Could approaching colder weather reinstate water restrictions? Water resource commission explains

WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — As we approach chilly weather, water resource commissioners are preparing the public for possible drought restrictions .

Because lower temperatures limit water treatment, and as lake levels start to slowly drop, commissioners regrouped at their meeting on Monday, Sept. 30, after several months of lifted restrictions.

As both Lake Kickapoo and Lake Arrowhead drop .6%, Utilities Operations Manager Mark Southard is keeping a close eye on water levels.

"Although we're nearing 65%, which would be our Stage One trigger, there are a couple of positives to take out of this year's update," Southard said.

They now sit at a combined level of 67%, just 2% away from water restrictions, but according to Southard, it's not all bad.

"About 12% ahead of where we were this time last year, and Lake Kemp being near full at 98 plus percent," he explained.

But, compared to years past, commissioners said the winter lake level predictions could follow a worst-case scenario pattern as they align local water resource predictions with the Climate Prediction Center.

"They're saying above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall," Southard said. "It's possible we could follow along that line. However, currently, our trends are showing we're a little above average."

So, how can you help keep those numbers high? Well, thanks to ample practice, Southard said basic tips can do the trick.

"We always say that the public here does a great job in conserving water, and that's because of the last several droughts we've had going back into the late 90s," he explained. "Things they can do—low flow toilet, devices at homes, rain catchment systems—all those little tips together can really help conserve water."

According to Southard, conditions are monitored weekly. Once we hit that 65% trigger, which he said could be in October, they'll take it up to the city council for drought restrictions.