Over 64,000 residents of Pflugerville, just north of Austin, are facing a potential water crisis after a pipeline feeding Lake Pflugerville failed, sending the city’s primary water source to historic lows.
Officials declared a water emergency on Wednesday, warning that the decline presents an “imminent public water supply failure” and immediately activated Stage 3 emergency restrictions, limiting all water use to indoor purposes only.
“This declaration gives us the tools and resources we need to respond quickly and protect our community’s water supply.
“Lake levels are at a critical point, and we must act now to ensure we can continue providing essential services. City staff is working around the clock to stabilise the situation, but conservation by our community is critical. Every drop counts,” said Mayor Doug Weiss.
Lake Pflugerville, the city’s primary raw water source, draws from the Lower Colorado River and provides water to more than 64,000 customers.
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The pipeline failure has sharply reduced inflows, with engineers projecting that lake levels could fall below the city’s intake structure by 18 April if usage is not reduced.
Residents are now banned from irrigating lawns, filling pools, washing cars, installing new landscaping requiring irrigation, cleaning sidewalks or driveways, and operating ornamental fountains unless recirculating water or housing fish.
Residential patio misters remain allowed, but commercial misters are prohibited, with recreational access to Lake Pflugerville closed, while trails and playgrounds remain open.
City officials said temporary repairs are expected to be completed within two weeks, but stressed that community-wide water conservation is essential to prevent severe shortages.
“The more we can conserve now, the faster we can recover and lift restrictions,” the city website advised.
Without immediate action, Pflugerville could lose the ability to withdraw sufficient water for drinking, sanitation, and firefighting needs by mid-April.