Recent snow and rain have made a significant difference in local reservoir levels and the North Texas Municipal Water District announced in a March 26 press release that it will ease water restrictions. The board of directors voted to continue the once every two week watering schedule for April through May but lighten restrictions effective June 1. Within the next 30 days, NTMWD will make a decision regarding the allowed watering frequency beginning June 1.
The press release stressed that although the reservoir levels have increased, conservation measures continue to be necessary and customers should check with their specific city for its specific restrictions.
“The much needed rains have helped put our water supplies in the position to be able to move to a more relaxed watering schedule. Even with relaxed measures, we must continue improving the wise and efficient use of water,” said Tom Kula, executive director of NTMWD. “Water conservation is still needed and is the new norm.”
The press release said that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50 percent of the water used outdoors is wasted through inefficient watering methods and systems.
“We urge customers to have an irrigation inspection and to operate their irrigation systems in the manual operating mode and use them only when needed,” Kula said.
Levels as of March 28 compared to November, 2014 levels are below:
| Reservoir | % Full | Level |
| Lake Lavon current | 77.7 | -4.69 |
| Lake Lavon November, 2014 | 46.8 | -12.74 |
| Lake Jim Chapman current | 86.2 | -2.11 |
| Lake Jim Chapman November, 2014 | 32.9 | -12.40 |
| Lake Texoma current | 90.2 | -3.50 |
| Lake Texoma November, 2014 | 82.4 | -6.58 |
| Lake Tawakoni as of 12/14/2014 | 73.9 | -6.66 |
| Lake Tawakoni November, 2014 | 57.1 | -11.77 |