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1. What is happening? What are Cedar Park's restrictions?

The leak that was recently discovered in the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) underwater intake line has grown significantly and we must reduce strain on the system by reducing water usage during the repair.  Cedar Park has implemented temporary water restrictions specific to irrigation uses – as lawn irrigation is our largest source of water use. Effective Friday, September 9, only handheld hose-with-water-shutoff sprayer-watering, soaker hoses and drip irrigation are allowed.  All other forms of irrigation are prohibited: including irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers. This applies to all Cedar Park residential and commercial water customers.  No other outdoor water uses are affected at this time. 

UPDATE 9/27/22:

• Crews are continuing to work around-the-clock on the underwater repairs
• Everything’s going as-planned, with estimated completion date still on track for Oct. 4
• we thank you for continuing to not use irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers during this repair
• Reminder: handheld hose-watering with water shutoff sprayer, drip irrigation and soaker hose-watering are allowed during this repair 
• The City of Cedar Park will continue sharing updates on repair progress

2. In addition to the prohibition on outdoor irrigation / sprinkler use, are any other activities restricted at this time?

No additional activities are restricted during the repair of the BCRUA underwater intake line. Irrigation is the largest water use at this time of year and by curtailing it, the City of Cedar Park water treatment plant can meet remaining water system demand.

3. Is the change due to the drought or residential / commercial growth?

No. The reason we are prohibiting everyone from using irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers is the BCRUA water treatment plant will be taken offline for this repair. 

4. How will I know when I can resume normal water use?

The repair will require the BCRUA plant to be taken offline. Repairs are anticipated to be complete by October 4.  The City will share repair updates on the City website and social media accounts, as well as with the local news media – and the City will be certain to let everyone know when the BCRUA Plant is back online.  

Sign up for the Cedar Park Pulse e-newsletter. 

5. Have HOAs and HOA property managers been notified of these restrictions?

Yes, we have notified HOAs and HOA Property Managers of these restrictions, not only so that they are aware of the impact to residents but also to have them turn off all irrigation of HOA common areas at this time.   

6. Is the City turning off its irrigation and not using hose-end sprinklers for watering?

Yes.  The City of Cedar Park has turned off all of its outdoor irrigation systems at all City-owned parks and other City facilities, is not using hose-end sprinklers, and is closely monitoring its own water use.  The City has also halted the installation of any new sod at City parks and facilities during this time. 

7. Does The City Of Cedar Park Water Treatment Plant Have Enough Capacity To Meet Demand?

Yes.  With no use of irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers we can meet demand.

8. Why is it taking so long to repair the line?

It is a complex, large-scale, underwater repair.  It took time to assess the situation and options for the repair with the least impact on water customers.  The area where the line is leaking is deep underwater in Lake Travis.  It requires special equipment, supplies and expertise to repair the line.  This is all currently being mobilized to deploy and begin repairing the line as quickly as possible. We will keep you updated on the progress of the repair. 

9. What is Cedar Park's water source? Where does Cedar Park get its water?

Cedar Park’s sole water source is Lake Travis.  The Cedar Park Water Treatment Plant typically supplies 80% of Cedar Park’s water and the BCRUA plant typically supplies about 20% of Cedar Park’s water.  However, during the repair of the BCRUA line, we are relying solely on the Cedar Park Water Treatment Plant to supply 100% of Cedar Park’s drinking water.

10. How is this being enforced? What are the penalties?

The water restrictions are being actively enforced.  The administrative violation fee structure, per City Ordinance 18.08.013, is:

Residential Customer

• 1st Violation: Warning letter
• 2nd Violation:  $50.00 fee
• 3rd Violation:  $100.00 fee
• 4th Violation:  $200.00 fee

Commercial Customer

• 1st Violation:  Warning letter
• 2nd Violation:  $200.00 fee
• 3rd Violation:  $400.00 fee
• 4th Violation:  $1,000.00 fee

View City Ordinance 18.08.013

11. How do I report an outdoor water usage violation?

The City has a hotline you can call at 512-401-5308, or you may submit a report online using our Report It! program.

12. Why are Cedar Park's restrictions different from other cities?

The BCRUA is a partnership.  Each member city has a different response based on their water system.  The BCRUA is Cedar Park's secondary water treatment plant and typically supplies about 20% of Cedar Park’s water. 

13. I live in another member city of the BCRUA. Does this information apply to me?

This applies to Cedar Park water customers only.  The BCRUA is a partnership.  Each city has a different response based on their water system.  Please refer to other member cities for their specific information.