As summer draws near, Pflugerville City Council convened to address the ongoing water restrictions affecting the community, despite Lake Pflugerville returning to normal levels following recent rainfall.
City officials confirmed that the lake’s elevation stood at 635.52 feet as of May 10, attributing the improvement to rainfall that occurred on Sunday. However, officials cautioned that the situation remains delicate.
“The recent rain has helped us maintain the lake’s fullness,” a city representative stated. “Yet, we must still encourage residents to conserve water due to the limitations of our treatment plant capacity.”
The primary concern does not stem from the lake’s water supply but rather from the aging filtration system, which has a maximum processing capacity of 8 million gallons per day. An increase in water demand could potentially overwhelm the system’s filters, necessitating expensive repairs and possibly reinstating stage three restrictions. Currently, a temporary 24-inch bypass pipe is in use, though recent rains have compromised its stability.
“We face several challenges ahead. The materials needed for the 30-inch repair have yet to arrive, with delivery expected by May 20,” the official added.
Efforts are underway to prolong the lifespan of the existing filters until a new treatment facility is set to open in the fall. During a recent work session, the council approved an $80,000 bond for upgrades and the design phase of Lake Pflugerville Phase Two. Additionally, the city plans to shut down the raw water line for critical repairs for two weeks following Memorial Day.
While the city has made progress in alleviating stage three restrictions, officials remain cautious. “I’m concerned that lifting the modifications too soon could lead to a drawdown requiring us to reinstate restrictions,” one official noted. “It’s prudent to maintain the current measures until we complete the shutdown and can reassess the situation.”
Consequently, modified stage one water restrictions will remain in place. City leaders emphasize that these measures are essential to ensure adequate water supply during the upcoming post-holiday period. Although most recreational activities at Lake Pflugerville are permitted, the city manager retains the authority to close the lake in emergencies. Violators of the stage one restrictions risk fines of up to $1,000.
