged to use water wisely.

"It's hard to believe this time last year we were experiencing the worst drought in more than half a century," said NTMWD executive director Jim Parks. "That's Texas weather for you. Anyone who's lived here for more than a few days understands how unpredictable our weather can be. That's why we will always encourage people to implement simple water-saving tips to ensure our water resources last."

Since June 1, 2006, residents served by NTMWD have been required by law to observe outdoor water restrictions that affected activities ranging from watering landscapes and filling swimming pools to washing vehicles and hosing pavement.

"We faced an urgent water challenge, and North Texas responded," said Parks. "In the middle of a severe drought, our customers saved 200 million gal of water a day."

The water district is now shifting from this Stage 3 Drought Plan to its Conservation Plan, a routine, non-drought plan. The approximately sixty communities in and around the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex that NTMWD serves may begin transitioning to a conservation plan within the coming weeks. The plan, as it now exists, does not involve mandatory watering requirements, but rather recommendations for its member cities and customers.

Source: Business Wire