Water Usage Cutbacks Urged

EAST TEXAS — The city of Bullard is just one East Texas city that’s decided to urge its residents to cut back on their water usage. Although the request isn’t a mandatory one, City Manager Larry Morgan says the measures are working. Bullard, like many East Texas cities, is feeling the effects from the lack of rainfall and drought weather conditions. This combination is putting pressure on city officials to think of ways to conserve water. One option would be a future waterline from Lake Jacksonville or Lake Tyler. However, the city does have a back-up well on standby, and will use it first before looking at other options. Meanwhile, Morgan says he expects water bills to continue to rise as water usage in Bullard continues to grow.

Meanwhile, two rural water suppliers are asking their customers to limit outdoor water usage during this year’s drought. West Harrison Water Supply in Hallsville wants customers to spare watering during the daily peak hours of 6:00 to 8am and 5:00 until 9:00pm, along with times during high winds which dry out watering. And Cross Roads Special Utility District east of Kilgore has maintained stage I drought contingency for its customers since June 18. West Harrison General Manager Stan Jackson said conservation is completely voluntary at this time. “Next month, we’re going to look closely at our plan,” Jackson said. “We’re just cautious.”