The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a burn ban for all of Williamson County for up to 30 days starting March 19, 2013. A person violates this order if he burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer.

Due to the continued Exceptional Drought Conditions, the Sonterra MUD board has voted to implement Stage 2 drought restrictions and the District Manager has put this plan into use. The goal of this plan is to reduce water usage by 10%. The District Manager will rescind Stage 2 when conditions change to make them no longer necessary.

The complete Drought Contingency Plan is available online, or a copy can be obtained from the District Manager's office at 113 Limestone Terrace.

Violation of the plan is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.00 for each day that the violation continues. The following items are a few of the requirements, and are not meant to represent the complete plan.

1. Outdoor irrigation is permitted anytime by means of a hand held hose, faucet filled bucket or watering cans of 5 gallons or less.

2. A hose end sprinkler, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed from 7:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, or from midnight to 10:00 AM only on your designated day:

A. Addresses ending in 1 or 2 (ex. 251 or 252) may water outdoors under the above limits on Sunday (day 1);

B. Addresses ending in 3 or 4 (ex. 303 or 304) may water outdoors under the above limits on Monday (day 2);

C. Addresses ending in 5 or 6 (ex. 115 or 116) may water outdoors under the above limits on Tuesday (day 3);

D. Addresses ending in 7 or 8 (ex. 407 or 408) may water outdoors under the above limits on Wednesday (day 4);

E. Addresses ending in 9 or 0 (ex. 509 or 500) may water outdoors under the above limits on Thursday (day 5).

3. Irrigation systems that are permanently installed may be used from 12:00 midnight until 10:00 AM only on your designated day. The system should be in good working order and not misting streets or driveways.

4. Washing any motor vehicle (car, motorbike, boat, trailer or other vehicle) is allowed from 12:00 midnight to 10:00 AM, or from 7:00 PM to midnight. Washing should be done with a hand-held bucket, or hand-held hose with a positive shutoff nozzle.

5. Foundation watering to prevent cracking is prohibited except on your designated outdoor watering day from 12:00 midnight to 10:00 AM, or from 7:00 PM to midnight.

6. Adding water to any private pool, wading pool, or Jacuzzi type pools is prohibited. Water may be added to the public pool.

7. Operation of a fountain or pond is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life.

8. Fire hydrant use is for fire fighting only, or as necessary to maintain public health, safety or welfare. Designated fire hydrants may be used for construction under special permit from the District.

9. Restaurants should serve water only when requested by customer.

10. Non-essential use is prohibited, including, but not limited to, washing sidewalks, walkways, parking areas, patios or other hard surfaced areas, except to alleviate an immediate health or safety hazard.

11. Leaks must be repaired within a reasonable period after having been given notice of the leak.