The City of Canton joined the growing list of Van Zandt County entities to call for water conservation efforts to intensify, following similar announcements issued by the cities of Wills Point, Van and Edgewood in recent weeks.

In a release issued July 25, city officials stated, “The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality expects drought conditions to worsen. Based on TCEQ’s recommendation, the City of Canton is implementing Stage I of its Drought Contingency Plan.

“Stage I indicates mild water shortage conditions, and water customers are asked to voluntarily conserve water. Voluntary conservation measures include limiting outdoor watering to 8 p.m. – 10 a.m. on even days if your address ends in an even number and on odd days if your address ends in an odd number. Also, limiting car washing and other non-essential water uses.”

City staffers will also adapt water-saving measures, including water less in parks, responding quickly to water line breaks, decreasing hydrant flush times and otherwise being “water wise.”

Wills Point had been the first domino to fall locally, issuing a notice to residents June 23 that Stage 1 mandatory drought restrictions had been implemented due to ongoing and worsening drought conditions.

Two weeks later, the City of Van announced similar measures and entered into their Stage 3 Plan due to both the unexpected loss of a water well source and continuing drought conditions.

Edgewood followed suit shortly thereafter, announcing that water use restrictions for city customers would take effect July 11.

The plans issued by Wills Point, Van and Edgewood offer similar guidance than the plan issued by the City of Van, limiting when customers can water their lawns or use their irrigation systems while also requesting that washing of any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle be limited to designated water-use days.

Edgewood’s announced plan also includes the following limits:

-Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a re-circulation system.

-All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to its patrons except when requested.

-The following uses of water are defined as non-essential and are prohibited: the washing down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas; The use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection; The use of water for dust control; Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street; Failing to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s).

Should drought-like conditions persist, other Van Zandt County cities will likely implement their own water conservation plans in the coming weeks.