Gatesville moves into Stage 1 Drought Watch

The Brazos River Authority has directed the City of Gatesville to downgrade from a Stage 2 to a Stage 1 Drought Watch for Belton Lake.

The decision is based on soil dryness due to a recent lack of precipitation, elevated temperatures, and lake recharge, according to the city.  

The state requires the city to have a Drought Contingency Plan. Following the direction from the Brazos River Authority, the City of Gatesville has implemented Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan with a goal to achieve a 5% reduction in water use. This is a drop in percentage from Stage 2, which required a 10% reduction in water usage.

Tips to conserve water include:

• Limit watering lawns twice per week – before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Have your sprinkler system checked.
• Run dishwasher only when full.
• Wash only full loads of clothes.
• Take short showers as opposed to baths.
• Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
• Limit garbage disposal use – consider composting.