DeSoto Residents asked to Conserve Water

In response to escalating drought conditions, the City of DeSoto has issued a call to action, urging residents to adopt water conservation measures to alleviate strain on the municipal water supply.

The move comes as part of the city’s proactive Drought Contingency Plan, which is activated when water consumption surpasses 80% of capacity over a sustained period.

Currently, in Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions, DeSoto’s residents are being encouraged to curtail outdoor water usage to mitigate the impact of the ongoing drought.

While voluntary restrictions are in place, officials emphasize the potential for an escalation to mandatory measures should conditions worsen.

Residents are encouraged to take impactful and immediate steps to reduce and conserve water consumption.

These steps include:

Limiting the irrigation of landscaped areas to no more than once every five (5) days. During increased restrictions, allowed watering days will be indicated.
To avoid evaporation, limit watering when it is allowed to overnight hours between 9 pm and 5 am.
Use your in-ground sprinkler system in the manual mode so that you can control and limit your use of water when watering is permitted.
Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees and shrubs, or use soaker hoses or sprinkler hoses turned upside-down.
Watering restrictions rarely apply to watering with a hand-held hose provided that the nozzle used shuts off the flow of water when your grip is released.
Water slowly for better absorption and never water on windy days.
Do not cut lawns too closely during hot weather. Taller grass holds moisture better. A healthier lawn will result if grass is mowed so that only ½ or ¾ inch is cut off.
Use a watering can or hand-water with the hose in small areas of the lawn that need more frequent watering, (near walks or driveways or in especially hot, sunny spots).
Do not hose down walks and driveways. Use a broom or blower instead.
When washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water and turn the hose on only for rinsing.

If drought conditions persist, the city will institute mandatory water restrictions.

For more information about the city of DeSoto’s Drought Contingency Plan, click here.