East Texas

WHITEHOUSE — The City of Whitehouse today issued mandatory watering restrictions.

Beginning immediately, residents with an even-numbered address can use outdoor water only on even-numbered days, and those with an odd address can water on odd days, said the order.

The city is being hit with high demand caused by lack of rain and the desire of residents to water browning lawns, City Manager Ronny Fite said.

Whitehouse is building a 500,000-gallon storage tank and pumper station to help meet water needs. Until the Southside Water Treatment Plant comes on line in late September or October, residents will have to cut back outdoor watering.

“We will be in good shape when the (storage tank) project is completed,” Fite said.

Residents were asked to voluntarily curtail watering in a notice sent out about a month ago, he said. Now the restriction is mandatory.

“Since we have not seen any recent rainfall, the demand on the water system has increased substantially,” the water restriction statement issued Monday said.

“Compliance with this order will assure our customers that they will have an ample water supply for the remainder of summer,” Fite said. “A little rain would help our situation a lot.”

Failure to comply with the order could result in suspension of water service, the order said.