NOTICE:
Effective August 1, 2022, The City of Keene will be entering into Stage 1 of our Drought Contingency Plan. This implementation was instituted on July 28, 2022, during the City Council meeting and will remain in effect until otherwise stated.
The following restrictions are mandatory and shall be followed by all persons:
Irrigation using sprinklers or sprinkler systems by all commercial and residential customers for lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and other plants are prohibited except on a designated day and time.
- Addresses ending in even numbers will be permitted to water on Tuesdays during the hours of Midnight to 10:00 AM, and from 9:00 PM until Midnight. (Ex. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue)
2. Addresses ending in odd numbers will be permitted to water on Thursdays during the hours of Midnight to 10:00 AM, and from 9:00 PM until Midnight. (Ex. 221 Baker Street)
A. Irrigation of lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs is permitted during any time of day if:
- A hand-held hose is used
- A faucet-filled container of 5 gallons or less is used
- A drip irrigation system such as a soaker hose, deep root water system, or bubbler is used
B. It is permissible to wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, and other types of mobile equipment if:
- It is on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station
- By using a five-gallon container and a hand-held hose equipped with a quick shut-off nozzle for quick rinses
- NO CHARITY CARWASHES
C. Water may be added to swimming pools to sustain appropriate maintenance levels only on non-designated irrigation days.
D. The operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar use of water is prohibited
E. Use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to firefighting activities or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare
- By written approval from the City Administrator or Public Works Director, businesses may purchase and draw water from fire hydrants for land development and building construction processes
F. The following uses of water are defined as "waste of water" and are absolutely prohibited:
- Allowing water to run off through the gutter, ditch, alley, street or drain for more than 75 feet from the downgrade of the property line
- Failure to repair a controllable leak
- Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate fire, health, and safety hazards, or to prepare an area for pavement repair or application
G. Commercial and industrial users of water shall, in addition to complying with other applicable sections in this division, reduce their monthly consumption of water by a minimum of 15 percent compared to use during the same month of the previous year
- Industrial users may, to justify water use, present a conservation plan for approval by the City Administrator and Public Works Director
Please see the included link for further detailed information on the Drought Contingency Plan.
https://library.municode.com/tx/keene/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITVPUWO_CH51WASY_DIV2WACOPL