High temperatures increase water demands

The consecutive days of high temperatures and reduced precipitation are increasing water demands on Dallas’ water system. The average consumption for Dallas Water Utilities’ (DWU) customers is 380 million gallons a day (MGD). During the last week, water demands increased to over 600 MGD.

The increased water usage puts additional pressure on water pipelines and can lead to more water main breaks and leaks. This past weekend, DWU repaired 17 main breaks compared to the normal of 0 to 6 for this time of year.  DWU currently has 18 crews responding 24-hours a day to water main breaks and leaks. When a repair is underway, there may be intermittent service interruptions that will impact customers.  Customers are notified of service interruptions through individual notices left on the doors of residential and business customers (notices are not delivered after dark or before 8 a.m.).

The Twice Weekly Watering program and enforcement associated with non-compliance is currently in effect. Dallas Water Utilities is asking residents and businesses to conserve water and help reduce water demands by:

Adhering to the Twice Weekly Watering Schedule, details at https://bit.ly/3uPlGEa

Remember, don’t water your yard between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. between April 1 to October 31

Signing up for free watering advice at https://waterisawesome.com/weekly-watering-advice/

Be sure your automatic sprinkler system does not water sidewalks, driveways, or the street. Also be sure that all the sprinkler heads are in good working order and that your system has no leaks

Any water that is flowing from private or public property that is not normally viewed, should be reported to the City utilizing 311.
Report emergency water main leaks by calling 311
– Crews will be dispatched for initial assessment, and repairs if needed will be prioritized and scheduled as soon as practicable

DWU continues to work in a multi-faceted, strategic approach to protect the system through operations, conservation efforts, and our capital improvement program.  Additionally, DWU invests $150 -$170M annually to replace and rehabilitate water and wastewater mains.  These efforts have resulted in lower main breaks per 100 miles from approximately 40 in 2007 to 20 in 2021.