AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin and Travis County officials have issued emergency water restrictions as the city continues to work to restore water service across Austin Water's service area.
Austin Water officials say they've learned of "unneighborly" water use in the community during this emergency event. According to the utility, conservation and limiting water usage to essential needs only is necessary to fully restore the system.
Under the restrictions, until further notice, all outdoor water use is prohibited. Customers may not:
*Use water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment
*Wash vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities
*Wash pavement or other surfaces
*Add water to a pool or spa
*Conduct foundation watering, or
*Operate an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life
Austin Water officials say any violations of these restrictions should be reported to 311. A first-time violation could be subject to a $250 fine.
Separately, Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued an emergency order Sunday prohibiting commercial car wash services from operating in the county through Feb. 25. Violations of that order carry a potential $1,000 fine.